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
Artists persevere in Iraq despite death threats Iraqi artists of all stripes face pressures from religious extremists but they refuse to be cowed and continue holding cultural events. Iraq
Syrian refugees becoming scapegoats for Turkey’s troubles Turkey’s economic downturn and the lack of long-term residence options are putting pressure on the nation’s 3.6 million Syrian refugees. Syria
Egypt shifts education focus to improving quality A program currently under implementation in primary schools in Southern Egyptian provinces is building up the capacity of teachers, advancing literacy and engaging the community in education. Egypt
Is Netanyahu concerned about anti-Semitic rulers? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu befriends far-right leaders, such as Hungary’s Victor Orban, and keeps silent when his close ally, President Donald Trump, invites to the White House an anti-Semitic cartoonist. Israel
Turkey's favorite TV cop returns, but not to Turkish channels The renegade Behzat C was Turkey's favorite cop for half a decade. Now he's back, just not on Turkish TV. Turkey
Unification of Arab parties bad news for Netanyahu The Israeli-Arab public is tired of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s campaign against them, tired of Israeli politics and tired of unfulfilled promises. Israel
Can Iraq get its water wheels on UNESCO World Heritage List? Local academics believe that water wheels, used all around the world, were discovered on the banks of the Euphrates River in Anbar province and should be on the World Heritage List. Iraq
Iraq seeks to issue identification papers for IS children Many children born under Islamic State rule in Iraq do not have Iraqi citizenship, but the government is seeking to change that. Iraq
Palestinian police on red alert over antiquities smuggling Palestinian police say the Israeli-controlled Area C is their weak spot in the battle against antiquities smuggling. Palestine
Israelis lose trust in police over killing of youngster The killing of young Solomon Tekah opened a Pandora’s box, disclosing dozens of horrible stories of racism, beatings and false arrests directed at the Ethiopian community. Israel
Egypt mixing sports, politics with new party-affiliated club Egypt’s largest political party, the Nation’s Future Party, announced recently the establishment of its own sports club, sparking major controversy in the country. Egypt
New Turkish mayors weaponize transparency against wasteful spending Turkey’s new mayors are using transparency efforts to undermine AKP-majority governing bodies while protecting their work from obstruction. Turkey
