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
The 'Bennett and Shaked' brand: Israel's political stars fall to earth Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked thought their New Right party would further their already substantial political success, but instead they find themselves in "total shock" over not surpassing the Knesset vote threshold. Israel
Israel's traditional costumes display diversity From the many Jewish costumes that arrived to Israel, the ones still worn most are those of wedding ceremonies. Israel
Astronomy spreading among Palestinian youth NOVA for Astronomy and Space Science is helping Palestinian universities establish astronomy clubs, to increase the knowledge in astronomy among students and the public. Palestine
Iranian comedian in hot water over flood jokes Comedian Mehran Modiri's mockery of government officials who have paid brief visits to Iran's flooded provinces has made him a government target, but he is likely to survive it. Iran
University graduates swell Turkey’s army of jobless More than a fourth of Turkey’s 4.7 million unemployed are graduates of higher education — an alarming trend that reflects not only the country’s economic downturn, but its faltering university system. Turkey
Why Israelis lost faith in rail service A sudden halt in train service throughout Israel stranded thousands of commuters, who have lost all faith in the country’s rail system amid an escalating conflict between its management and the labor union. Israel
Inspired photographer spotlights Gaza's quiet heroines A self-taught photographer shares the stories of ordinary women in Gaza who have extraordinary stamina and drive. Palestine
Refugee children in Lebanon find freedom in art “The Kids of Mishwar,” a recent exhibition in Beirut, gave refugee children the opportunity to express themselves through art. Lebanon
Turkish folk costumes reflect roots from the Balkans, Central Asia The folk costumes of Anatolia show great variety, but most have two things in common: they consist of layers and they open at the front. Turkey
Tunisians hang on to shashiyyas despite modern alternatives Despite globalization and more affordable modern clothes, Tunisians still love to don a jebba or sefsari on special occasions. Tunisia
Jordanian parliament rejects raising early marriage age to 16 Jordan’s parliament voted against raising the minimum age of marriage in exceptional cases from 15 to 16, disappointing many women and human rights activists. Jordan
Likud's election day dirty tricks The day after Knesset elections, a public relations firm that worked for the Likud revealed the party's “secret plan” to deter Israeli Arabs from voting. Israel
