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
Syrians preserve prized Arabian horses amid war In the face of ongoing war, Syrians who breed Arabian horses have banded together to keep their profession alive. Syria
Egypt’s millennials act out their discontent on stage With its earnest tone and simple production, the play “1980 W Enta Taleh” offers a glimpse into the turbulent lives of Egypt's young adults. Egypt
Turkey to toughen laws on surrogacy Turkey’s Ministry of Health prepares a new draft law that would prevent Turks from having children through surrogate mothers, even if abroad. Turkey
Tunisian initiative takes to streets against reconciliation law Tunisian social movements like Manich Msamah continue to fight for an authentic democracy in Tunisia as they face off against a controversial law granting amnesty to former regime officials. Tunisia
Poor Beirut neighborhood's facelift only skin deep An art project in Beirut’s Ouzai neighborhood is bringing color to the area, but urban planners are not impressed with what they see as a simplistic approach to its complex legal and economic problems. Lebanon
Gazans now complaining online Gaza residents can submit their grievances and questions to governing authorities and departments via an electronic complaints system. Palestine
Students, parents left in dark as Turkey scraps school entrance exam The Turkish government has suddenly moved to abolish a grueling standardized high school entrance exam without offering any plan to replace it. Turkey
Sectarianism in Iraq peaks ahead of Kurdistan referendum With the Kurdistan independence referendum just days away, politicians and the general public are fanning sectarian tension on both sides of the vote. Iraq
Turkish schools told to cut evolution, make room for Quran In nominally secular Turkey, the K-12 public curriculum has been updated to omit evolution and expand religious instruction. Turkey
A trip through Iran's Sunni heartland A journey into Iran's northwest cities of Bukan, Mahabad and Saqqez indicates that while Iranian Sunnis face discrimination, it is rooted in politics, not religion. Iran
Egypt’s Christian, Muslim institutions join efforts to advance women’s issues With the objective of raising awareness about women's issues, the National Council for Women launched a campaign in which Muslim female preachers and Christian nuns reach out to women and families throughout Egypt. Egypt
Egyptian pop star croons for potential visitors on Europe tour Egypt’s Culture Ministry is promoting pop star Hakim’s European tour in the hope that he can interest Western tourists in Egyptian culture. Egypt
