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
Iraqi religious minority struggles to survive in hostile environment Members of Iraq's dwindling Mandaean community are facing many difficulties in practicing their religion as the government has failed to protect them. Iraq
Afghan kite runners revive old tradition in new home The 116,000 Afghans seeking asylum in Turkey are often overlooked, but a kite project aims to lift their spirits. Syria
Egypt revamps cave museum devoted to Nazi general Egypt's Antiquities Ministry has renovated and reopened a museum in a cave used by Erwin Rommel, the Nazi general known as the "Desert Fox," during his campaign against the British in 1942. Egypt
Despite AKP sputtering, support grows for Erdogan rival Turkish nationalist Meral Aksener is emerging as a real threat to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as talk swirls about the formation of her new centrist party. Turkey
Controversial Egyptian professor, presidential candidate says she's being targeted Mona Prince, a professor at Suez University who has expressed her intention to run for president, has been suspended for her choice of curriculum and for conduct the university finds unbecoming. Egypt
Why is Turkey so invested in rehabilitating Syrian city of al-Bab? After Turkey and allied rebel forces ousted the Islamic State from the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, Ankara is now doubling down on efforts to rebuild infrastructure and boost education in the area. Syria
For Israeli right, there is no occupation The Israeli government's denial of the occupation has led it to intimidating those who dare acknowledge its existence or use the word "occupation." Palestine
New program draws Egyptian women to tech An Egyptian tech school is looking to increase the representation of women in the tech industry with a new programming class exclusively for women. Egypt
Gaza radio station gives a voice to refugees, women In its first month on the air, Hawwa radio station based in Nuseirat refugee camp has tackled issues prominent in Gaza refugee camps and aims to encourage women to stand up for themselves. Palestine
Old fears rise again about Palestinians in Iraq Sentiment against Palestinians is taking hold in Iraq, where some are being accused of supporting the Islamic State's extreme ideology. Palestine
Supporters scramble to distract Turkey from Erdogan's unpopular decisions Journalists and trolls who support the rule of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often help him by distracting the public from any questionable decisions he makes with perennially rabble-rousing but vague scandals. Turkey
Plans to revive Lebanon’s ghost railways gather steam While some of Lebanon's train stations have been transformed into night clubs or tourist sites, the country's railway system could be revived at the end of the Syrian civil war to provide supplies to cities such as Homs and Damascus. Lebanon
