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
Ankara hardens opposition to KRG referendum As the Sept. 25 referendum approaches, Ankara seems to be toughening its stance against Iraqi Kurdistan's independence move, while a mob attacked the funeral procession for the mother of a Kurdish politician. Turkey
Israel eats up more Palestinian land rights in Hebron Israel recently decided to form a municipality that would run the affairs of settlements in the Old City of Hebron, raising concerns about the expansion of settlements. Palestine
Turkey nominates Korean War story for Oscar "Ayla: The Daughter of War," the story of a Turkish soldier who saves a Korean orphan during the Korean War, is Turkey’s candidate for the Academy Awards' Best Foreign Language Film. Turkey
Season of culture unites Jerusalem Jerusalem Season of Culture includes artistic installations across city rooftops and an all-night dance party that combines Jewish soul music with Arabic liturgy. Israel
Why are Turks flocking to Greece? A combination of economic, social and political factors has led to a significant increase in the number of Turks vacationing in Greece. Turkey
Iraqi war victims find solace on stage Theater therapy in Iraq is being utilized to help treat people suffering from war-related psychological problems, but institutionalizing the approach faces its own struggle in the country. Iraq
Egyptians make their way to Mecca by many means Many Egyptians resort to illegal methods to perform hajj in Mecca, and the government funds thousands of others, putting a strain on the country's already strapped economy. Saudi Arabia
Ancient Syrian mosaics crumble under weight of war The war in Syria has destroyed many of its ancient mosaics and threatens the craft of making them. Syria
Palestine's primary schools defy Israeli demolition orders Israel's destruction of a European-financed school in the West Bank has forced Palestinian children to instead attend classes in a tent. Palestine
US-Iran exchanges hang in balance as Trump weighs decision on nuclear deal The State Department has spent no money this year on US-Iran exchanges amid uncertainty over the fate of the nuclear agreement. United States
‘Earth is flat,’ pro-Erdogan youth leader argues The conspiratorial mindset that led an AKP youth leader to doubt that the Earth is round is the signal of a powerful ideological drive in today’s Turkey. Turkey
Sabbath summit unites Israel's rival ultra-Orthodox parties The leaders of Israel's distinct ultra-Orthodox sectors united for a unique summit on Sabbath observation in the public space and formulated a joint political strategy. Israel
