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
Two is enough: A fix for Egypt’s overpopulation Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, announced the launch of a population control program targeting 1.3 million Egyptian women. Egypt
Talent continues to leave Iran in droves The untimely death of Iranian-American math genius Maryam Mirzakhani gives rise to renewed debate on the issue of "brain drain" in Iran. Iran
Iraq steps up efforts to restore lost heritage at ancient Nimrud After the defeat of the Islamic State in Mosul, a campaign to reconstruct the ancient city of Nimrud with the cooperation of UNESCO has begun. Iraq
'Frankenstein in Baghdad' to come to life in film Iraqi novelist Ahmed Saadawi's award-winning novel "Frankenstein in Baghdad" is to become a film. Iraq
Israel gives nod to Russia with new national holiday Israel, seeking to keep Russian ties close, realizes little things do matter. Israel
Where do Al-Aqsa protests leave the Islamic Movement in Israel? The Islamic Movement in Israel has tried to keep a low profile in recent weeks after three men connected to its base, Umm al-Fahm, killed two Israeli police officers, sparking deadly protests. Palestine
Lebanese society on edge with Arsal raid, battle Activists and lawyers defending Syrian refugees in Lebanon and uncovering human rights violations committed against them are receiving threats and are banned from expressing their opinion. Lebanon
Tourism report signals wider issues for women in Turkey Turks are angry about Forbes magazine's story that listed Turkey as being a dangerous destination for women traveling alone, but do they have cause? Turkey
Iraq eager to get back antiquities smuggled to US Iraq is diligently working to recover relics from the United States that were looted from Iraqi archaeological sites. Iraq
Why Israelis have turned against IDF, Shin Bet Contrary to the past years when Israeli society venerated the leaders of the Israel Defense Force and Shin Bet, many suspect them nowadays of having their own agendas. Israel
Uighur students in limbo after crackdown in Egypt Many are wondering what is behind Egyptian authorities' arrest of Chinese Uighurs studying at Al-Azhar. Egypt
Egyptian band beats censorship via YouTube The band Cairokee has used YouTube as a platform to publish its new album after a state censor banned it, prompting critics to ask whether such censorship has any point in the age of the internet. Egypt
