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
Meet Mosul's rebellious tattoo artists Mosul's tattoo artists went underground when the Islamic State occupied the city, but now they're back and they hope the city is more open than before the occupation. Iraq
Egypt’s first female rally driver pushes women to go faster Yara Shalaby, who shocked the male-dominated racing scene by taking part and winning awards in rallies in Egypt and Gulf states, wants to teach other women to follow their dreams and fight stereotypes. Egypt
Tunisian president calls for gender equality in inheritance law Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi’s proposal on National Women’s Day to amend the inheritance law so as to secure equal rights for women sparked much controversy in Tunisia. Tunisia
Egypt acts to preserve Jewish heritage The Ministry of Antiquities has begun preservation and renovation of Eliyahu Hanavi in Alexandria, one of the biggest synagogues in the Middle East. Egypt
Iranian labor market on path to gender transformation While Iranian women have made advances in recent years, they still face the major challenge of being excluded from the labor market. Iran
The Israeli right's hypocrisy on discrimination Israeli right-wing politicians, though quick to criticize others for what they deem anti-Semitism, support discrimination against Arabs. Palestine
Critics challenge validity of Egypt's anti-terror council Culture now has a place on Egypt's National Council to Fight Terrorism, but does it have a real purpose there? Egypt
Journalists fear for safety as Netanyahu ups war on media Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attacks on the media are creating a climate that threatens journalists' lives. Israel
Life returns to northern Aleppo region Recreational facilities are being established in the Euphrates Shield region controlled by the Free Syrian Army amid relative stability. Syria
Gazans have the hots for chili peppers Peppers — pickled, roasted, stuffed or mashed — make up an essential part of cuisine in Gaza, and for prideful Palestinians in the Strip, the hotter the better. Palestine
Armed disputes reveal Iraqi Christians' discord Run-ins between Christian factions' armed units in Iraq expose growing gaps in the parties' visions for their future. Iraq
Iranian film sheds new light on security services Addressing the turbulent years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, "Midday Adventures" addresses a divisive part of Iranian history from a new perspective. Iran
