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
Egyptian doctors, therapists explore healing powers of music Though new and experimental treatments are slow to be adopted in Egypt, some medical professionals see great potential in music therapy. Egypt
Palestinian farmers go global to claim their rights Palestine will witness the birth of the first movement of farmers in the Arab world, which will advocate the rights of Palestinian farmers before Arab, regional and international institutions. Palestine
Gazans abroad eager to visit, but unready to move home Although the burgeoning reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah has given hope to thousands of Palestinians, Gazans abroad remain cautious about resettling in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Tunisian women break taboo saying no to children A women's association in the Tunisian countryside works on breaking the societal taboo of women remaining childless by choice. Tunisia
Can cinema help Egypt’s overpopulation problem? With the 2017 census raising discussion of overpopulation in Egypt, a debate has ensued on whether movies have and can help create awareness of the need for family planning? Egypt
Egypt holds training camps for imams to uproot terrorism Egypt's imams are trained by Al-Azhar to spread moderate teachings and recognize extremist behavior among youths in order to curb ideologies that encourage terrorism. Egypt
Israel’s first international film festival hits 33 The Haifa Film Festival, known for its fine selection of documentaries, launched new categories this year, such as foodie and environmental cinema. Israel
Turkish government revives its anti-divorce report The Turkish government has relaunched a debate on its controversial investigative report that seeks to prevent divorce and strengthen family unity. Turkey
Jailed Kurdish leader keeps in touch with supporters through arts, literature Selahattin Demirtas, the jailed leader of Turkey’s Kurdish political movement, tells Al-Monitor from prison how arts and literature have become his way of resisting oppression and despair. Turkey
How Egyptian activists are trying to curb polygamy A number of activists launched a Facebook campaign to add a new condition in marriage contracts, requiring the first wife’s permission for her husband’s second marriage. Egypt
'Breath': Iran's first Oscar nominee by female director Iranian films have won several Oscars for best foreign language film, but this year’s nominee is the first directed by a woman. Iran
Are days numbered for Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox patriarch? The Greek Orthodox community in Palestine and Jordan is in open revolt against Patriarch Theophilos III over the sale of church lands to Israel and Israelis. Palestine
