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
Israeli nature lovers clean beaches, rivers Israeli activists are rolling up their sleeves to clean nature, launching initiatives at nature reserves, parks, beaches and rivers. Israel
Coptic art adorns Cairo’s historic mosques Coptic and Islamic art have long shared space in Egypt, where the decoration and architecture of mosques are vibrant examples of their mutual influence. Egypt
Assad pays rare visit to fire-ravaged western Syria The UN says at least three people have died in the fires that erupted last week in Latakia, Tartus and Homs provinces. Syria
Moviegoers split as Gal Gadot to play Cleopatra The news that Israeli "Wonder Woman" actress Gal Gadot will play Cleopatra in an upcoming film has the internet in a tangle of excitement and outrage. Egypt
Palestinians displaced from Syria's Yarmouk camp to finally go home The camp had been the focus of fighting and seizure by Islamic State and Syrian government forces. Palestine
For Arab youth, the future is in the Gulf The most recent Arab Youth Survey shows the United States is gaining ground on Russia and China as perceived "allies." United Arab Emirates
Algerian activist gets 10 years in prison for 'inciting atheism' Yacine Mebarki was also fined 10 million Algerian dinars ($77,400) after police found a Quran with a missing page in his home. Algeria
Protests break out in Iran after death of famed singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian was a renowned singer and composer of classical music. He also notably supported the 2009 protests in the country. Iran
Turkish music sector in hot water due to pandemic, arbitrary restrictions The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Turkey's music industry that is already experiencing tough times due to a ban on alcohol advertising that has prevented companies from sponsoring events and festivals with their brand names. Turkey
Why Erdogan's so eager to see Cypriot ghost town reopen The abrupt decision to partially reopen a Cypriot resort sealed off for more than four decades was a clear attempt by Ankara to influence the Turkish Cypriot presidential polls and alter settlement parameters in long-divided Cyprus. Turkey
Iran official seeks lockdown extension as virus rages A Tehran official has pled for a longer lockdown as coronavirus cases rise in Tehran province. Iran
Iranian rights defender Narges Mohammadi released from prison Mohammadi served more than eight years in prison on a dubious national security conviction. Iran
![A member of the Syrian pro-government forces rides a bicycle through a damaged street in the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp on the southern outskirts of the capital Damascus on May 22, 2018. - The government seized earlier in the week the Yarmuk Palestinian camp and adjacent neighbourhoods of Tadamun and Hajar al-Aswad from the Islamic State (IS) group , putting Damascus fully under its control for the first time since 2012. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadat](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/10/GettyImages-961403346.jpg/GettyImages-961403346.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=kveoFn-S)
