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
After decades in exile, musician finds way home to Diyarbakir After an ill-fated love story forced oud player Yervant Bostanci to leave Diyarbakir, he has returned to his homeland and says he will never leave again. Turkey
Turkey might seek more than mere reconstruction in northern Syria Turkey’s ambitious and costly reconstruction projects in the Jarablus/al-Rai/al-Bab triangle of northern Syria suggest comprehensive society-building. Syria
Two years after Sousse attack, British tourists return to Tunisia Following the Sousse terror attack two years ago, Britain advised its nationals against traveling to Tunisia, but the government has now suspended its warning in a move that Tunisians hope will boost the ailing tourism sector. Tunisia
Japan comes to the rescue of Gaza's hospitals With funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, solar panels will be installed in Gaza's hospitals to provide electricity to vital care units. Palestine
Leaked recording sparks debate on harassment at Egypt universities A Cairo University professor allegedly is heard sexually coercing an anonymous student on a leaked audio recording, raising the ire of female activists and civil society organizations. Egypt
Corruption, nepotism obvious under Erdogan Trading in political influence is becoming more evident — some would say it's becoming the norm — in Turkey, where all power appears to be in one person's hand. Turkey
Egypt's first female dolphin trainer swims against the stream Nesma Rafet, who left a corporate career for swimming with dolphins, says her male colleagues' attitude that she couldn’t do the job encouraged her further. Egypt
Iran judiciary in conflict over executions The debate about executions in Iran over drug-related crimes is heating up. Iran
Egyptian lawmakers rile Congress with US gun violence jab In a letter to Congress protesting a US travel advisory, an Egyptian parliamentary delegation downplayed the threats to Coptic Christians in the country, comparing the statistics on violence against them to shootings in US cities. Egypt
Gaza’s little chefs have big dreams Zad Al Khair, a local restaurant in Gaza City, launches a culinary arts program for children. Palestine
Young photographers celebrate love, hope in Gaza 'Alleys' exhibit A group of young Palestinian photographers held up a mirror to life in Gaza with an exhibition in the Jabalia refugee camp. Palestine
Gaza civil society organizations aim to empower women The 2017 Women's Leadership Incubator project will empower a team of civil society organizations in the Gaza Strip to strengthen their staff’s sensitivity and response to the needs and rights of marginalized women. Palestine
