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
Iraq's plans to take census raise controversy The central government's plans to undertake a census late next year have raised the concerns of groups in multicultural Iraqi cities such as Kirkuk. Iraq
Delicate art form floats into modern Egypt The intricate golden and silver embroidery called tally has a long tradition in Upper Egypt, and a small community of craftspeople is working to make sure its future is just as bright. Egypt
Egypt's first female polo team rides to victory Farah Awadalla, the daughter of one of Egypt's best-known polo players, has started her own all-female team in Cairo. Egypt
Case of runaway sisters highlights ongoing plight of Saudi women After their case made international headlines this month, one of the Saudi sisters who fled abroad spoke to Al-Monitor about the kingdom’s “flawed justice system” and called on the leadership to carry through with better reforms. Saudi Arabia
Iraq's pigeon breeders get ahead in international game Iraq's pigeon breeders, once disdained, are making a name for themselves in international competitions, as well as profiting off the sales of birds in auctions. Iraq
How the Green Line became a red line in Israeli education Significant number of voters in the 2019 elections were taught in school that the State of Israel extends from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River and that anyone challenging this view is denying the truth. Palestine
Christians in northeastern Syria seek to revive Easter spirit following IS ouster After the fall of IS, Easter celebrations were held in only in some northeastern Syrian areas. Syria
Qatar brings Gaza beaches back to life The Gaza Electricity Distribution Co. completed April 18 a Qatar-funded project designed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the wastewater treatment plants, which will subsequently stop seawater pollution and revitalize the beaches. Palestine
Israelis crazy for mass singings The Koolulam mass singing phenomenon has swept up thousands of Israelis in an effort to bring harmony to a divided society. Israel
From Palestine with love: Designer explores postcard power A young Palestinian graphic designer combines old photos with modern designs to show a different side of her country. Palestine
Bookworms entice Jordanians to read by handing out sweets Despite campaigns to popularize reading by locals and UNESCO, the high price of books puts them out of many Jordanians' reach. Jordan
Sinai magic draws Israelis despite the terror threats For Israelis, the magic of the Sinai Peninsula, with its beautiful sand beaches and low prices, is strong enough for them to ignore official travel warnings. Egypt
