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
Are Iraqi youths losing their religion? Despite the influence of religion in Iraqi politics, recent studies show that young people in Iraq are increasingly identifying as secularist. Iraq
Saudi women entrepreneurs fight cultural conditioning The Saudi government has changed many practices that were discriminatory against women, but really empowering women requires a profound change of mentality. Saudi Arabia
US lawmakers grapple with Egypt policy as Sisi’s clampdown continues As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratchets up the rights abuses, some in Congress say the Trump administration is giving the Egyptian strongman a pass. Egypt
More intact coffins among archaeological discoveries in Egypt Egypt announced the discovery of 13 completely sealed coffins dating back more than 2,500 years, as the country resumes excavation missions following months of hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
Israelis campaign against army building roads in nature reserves Israelis living in the north of Israel are currently campaigning against the Israel Defense Forces’ intention to pave roads near the border fence that will pass through nature reserves. Israel
Netanyahu apologizes three years after Shin Bet clears Arab-Israeli of terrorism Arab-Israelis say that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology for calling Yakub Abu al-Kiyan a terrorist is clearly politically motivated. Israel
Iran infuriated as Charlie Hebdo reprints 'sacrilegious' cartoons Iranian officials are expressing rage at a provocative rerunning of cartoon portrayals of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, but have refrained from calling for retaliation or issuing death fatwas. Iran
Cairo’s downtown slow revival amid efforts to restore architectural heritage The collapse of an old building in downtown Cairo has shed light on the state of historic buildings in the area, while heritage preservation is the focus of various projects. Egypt
British-Iranian charity worker faces new charge in Iran: state TV Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was convicted of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government, has been notified of "a new indictment." Iran
Emirates to resume flights to Amman Beginning Sept. 8, the Dubai-owned carrier will operate daily flights between Dubai and the Jordanian capital. United Arab Emirates
Palestinians say not even caves safe from Israeli bulldozers Residents of the West Bank village of Farasin are living in fear of displacement after receiving demolition notices for their houses, tents and even caves. Palestine
Audio: Despite enormous challenges, Yemen’s educators return to classroom Yemen's ongoing civil war, cholera and coronavirus outbreak and a lack of paychecks have failed to deter intrepid educators from opening school doors this week. Yemen
