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
Theater on wheels to reach Palestinian children in isolated areas The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation launches a mobile theater to reach children who have never seen a show before. Palestine
A perilous journey home for Raqqa residents In the former self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic State, two months after the end of the battle, Raqqa residents are already attempting to rebuild their war-battered city — a colossal challenge that has also proven to be lethal. Syria
Syria’s internally displaced in dire need of aid Amid the lack of basic services in the camps for displaced people in Aleppo’s northern countryside, officials are calling on local and humanitarian organizations to step up and provide aid. Syria
Turkey’s top religious body okays divorce via text message Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs has issued several controversial opinions, most recently one stating that men may divorce their wives via a telephone call, fax, text message or email. Turkey
Gaza fashion house combines tradition, style A female-run fashion house in Gaza boasts two boutiques that sell its original designs melding traditional Palestinian aesthetics with modern tastes. Palestine
Turkish feminist artist takes on Mount Qaf An exhibition in Istanbul by the Turkish artist CANAN defies gender stereotypes and sexual taboos, marrying the personal with the political. Turkey
Gaza's cancer patients face nightmarish struggle to reach treatment In 2017, at least 20 patients in the Gaza Strip have died after not being allowed to access medical treatment in Israel and the West Bank. Palestine
Jordan’s refugees struggle through winter of discontent The UNHCR in Jordan tries to raise funds for refugees before the harsh winter through a handicrafts bazaar. Jordan
No peace meetings on Israeli education minister's watch Minister of Education Naftali Bennett is working not only to promote his ideological and political worldview in the school system, but also to block students from interacting with human rights and peace organizations that advocate values challenging his own. Palestine
The genesis of a new Iranian nationalism The wave of nationalist sentiment in Iran is far from merely a reaction to outside threats such as the Islamic State and the Trump administration’s rhetoric. Iran
Israelis not ready to topple Netanyahu over corruption Corruption and scandal may not be enough for voters to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office. Israel
Israeli defense minister's comments highlight 'plague of racism' Growing displays of xenophobia, incitement against minorities and legislation curtailing the freedom of human rights groups reflect the spread of racism within Israeli society. Palestine
