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
Could energy deals warm relations between Egypt, Israel? Speculation about Egypt possibly privatizing some of its electricity distribution companies is sparking fears of expanded normalization with Israel. Egypt
Egyptian graphic designer turns learning Arabic into child's play Ghada Wali, listed as one of the top game-changers under 30 by Forbes, is determined to make Arabic one of the common global languages. Egypt
International artists explore fragmented Middle East in Istanbul The 2017 Istanbul Biennial asks what makes a good neighbor in a world plagued by war, repression and division. Iraq
How Lebanese are countering racist attacks The Anti-Racism Movement is standing up for victims of racism in Lebanon by providing assistance and support and exposing racist behavior in the country. Lebanon
Russia takes renewed interest in Palestine Russia seems to be increasing its cooperation with the Palestinians recently in several areas, including the economy, politics and tourism. Palestine
Police show Gaza women how to stay safe online In cooperation with a cultural association, Gaza's female police unit is running a campaign to educate Palestinians about the dangers of online exploitation. Palestine
Netanyahu versus Israel The gatekeepers of Israel’s democracy are engaged in a dramatic battle against the camp of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the future of the state and the society. Israel
Iraqi Kurdistan's young sportsmen put on gloves Fighters from all over Iraq and Lebanon compete in the first mixed martial arts tournament in Erbil. Iraq
Fatwa allowing illegal antiquities excavation triggers ire in Egypt The Egyptian government will attempt to hold on to its antiquities amid a religious edict giving ordinary citizens the right to excavate and keep such treasures. Egypt
Who wins in war over ultra-Orthodox army draft? Experts claim that the key to the ultra-Orthodox army draft is not canceling the current law, but creating a constructive dialogue with the ultra-Orthodox leadership. Israel
Netanyahu’s five sins With the Jewish year coming to an end, it is clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is guilty of five sins: ignoring hope for peace, whitewashing injustices, inciting hatred, discriminating against the poor and indifference to the weak. Palestine
Can Egypt’s Al-Azhar fight extremism through 'e-fatwas'? Al-Azhar Fatwa Global Center launched a new website to answer questions about fatwas in a bid to fight extremist thought, which analysts believe is a far-fetched goal. Egypt
