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
Locals lobby to keep their valley green in South Lebanon The residents of Wadi Zibqine struggle to keep a road from destroying one of the last green spots in South Lebanon. Lebanon
Why Iran's grand ayatollahs are fighting over Rumi Two grand Ayatollahs have declared their opposition to production of a movie about the celebrated poem Rumi and his friend and mentor Shams al-Tabrizi, but it is not clear whether they can stop it. Turkey
Translation project offers Israelis look into Palestinian literature Translation into Hebrew of Palestinian and Arab novels and short stories opens a literary window for Israeli readers. Palestine
Iranian women cheer at soccer game, finally For the first time since 1981, Iranian women got unrestricted access to a soccer stadium as they watch the national team beat Cambodia 14-0. Iran
After Amman gives in to striking teachers, more protests could come Now that the monthlong teachers' strike is finally resolved, the Jordanian government fears other public sector employees may also take to the streets. Jordan
Can Egypt sweeten deal for small beekeepers? Egypt organizes its first beekeepers festival, but small producers wonder whether their presence will make a buzz. Egypt
Why these Egyptian artists are telling Cairens to take deep breath At the "Tea Time with My Lungs" exhibition, three young artists explain with art the importance of just taking a deep breath. Egypt
Young Gaza artist's surrealist paintings transcend borders The surrealist paintings of Reham Amawi portray what she calls the silence of the world toward the Palestinians' plight. Palestine
How Egyptian protesters are saying it with music Songs with catchy rhythms and street language have become the anthems of Egypt's young protesters. Egypt
Rights now: Why Palestinian women do not want to wait for liberation Outraged that Palestinian men are getting away with murder, women of Palestine take to the streets and to cinema halls to push for their rights. Palestine
Why women in this Lebanese refugee camp opt for trade, not aid A group of Syrian and Palestinian women from a refugee camp in Lebanon transitioned a struggling project into an enterprise that aims to export around the world. Palestine
Tunisians back new faces in parliamentary polls The city of Sidi Bouzid, the birthplace of the Jasmine Revolution, has emerged as a barometer of Tunisia's progress in the decade following the toppling of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisia
