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
Palestinians furious as Israel escorts Arab delegations to Al-Aqsa Tension is rising at Al-Aqsa Mosque, where self-appointed Jerusalemite defenders are harassing Gulf Arab visitors who come under Israeli protection. Palestine
Saudi Arabia condemns 'offensive cartoons' as calls grow for French boycott The kingdom "rejects any attempt to link Islam with terrorism," a Foreign Ministry source said. Saudi Arabia
Child malnutrition soars in parts of Yemen Rampant food insecurity comes as UN-led efforts in Yemen face serious funding shortfalls. Yemen
UK to return 5,000 ancient artifacts to Iraq Included in the repatriation is a 4,000-year-old Sumerian relic discovered in an online auction. Iraq
Egyptian PM’s visit to archaeological site set to boost tourism Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly's historic visit to the Saqqara archaeological site took place ahead of the inauguration of several new museums in the coming months. Egypt
Israel-Turkey inch closer in trade, culture While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to slam Israel, commercial and cultural ties show signs of growth. Israel
Athens reaches out to Syria via Greek Orthodox community Syria’s Greek Orthodox Christians hope the resumption of ties between Syria and Greece will help them recover from the war. Syria
Turkey-backed president's election to reshape negotiations in North Cyprus Northern Cypriots elected right-wing nationalist Ersin Tatar in runoff presidential elections Sunday, likely drawing a new path for peace talks and energy-revenue sharing negotiations amid rising regional tensions. Turkey
Egypt caves to popular pressure, displays controversial French statue After years of tension and popular pressure, Egypt has decided to move the statue of French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was behind digging the Suez Canal, from the Port Said governorate to exhibit it at the headquarters of the Suez Canal International Museum in Ismailia governorate. Egypt
Remote learning widens educational gap between Turkey’s rich, poor Millions of students in Turkey have been effectively left out of remote learning by a lack of resources. Turkey
'Cleopatra' casting of Israeli actress draws backlash in Egypt Many Egyptians are dismayed over Israeli actress Gal Gadot's casting in a new biographical drama depicting Cleopatra's life. Egypt
Israel approves first West Bank settlement construction since normalization deals Israel’s West Bank Civil Administration gave its final approval for more than 1,300 housing units in the West Bank and more are expected to follow. Israel
