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
Destruction of historical tombs raises controversy in Egypt Architects and archaeologists in Egypt are angered by the demolition of the Tombs of the Mamluks in Cairo to establish a road project. Egypt
Israeli-Arab society torn over LGBTQ legislation The vote over a bill banning gay "conversion therapy" stirred a real conflict within Israeli-Arab politics and society. Israel
Palestinian hands tied as crime rises in East Jerusalem Palestinians living in East Jerusalem are concerned by rising crime among the Arab population and complain that Israeli security forces are turning a blind eye while blocking Palestinian security forces from establishing control. Palestine
Turkish lawmakers to debate controversial social media bill With a vote expected this week, the Turkish Parliament is set to begin deliberations over a bill that would compel social media platforms and news websites to open offices in Turkey and even remove content upon government request. Turkey
Australian-British academic jailed in Iran moved to dangerous desert prison Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been moved to the Qarchak prison after spending nearly two years in Tehran's notorious Evin detention center. Iran
Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala marks 1000th day in jail Despite the European Court of Human Rights' order for his release, Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala remains imprisoned in Turkey on what supporters call politically motivated charges. Turkey
Iraq issues 'total curfew' for Eid al-Adha COVID-19 cases have increased to historic highs of around 2,000 a day in Iraq. Iraq
Moroccan activist calls for revolution of ideas While female entrepreneurship is steadily increasing in Morocco, cultural barriers stand in the way of women achieving their full economic potential. Morocco
Winning Israeli idea helps urban agriculture take root The Forest City initiative is taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis by encouraging urban agriculture while Israelis stay home and garden. Israel
Settlement sprawl forces Hebron's Palestinian families to live in caves Dozens of Palestinians are living in caves in Hebron as the Israeli authorities repeatedly demolish their homes built without impossible-to-obtain permits. Palestine
Egyptian COVID-19 patients complain of pressure, deception on clinical trials Many family members of coronavirus patients in Egypt report being forced or tricked into allowing their loved ones to participate in clinical trials. Egypt
Murder in street brings Jordanian women out in force Protesters gathered in Amman twice this week despite COVID-19 restrictions to demonstrate against last week’s so-called honor killing of a woman and demand changes to the law. Jordan
