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
Burkini bans causing waves in Egypt Tourist-hungry Egypt finds itself stuck in the middle of the burkini debate. Egypt
Turkey, the new address for Brazilian butts, thick hair and shiny teeth At a time when many economic sectors in Turkey are struggling, the health tourism sector has boomed, attracting hundreds of thousands of foreigners eager to get medical treatment and plastic surgeries for cheap. Turkey
Middle East's painter-princess finally gets her due The artistic legacy of Fahrelnissa Zeid, an interesting figure of early Turkish modern art, gets spotlight back on the international art stage through a series of exhibitions in Istanbul, London, Berlin and Beirut. Turkey
Arabs and Jews unite against Netanyahu's divide and rule tactics Jewish and Arab activists are mobilizing to stop discriminatory and divisive policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine
Egypt's alimony reform debate begins before bill is introduced A parliament member is looking to expedite the yearslong process Egyptian women often must go through to receive alimony when they file for divorce. Egypt
Young Iraqis experiment with variety of drugs In addition to traditional turn-ons, drug users in Iraq are expanding their habits to include everything from LSD to seemingly mundane treatments for arthritis. Iraq
Iraq establishes new security force to protect its archaeological wealth Iraq is seeking to preserve what’s left of its antiquities through the establishment of a special security force to protect one of its richest provinces in terms of archaeological sites. Iraq
How Egypt is promoting education for Syrian refugees The efforts of the Egyptian government to integrate Syrian students in Egyptian schools aim to make the students feel welcome. Egypt
Culture Alert: Art scene revives in September The Middle East’s vibrant cultural scene kicks off in September, with art biennials, theater festivals and design fairs. Egypt
In Morocco, press freedom shrinks with Hirak protests As part of the Moroccan authorities' efforts to silence the Hirak protest movement, journalists are facing pressure and repression, prompting questions about their objectivity and the freedom of the press. Morocco
As IS retreats, local Syrian group races to clear mines A group of local Syrians are working to remove mines and unexploded ordnance in areas recently liberated by the Islamic State in northern Syria and Iraq, but can't always complete the work before civilians return to their homes. Syria
Iran-Israel soccer row apparently much ado about nothing The reported suspension of two Iranian soccer players from the national team for having competed against Israelis appears to have vanished into thin air. Palestine
