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
Teachers, rabbis at odds over satirical Israeli TV show Conservative activists are protesting the popular comedy show "The Jews are Coming," though supporters say its irreverence is crucial to Israeli society. Israel
Doctors warn Turkish outbreak 'out of control' as COVID-19 cases pass 250,000 The government says inspections of businesses will be increased to ensure enforcement rules on masks and physical distancing as the country battles more than 1,000 new cases a day. Turkey
Egypt upgrades Giza Plateau to attract tourists back to Pyramids The Egyptian authorities are advancing their plans to develop the Giza Plateau, where the Pyramids are located, as part of efforts to boost tourism. Egypt
Arab-Israelis shocked by virus czar's 'terror attack' comment Many Arab-Israelis found coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu's recent comments about their allegedly irresponsible behavior counterproductive and insulting. Israel
YouTube, Tiktok help low-income families survive in Egypt Low-income Egyptian families have discovered a way to make money via video-steaming platforms like YouTube and Tiktok. Egypt
Greek foreign minister talks Turkey, tourism in Israel Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Danidas came to Israel bearing gifts — news that Israeli tourists will be able to enter the country — likely in return for Jerusalem's continued support for Athens in its conflict against Ankara. Israel
Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers protest pandemic of violence, crime Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers started marching this week from Haifa to Jerusalem, to raise awareness of violence in Arab society. Israel
Turkish officials delay school reopenings as new daily COVID-19 cases remain above 1,100 Turkish health officials delayed plans to reopen schools later this month, as medical experts warn of rising infection rates throughout the country. Turkey
Dubai welcomes Lebanese residents with flowers, message of hope Following last week’s deadly explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, Dubai greeted its Lebanese residents at the airport with white roses. United Arab Emirates
Egypt-Gaza border crossing opens for first time in months The Rafah border crossing has been mostly shut to travelers since March. Palestine
Greece calls on Turkey to stop renewed gas exploration activities in East Med As Turkish vessels are dispatched near Greek territorial waters, analysts say tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea could quickly escalate if leaders on both sides do not reengage in diplomatic talks. Turkey
