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
Jerusalemites forced to destroy own homes Some hapless Palestinian builders in Jerusalem are demolishing their own unpermitted homes to avoid paying the enormous demolition costs charged by the Israeli authorities. Palestine
Turkey’s girls, women struggle with body image A Turkish woman who died following gastric sleeve surgery has revived the debate about women’s body image in Turkey. Turkey
Feijoa fruit makes its debut in Gaza A determined farmer who worked for nearly a decade to grow a fruit new to the Gaza Strip has succeeded. Palestine
After decades of suppression, Baha'is celebrate publicly in Baghdad Baha'is are celebrating a religious event publicly in Baghdad for the first time in their history in Iraq, as they gathered to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of Baha’i faith founder Baha'u'llah. Iraq
Women carve niche in Gaza's small theater world Three determined Gazan women have established their own all-female theater production company. Palestine
Independent Egyptian film reaps awards but not box office profits The box office failure of "Withered Green," one of the most-decorated Egyptian films internationally, came as no surprise to some critics. Egypt
Gulenists speak out at last A group of young academics who have been in or close to the Gulen community are speaking out publicly, daring to question others' blind allegiance to their imam. Turkey
Soccer success offers Tunisians respite from country’s problems Soccer fans in Tunisia have been reveling in their national team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup after missing two consecutive tournaments. North Africa
#MeToo movement is stillborn in Turkey The #MeToo movement has focused on violence in Turkey with significant support, but the attackers are neither named nor punished, and sexual misconduct is still a taboo subject, so its victims often suffer alone in shame. Turkey
Lebanon’s tech-savvy youths poised for bright future Initiatives in Lebanon assist youths in exploring technology and science, which could give them a boost in the job market in the future. Lebanon
The stench of garbage crisis returns to Lebanon In a recent report, Human Rights Watch warns of the dire consequences of decades of open-air trash burning. Lebanon
Could settlers stay in a future Palestinian state? The violence by settlers against Palestinian farmers indicates why settlers cannot stay and live inside a future Palestinian state. Palestine
