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
Gazan divers search for missing Egyptians after storm Amateur and professional divers are searching Gaza's coast for Egyptian sailors feared dead in a goodwill gesture toward Cairo. Palestine
Rights group accuses Palestinian Authority of vaccine corruption The Ramallah-based Independent Commission for Human Rights said the Palestinian Authority is giving out vaccine doses based on personal relationships and not medical need. Palestine
Arab-Israelis accuse police of brutality against demonstrators Demonstrations in the Arab-Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm spun out of control, and accusations of excessive force by the police have reached the Knesset. Israel
Nasiriyah tensions ease as pope heads to Iraq Iraq's Nasiriyah has been the scene of violent protests recently, but calm has settled over the city with the prime minister's efforts to calm it. Iraq
Egypt to introduce Judaism in schools Egypt’s Ministry of Education has approved a new school topic about the common values between the Abrahamic religions. Egypt
Iraq passes law addressing women survivors of Yazidi genocide The landmark bill formally recognizes the Yazidi genocide and the trauma of sexual violence, but the community still faces grave security concerns and missing men, women and children. Iraq
Turkish politics has entered Clubhouse Clubhouse, an invite-only chat app, is connecting people around the world and providing a platform for muffled voices in Turkey. Turkey
Dubai restaurants offer discounts for vaccinated diners A group of Dubai restaurants is offering discounts to customers who have been inoculated against the novel coronavirus as the emirate fights to control the pandemic without closing its doors. United Arab Emirates
Massive oil spill blackens Israeli coast Though a gag order has been relaxed, little is known about the extent of the damage caused by a major oil spill to Israel's marine ecosystems and beaches. Israel
Vaccine pass required to attend Israeli concert The Israeli government has launched a "Green Pass" program that allows vaccinated individuals to go to concerts, the gym, hotels and more. Israel
At least 9 dead after boat sinks in Egypt A boating accident in Lake Mariout near Alexandria killed several family members Monday. Egypt
France maintains order as visitors flock to Jerusalem's Tombs of the Kings A 2,000-year-old funerary compound in Jerusalem has been marked by controversy since its reopening to the public in 2019. Palestine
