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. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
More bodies uncovered in mass graves of Libya's Tarhuna The UN-backed government said the bodies were found blindfolded and with their wrists bound. Libya
Egypt unveils restored Isis Temple 150 years after its discovery Egypt inaugurates the restored Temple of Isis in Aswan as part of the government’s efforts to revive the tourism sector. Egypt
Privacy concerns mar Israeli deal with Pfizer Some Israelis are worried that the agreement with Pfizer prioritizing Israel in its vaccine distribution involves the provision of personal information to the company. Israel
Visitors can begin to follow Jesus along Egypt's Holy Family Trail Cairo has completed work on the first stops on the Holy Family Trail, a path connecting locations believed to have been visited by the Holy Family 2,000 years ago while fleeing King Herod’s soldiers. Egypt
Egypt announces first major archeological discovery of 2021 The latest archeological discovery at Cairo’s Saqqara necropolis includes coffins dating back some 3,000 years, a funerary temple and other treasures. Egypt
Netanyahu rival hires Lincoln Project for March election Former Likud senior Gideon Saar hopes the veteran American strategists can help him win the next elections and topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel
Israel’s chief rabbi calls for day of fasting, prayer for pandemic victims Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau has called on Jews in Israel and across the globe to fast tomorrow and to pray for the dead and infected. Israel
600 arrested as police, protesters clash in Tunisia The anti-government protests come 10 years after Tunisia's revolution triggered pro-democracy uprisings across the region. Tunisia
Twitter, Pinterest face ad ban in Turkey under new social media law The Turkish government issued advertising bans for Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest Tuesday when the platforms refrained from complying with a controversial social media law human rights advocates say will stifle free speech online. Turkey
Israel starts vaccinating prisoners after delay After Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit warned that keeping them lower in the queue was illegal, Public Security Minister Amir Ohana ordered the prison services to start vaccinating elderly inmates. Israel
Houthi terror designation 'death sentence' for Yemenis, UN officials warn United Nations officials took aim at the US plan to label Yemen's Houthis a foreign terrorist organization that relief groups say will imperil aid deliveries to the war-torn country. Yemen
Joint List frets as Netanyahu courts Arab voters Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is campaigning for Arab-Israeli votes — and some analysts say he may well find the support he needs for reelection. Israel