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
Women gain foothold at Iran's seminaries In Iran, institutional change in favor of women’s participation at seminaries is moving ahead at an exceptional pace. Iran
Turks savor small doses of heartwarming news Though Turkey's various crises continue to bubble, the recent news wasn't all bad. Turkey
With Islamic State gone, barbers are busy in Mosul Mosul barbers, whose profession was outlawed during the Islamic State's rule, are becoming popular again in the newly freed city. Iraq
Israelis quick to forgive Netanyahu for latest security debacle While most Israelis are unhappy with the way that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu handled the Temple Mount crisis, they also believe that he was right to install the metal detectors there. Israel
What a drag: Egypt’s smokers feel burn of price hikes Cigarettes are getting more expensive in Egypt thanks to rising production costs spurred by the government’s economic reforms. Egypt
Appearances get people killed in Iraq Several Iraqis have been killed or received death threats recently because they are gay, "look gay" or in some way don't meet extremists' religious mandates. Iraq
Al-Aqsa protests unite Jerusalemites The Palestinians of Jerusalem collaborated to keep the protests against Israel’s restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque ongoing. Palestine
Israel sees Bedouin polygamy as security threat Some Israeli Bedouin men continue to practice polygamy, in part to milk state benefits, but some worry the practice is creating a security threat. Palestine
Gaza's beaches unseasonably empty The Gaza Municipality has increased rent for the land used to set up beach resorts every summer, forcing many lodge owners to condense their facilities or close altogether. Palestine
Turkish courtroom already circus as 'Cumhuriyet 17' trial opens As outraged observers look on, the trial of 17 journalists and managers of opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet began today, the anniversary of the end of Turkish press censorship in 1908. Turkey
Israeli-Palestinian water pact raises hopes, suspicions Israelis and Palestinians have reached a water supply agreement, though some worry such economic deals might become a poor substitute for a true peace settlement. Palestine
Fatwa on the go: Egypt’s Al-Azhar sets up shop in Cairo metro While Egypt’s Al-Azhar says its recently installed kiosk offering fatwas to subway commuters is aimed at countering extremism, some see it as a sign of increasing religiosity in the country. Egypt
