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
Recycled fashion hits catwalk in Ramallah Five Palestinian designers are nearing the end of a creative project in which they designed and created outfits out of recycled materials from the community. Palestine
Syrian war refugees find solace in song in Cairo Some Syrians in Egypt have formed bands to make a living and remember their homeland through music. Egypt
In game of Israeli-Palestinian politics, athletes lose big Israeli and Arab politicians have long turned sports competitions into political battlegrounds, at the expense of the athletes. Palestine
Jordan photo exhibition displays hope for victims of war, violence A recent photo exhibition showed victims of war and violence during their treatment at the Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital in Amman and post-reconstructive surgery. Iraq
Egypt’s Copts decry recent spate of church closings Egypt's Coptic Christians say they are under attack by both extremists and the Egyptian government. Egypt
Iranian authorities scramble to deal with quake aftermath Al-Monitor travels to the towns of western Iran, where a 7.3 magnitude earthquake has left at least 452 dead and many more homeless. Iran
Syrian folk dancers stomp their way into Egyptian society Syrian refugees who formed a dabke troupe four years ago are increasingly popular at Egyptian weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Egypt
Armenian ceramics artist keeps ancient craft alive in Jerusalem The ancient art of ceramics and tile making lives on in Jerusalem, where the artistic tradition has become part of the treasured local heritage. Palestine
Egypt hopes ban on street ads can give cities face-lift While the government argues that a new ban on street advertisements will beautify cities, critics fear a negative economic impact. Egypt
Turkey's homemade booze boom here to stay The Turkish government’s drive to discourage alcohol consumption through high taxes has led to Turks home brewing as an alternative. Turkey
Trash situation still stinks as Lebanon leans on 'temporary' landfills The Lebanese Cabinet has requested a study on the possibility of expanding the Costa Brava and Bourj Hammoud landfills, which were intended to be temporary but filled before their time. Lebanon
Israeli parents reject religious indoctrination at schools Some Israeli parents blame Education Minister Naftali Bennett for inserting Jewish ideology into the curriculum of public schools. Israel
![Yellow capped new bottles of Turkish liquor of "Yeni Raki" remain packed at a alcohol sales spot in Istanbul March 9, 2005. A Turkish alcohol company on Tuesday ordered the recall of millions of bottles of Turkish liquor as the death toll from a bootleg version of the drink rose to at least 22.[ Galip Yorgancioglu, chief executive of Mey Drinks, said the firm was recalling all 0.7-litre bottles of Tekel brand raki, a popular anise-flavoured drink. Other sizes and brands would remain on shelves. ] - PBEAHUOC](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/11-1/RTXNAY7.jpg/RTXNAY7.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=UQholvmN)
