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. Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Normalization with Morocco warms Israeli hearts Unlike the normalization deals with Bahrain and with the United Arab Emirates, the imminent deal between Israel and Morocco will be built on centuries of common history and heritage. Israel
Hamas prisoners elect leadership behind bars Despite being locked away in Israeli prisons, Hamas members elect a new leadership body every two years that wields great influence within the movement and participates in its major decisions. Palestine
Arab-Israeli woman announces presidential run Elham Khazen has become the first Arab woman to run for the Israeli presidency. Israel
Mizrahi Israelis hope normalization with Gulf will bring regional peace For Israelis of Mizrahi origin, normalization with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain has great significance; it reconnects them to the Arab world, with its history and heritage. Israel
Intel: Congress warned of fallout if Yemen's Houthis labeled terrorists A group of 29 aid agencies operating in Yemen warned congressional leaders that the Donald Trump administration's planned terror designation could hinder their live-saving work. Yemen
Egypt’s first hearing impaired flight attendants work flight to Khartoum Two Egyptian women have become the Middle East's first hearing impaired flight attendants thanks to an initiative called Humanitarian Flights. Egypt
Tunisian activists struggle to rein in police power Tunisians eager for justice and reform are fighting another bill to increase the powers of the country's already virtually untouchable police force. Tunisia
Scarred but still standing, Mosul museum reopens at last Ninevah’s renowned cultural heritage museum, known for the Islamic State's disastrous attack on its treasures, has finally reopened to the public. Iraq
Israelis, Emiratis connect over cinema, concern for nature While trade is a pillar of the nascent ties between Israel and the Emirates, civil groups on both sides are finding plenty of common goals and joint projects to pursue. United Arab Emirates
Egypt’s Al-Azhar pressed to call Muslim Brotherhood terror group Religious institutions in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, increasing pressure on Al-Azhar to do likewise. Egypt
Court throws out school discrimination suit as Israel tests nationality law An Israeli court’s decision against Arab children demanding to be reimbursed for traveling to a distant Arabic-speaking school illustrates the dangerous implications of the 2018 nationality law. Israel
Jerusalem cable car taken to Israel's highest court Israel's High Court is set to rule on a controversial cable car project in Jerusalem that would alter the city's landscape. Israel
