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
Iranian TV series dogged by real-life drama "Shahrzad," one of the most popular and expensive TV series in Iran, has been confronted with a huge campaign to stop it after its producer was mixed up in allegations of corruption. Iran
Lebanese activists fight against child marriage with videos Lebanese nongovernmental organizations and artists use videos to create awareness of the risks of early marriage, which affects 6% of all girls in Lebanon. Lebanon
How Sisi uses art to promote his ideas It appears that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is using art and artists to gain popular support for the government's decisions. Egypt
IDF hopes to reach Palestinian youth directly with new online show The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories has launched a video magazine to show Palestinians a different side of Israeli society. Palestine
The story of a Turkish intellectual’s escape from prison After years of controversy and trials, Armenian intellectual Sevan Nisanyan dropped a bombshell on Twitter, announcing his escape from a prison in Turkey. Turkey
Young Iraqi filmmakers break taboos Iraq is witnessing the growth of a new generation of young filmmakers, but they face serious challenges from society over the content of the films. Iraq
Iranians pushing boundaries in 'private sphere' debate Debate over the extent and nature of the private versus the public heats up again in Iran, highlighting the continued evolution of demands for social freedoms. Iran
Jordan, Israel trade barbs as tension over Al-Aqsa continues While Jordan and Israel are keen to preserve the peace treaty and maintain top intelligence and security coordination, the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a potential deal breaker. Palestine
Palestinian town in Israel shaken by Jerusalem killings The three Palestinian citizens of Israel who were killed by Israeli police following their attack against Al-Aqsa Mosque that left two Israeli soldiers dead hail from a Muslim-majority town where relatives and the community are trying to preserve the relative calm. Palestine
Bank project offers Palestinian women independence Hayati, a National Bank program, is making it possible for Palestinian women to start their own businesses, join the labor market and gain financial independence. Palestine
Iran struggles to address smuggling in Kurdish areas Despite repeated pledges of investment and other measures to address unemployment, dire economic conditions continue to force Iranian Kurds into the smuggling trade. Iran
Palestinian women earn sweet money as pastry chefs Once considered taboo, women take over pastry-making in West Bank sweets factory. Palestine
