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
Hamas signals alarm on Israeli efforts to recruit collaborators Hamas has launched an awareness campaign against what it says are Israeli efforts to recruit Palestinians as spies through deceptive online contacts. Palestine
Painting the town: How Kais Saied inspires change on Tunisian streets A wave of citizen-led civic campaigns is transforming the Tunisian landscape as youths inspired by the recent election of Kais Saied to be president take on some of the country’s urban woes. Tunisia
How to think about Iraq’s demonstrations Iraq's demonstrations are largely justified and entirely expected as the removal of the problems of sectarianism and insurgency have left the deep structural problems of Iraq’s government and its political economy exposed. Iraq
Movie about Yazidis, female fighters offers stylized look at Kurdish plight "Sisters in Arms" casts an artful eye on the plight of Iraq's Yazidi women and the Kurdish women who fought the Islamic State, but critics say its narrative is misleading. Iraq
Can new amendment undermine Egyptian women's rights to divorce? A lawmaker's proposed amendment to restrict divorce to cases of extreme harm to women has raised concerns among rights advocates who argue that the bill, if approved, would turn back the clock on women's rights. Egypt
Egypt calls Luxor coffins 'greatest discovery of century' The 30 uniquely well preserved coffins recently found in Egypt's southern city of Luxor are a godsend to Egyptian tourism. Egypt
Why Lebanon’s wildfires risk is becoming more common Lebanon’s recent forest fires have raised concern about the ability to respond to extreme weather events as a result of climate change. Lebanon
Clay chairs, edible statues make Jordan's design week one to remember Experimental projects abounded at Amman Design Week. Jordan
Netanyahu camp adds Arab 'extortion' to right-wing playbook With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unable to form a government with his right-wing allies, he and his associates hope to prevent others from succeeding at the task by launching a new line of attack inciting against the Arab parties and branding those who cooperate with them as security threats. Israel
Why this activist pins her hopes on Tunisia's new president Marwa Heni, who has founded an association to help Tunisian marginalized groups, pins her hopes on the new president. Tunisia
Algerian regime steps up repression against protests Algeria's interim government appears to be ramping up its response to Hirak activists taking part in popular protests, including resorting to extended pre-hearing detentions and holding protesters in inhumane conditions. Algeria
Palestinian film festival stars gender-based violence This year's Palestinian Cinema Days film festival took up the problems faced by women in the region and beyond. Palestine
