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
Netanyahu’s government neglects scientific education Judging by budgets and funding, Israel is focused on settlements, not advancing scientific education. Israel
Wild plant feeds another thorny conflict between Israel, Palestinians Palestinian foragers are resisting an Israeli law that bans the picking of aqub, a delicacy whose harvest has long sustained local women. Palestine
High cost of death haunts Egyptians The high cost of living in Egypt has extended to dying, and burial has gotten too expensive for the poor. Egypt
Israelis not giving up on moon mission Despite the crash of the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet on the surface of the moon, young Israelis feel inspired. Israel
Gazan entrepreneur finds hope in hardship The young founder of two innovative projects believes that the Gaza Strip needs entrepreneurs and innovators who fight daily challenges. Palestine
Did female Iranian boxer fight for championship or asylum in France? Boxer Sadaf Khadem made history as the first Iranian woman to win an international match, but her choice to compete without hijab may prevent her from going back home. Iran
Dog killings in Turkey's capital show poor lawmaking The recent killing of dogs in Ankara has once again shed light on Turkey's inefficient animal rights laws, which identify strays as "property" instead of "living beings." Turkey
Aid groups act to stop Yemen's next major cholera epidemic Al-Monitor visits a cholera treatment center in Yemen, where a three-year war has intensified the spread of the contagious illness. Yemen
Muslim Brotherhood exiles from Egypt face uncertain future in Sudan Egyptians affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood who sought refuge in Sudan following the 2013 crackdown are worried about their fate now that President Omar al-Bashir has been ousted. Egypt
Ministry of Religious Endowment renaming mosques across Egypt Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments began replacing the names of mosques with political or ideological connotations in a bid to counter what it says is political exploitation. Egypt
Amman museum displays treasure trove of traditional Palestinian, Jordanian clothing Widad Kawar has devoted her life to researching Palestinian and Jordan traditional clothing and has amassed a treasure trove over half a century. Palestine
Jerusalem District Court now at the government’s service Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked will soon be leaving the Justice Ministry, but her legacy will live on in eliminating the Supreme Court's authority over Palestinian petitions involving land confiscations on the West Bank. Israel
