Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Gaza playground teaches visitors to repurpose household goods The new Hakoura Park in the Gaza Strip shows locals that recycling both benefits the environment and enriches the community with uses such as the children's playground. Palestine
In rural Egypt, women seek fertility help from the dead Desperate women in Upper Egypt turn to ancient superstitions to boost their fertility with practices that can be both grisly and dangerous. Egypt
New generation of Arabic-singing Israelis move charts A new generation of Israeli singers, many of whose families are from countries in the Arab world, choose to sing in Arabic in order to trace their roots. Israel
Egypt’s parliament in bid to ban atheism As Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hopes to appease the ultraconservative Salafists who helped get him elected, blasphemy convictions have intensified under his presidency. Egypt
Was 2017 really the 'year of Egyptian women'? Despite the issuance of several laws related to improving the status of women in Egypt, there is still a long way to go. Egypt
Egypt's new health insurance law to give Sisi pre-election boost Egypt's parliament passed a comprehensive health insurance law in early December, but many doubt it will lead to better health services. Egypt
New treatment plant to help Gaza's wastewater crisis Lengthy power cuts in the Gaza Strip have prevented water treatment plants from keeping up with the area's increasing volume of wastewater, but a new agreement with Israel holds promise as a solution. Palestine
House parties the New Year's vogue in Turkey Facing increasing public scrutiny about celebrating New Year’s Eve, a lot of Turks find comfort in professionally organized house parties catering to all budgets and tastes. Turkey
Aspiring Coptic soccer players finally make it to playing field In Egypt, where Copts who apply for soccer clubs get the standard reply “We’ll call you,” Je Suis Academy offers them a chance to train and overcome prejudices. Egypt
Istanbul wary as New Year's approaches Some Turks have complained about the ramped up security around New Year's Eve, but the authorities have every reason to go into prevention overdrive after last year's nightclub massacre. Turkey
Graphic novel brings human side of Yemen to life Despite the ravaging war, real life in Yemen remains mysterious to outsiders, and two Italian authors are sharing their take with "The Yemeni Bride." Yemen
Can Baghdad contain diseases in areas liberated from IS? In the absence of supervised and well-coordinated health care, areas liberated from the Islamic State suffer from the spread of diseases. Iraq
