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
Can this documentary bring Iran its third Oscar? The documentary "Finding Farideh" has been chosen as Iran's submission in the international feature film category to the Academy Awards, but some argue that the movie does not fit the criteria. Iran
What really matters to Israeli Arab voters The problem that most concerns Israel's Palestinian citizens is personal safety, an issue on which the Blue and White could make significant positive contributions and in doing so attract Arab voters, potentially breaking the prevailing electoral deadlock with the right. Israel
How cultural war made Ankara an architectural battleground Ankara’s austere and minimalist flavor is a shock to many who are more accustomed to architecture around the Bosphorus, but for local residents, the city's gray buildings are icons from a cherished era. Turkey
Iraqi Mandaeans fear extinction The Mandaean community in Iraq is dwindling to such low numbers that its members fear extinction. Iraq
Cash-strapped Jordan imposes new taxes; public anger ensues Economists suggest the Jordanian government should cut its own expenses and those of its staff instead of imposing taxes that add to the people’s economic burden. Jordan
Iraq poised for ambitious plan after Babylon listed by UNESCO Baghdad lobbied for more than three decades to get Babylon on UNESCO World Heritage List, but the way ahead may be even more difficult. Iraq
Moroccan king announces plan to promote social, economic equality As Morocco's king marks 20 years on the throne, he's preparing a plan designed to aid the poor, largely through education. Morocco
Art imitates life and death in war-ravaged Afrin Two Syrian artists, a sculptor and a photographer, agree that the tragedies of war have given them rich fodder for art and opportunities to speak out for life and human dignity. Syria
Egyptians revive Pharaonic beauty, health secrets Ancient Egyptian remedies and practices are making a comeback in the form of natural beauty products and pharaonic medicine. Egypt
Outraged over mother’s murder, Turkish women demand protection A brutal video of a mother’s last moments has reignited calls to better implement laws designed to prevent domestic violence in Turkey. Turkey
Syrians in Egypt fear new restrictions signal worse to come Many Egyptians believe their government and its supporters are behind the latest xenophobic campaign targeting Syrian refugees in the country, including attacks on their businesses. Egypt
Is Middle East's young labor boom blessing or curse? By 2040, the Middle East and North Africa will see a sharp increase in young people who enter the labor force, which could lead to disaster if areas like education aren’t improved. Lebanon
