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
Erdogan plays out Islamic 'Reconquista' with Hagia Sophia as backdrop The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is a power move by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that betrays not only domestic but regional and even global ambitions. Turkey
It's not safe to insult Erdogan, even from Lebanon Ankara has successfully pressured Beirut into prosecuting a Lebanese talk show host for criticizing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his own country. Lebanon
Bahrain upholds death sentences despite torture claims Pro-democracy activists Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa face imminent execution. Bahrain
Israel creates plan to develop, protect Sea of Galilee The Galilee Sea development plan aims to regulate the local tourism industry and protect the region’s sensitive ecosystems. Israel
Ultra-Orthodox threaten unity government over coronavirus measures Ultra-Orthodox Knesset members are threatening to leave the Netanyahu government over anti-coronavirus measures they feel disproportionately target their sector. Israel
Erdogan's order making Hagia Sophia mosque brings cheers, mourning While many pious Turks and some Muslims throughout the world celebrated the decision to revert the world heritage site to its pre-Ataturk status, others warned of the move's potential to create further domestic polarization. Turkey
Israel shifts blame for prostitution from sex workers to clients After years of promotion and preparation, Israel's new law criminalizing the consumption of prostitution has finally entered into force. Israel
Algeria calls on France to reckon with colonial past as BLM rocks globe As the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrations continue, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has demanded an apology from France for its treatment of Algerians under 132 years of French occupation. Algeria
Turkish lawyers protest as parliament debates bar association bill As Turkey’s parliament debates a controversial proposal to weaken the influence of established bar associations, lawyers are protesting in the nation’s major cities. Turkey
Israel’s middle class sags as aid package delayed Young Israelis and the country's middle class are facing the biggest economic crisis Israel has ever experienced as the pandemic's second wave crashes. Israel
Egyptian women call out accused rapist, demand change The arrest of an accused serial rapist and sexual harasser in Egypt has rekindled public discussion about sexual harassment and abuse after many women shared their stories of the man over social media. Egypt
Britain extends lifeline to Turkish tourism by lifting quarantine rule Turkey hopes visitors from the United Kingdom will help offset the deep losses its coronavirus-hit tourism industry is expected to suffer this summer season and is pushing the European Union to reconsider its "safe list" that excluded the Mediterranean destination. Turkey
