Sinai women become breadwinners The Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity has allocated all of its profits from its yearly handicrafts exhibit to the development and rehabilitation of north Sinai homes that were destroyed in terrorist attacks. Egypt
Reviving Kurdish language in northern Syria The self-administration in northern Syria is teaching the Kurdish language in a bid to revive it among the local population after decades of marginalization. Iraq
PA rejects US, seeks new sponsors for peace talks The Palestinian Authority is mobilizing international support to find a new sponsor for the peace process following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Palestine
More than a year on, Hirak protesters remain behind bars in Morocco Despite the announcement of a development project in the marginalized Rif region in Morocco, authorities are still detaining and prosecuting hundreds of protesters who took part in demonstrations demanding economic and social justice. Morocco
Lebanon's mothers see glint of hope in custody ruling A Shiite mother in Lebanon was recently granted temporary custody of her two children in what human rights advocates say could indicate a long overdue, small step forward in personal status laws. Lebanon
Could alternative farming save Gaza’s agriculture sector? A young Palestinian graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Azhar University in the Gaza Strip has built a hydroponic farm to grow lettuce without the need for soil, in a bid to overcome soil-related problems and high salinity levels in the water in Gaza. Palestine
Iraq's bursting plastic surgery world dangerously unregulated More Iraqis than ever are seeking out cosmetic surgery and other services, and many unlicensed facilities and providers are rushing to meet the demand. Iraq
Moscow mulls scenarios as Mideast mediator The United States recently riled up the Middle East with its pronouncement on Jerusalem, giving Russia an opportunity to quietly step up its work in the background on Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. Palestine
Three months on from referendum, Kurds feel frustrated Iraqi Kurdistan suffers from a devastated economy and increasing public anger in the aftermath of the independence referendum. Iraq
Iran gradually moving toward resumed military ties with Europe Acknowledging that military cooperation with leading European powers is not on the table, Iran is seeking out European middle powers. Iran
All official Syrian-Lebanon border crossings now open The border area has been deemed secure enough for the Lebanese and Syrian governments to reopen the last of the five border crossings between the two countries. Lebanon
Torture is still rampant in Tunisia Although torture, mistreatment, and physical and verbal abuse in jails and detention centers have relatively decreased, they are still ongoing in Tunisia’s detention centers. Tunisia
Olives, pistachios inspire young Gaza designers Two students from the Gaza Strip won a regional package-design competition using sustainable materials to meet local needs, and their work is now being evaluated for world recognition. Palestine
Eastern Mediterranean may be scene of first conflict of 2018 Developments warn of growing tension between Turkey and the Greek Cypriots over newly discovered hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Nazareth celebrates Christmas without usual glitter Popular Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam first canceled, then uncanceled, the Christmas festivities at Nazareth, the city known as Jesus’ hometown, in response to Trump's Jerusalem declaration. While the festivities went on as usual, very few people joined the celebration. Israel
Christmas trees in Aleppo? A new roof in Bethlehem, a desecrated altar in Diyarbakir, Christmas trees in Aleppo and an appreciation of “fellow travelers” in faith. Palestine
