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
Gaza locks down as virus infects four The four new cases of the virus confirmed on Monday were the first detected outside Gaza's quarantine centers. Palestine
Gazan child raps about broken dreams under siege Abdel Rahman Salih al-Shanti, an 11-year-old rapper from the Gaza Strip, has made international headlines, with English rap songs evoking Gaza’s wars and sufferings under the Israeli blockade. Palestine
Flooding in Turkey kills at least eight in bitter reminder of climate chaos The government has pledged to rebuild areas hard hit by a weekend flood, but activists warn the construction of roads, dams and buildings in flood zones means more disasters are likely to follow. Turkey
Turkey starves Syria’s northeast of water as virus death toll mounts Turkey has once again cut water supplies to the Hasakeh region of northeast Syria, and the autonomous administration says Ankara is risking hundreds of thousands of lives in the midst of the pandemic and soaring temperatures to placate Syrians living under Turkish occupation. Syria
Egyptian news media warned not to criticize UAE-Israel deal Cairo has reportedly instructed local media outlets not to publish content criticizing the recent UAE-Israel normalization deal in another blow to press freedom in the country. Egypt
Gulf citizens powerless in face of megaprojects Local communities in Saudi Arabia often have no say in the strategic infrastructure projects and long-term economic reforms that directly impact them. Saudi Arabia
Intel: Murder of another Iraqi activist sparks new wave of demonstrations The death of a woman activist follows a string of recent assassinations and kidnappings and has reignited mass protests in Iraq demanding an end to violence and corruption. Iraq
Lebanon returns to lockdown after post-explosion surge in virus The country has registered all-time highs in daily new COVID-19 cases following the massive Aug. 4 explosion. Lebanon
Turkey's 'hedonist' singles become new target of AKP heavyweight Numan Kurtulmus, deputy chair of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party who opened a Pandora’s box on the Istanbul Convention, has come under fire once more for remarks on “over hedonist singles.” Turkey
Egypt shows interest in Nubian community after years of marginalization The marginalized Nubian community is back at the forefront in Egypt with a boat race festival to preserve Nubian heritage, held for a second time in Aswan governorate. Egypt
Outrage at violence unites women across Turkey's ideological divide Turkish women across political and ideological divides are united in anger over news that an abduction and rape victim has died. Turkey
Iran’s coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as nation braces for more The mortality figure ticked up to the new milestone just as Iranians prepare for mass religious ceremonies that many fear could further exacerbate the crisis. Iran
