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
Israeli Bedouin policewoman blazing trail, making enemies An Israeli Bedouin woman who joined the Israel Police to serve her community has become the target of Arabs who consider her a traitor. Israel
US Jews losing faith in Israel Many American Jews feel that the Netanyahu government favors Orthodox Jews over those belonging to progressive Judaism streams and, as a result, are questioning their ties to Israel. Israel
'Rape of Proserpina' stirs hornet’s nest in Egypt The image of an Italian baroque statue posted to social media has rekindled the debate in Egypt on whether Islam allows naked figures. Egypt
Saudi reforms put spotlight on Iran's women's movement Absent political will to engage in genuine reform, Iranian women face a long road ahead in achieving their rights. Saudi Arabia
Women’s battle with Egypt’s State Council continues The State Council refused to look into an appeal to appoint women as judges, despite constitutional texts stressing the equality between men and women in assuming public posts. Egypt
Fashion legacy of Israeli icon on display in new exhibit Israelis are remembering celebrated screen legend Ronit Elkabetz through an exhibit of her distinctive and daring couture. Israel
Turkey’s Alevis on edge after homes vandalized More than a dozen Alevi homes were recently marked with red paint, setting off alarm bells for Turkey's largest minority group, which has a long memory of sectarian violence. Turkey
Soccer politics reaches fever pitch in Iran Despite promises to promote the privatization of soccer, Iranian authorities retain a firm grip over the sport in the country. Iran
Why so many Turks took Black Friday as insult to Islam It may have looked silly when thousands of Turks took to Twitter to condemn Black Friday sales, but their frenzy tells an ominous story. Turkey
Christian school in Basra welcomes Muslim students For the first time since the 1970s, an interfaith Christian school is set to open in the conservative Iraqi city of Basra. Iraq
Cairo women ride in peace with first female bus driver New driver Umm Abdalla's all-female passengers can breathe easy as she navigates her full-size bus through Giza traffic. Egypt
Earthquake response shows Iranians' nationalism — and mistrust of authorities While ordinary Iranians’ response to the deadly Nov. 12 earthquake has been a show of national solidarity, it also displayed mistrust in authorities. Iran
