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
Temple Mount reopens amid growing tensions in Jerusalem After the killing of Palestinian Iyad al-Hallak by an Israeli police officer, authorities fear conflict is brewing on the Temple Mount. Palestine
New coronavirus clusters in Lebanon's marginalized communities For many who have been dealing with the effects of Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis or have been marginalized by their refugee status, the pandemic has not been a priority. Lebanon
Iraq registers dramatic jump in COVID-19 cases There were 416 new confirmed infections of the novel coronavirus in Iraq today. Iraq
Kuwait reduces its lockdown to 12 hours as virus cases continue to climb Kuwait previously instituted a 24-hour curfew to stop the spread of COVID-19. Kuwait
Turkey readies for 'new normal' after declaring success against coronavirus President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that a raft of restrictions imposed to curb the outbreak will be lifted next week as the country’s infection and death rates fall sharply. Turkey
Erdogan dedicates Turkish island project to hanged idol Turkey’s president says the island of Yassiada may become a Turkish Camp David, while critics slam the destruction of the landscape and archaeological heritage. Turkey
Rainbow flags over Baghdad fan debate, spur fear In what both progressive and conservative critics considered a tone-deaf step to support Iraq’s LGBTQ community, several Western embassies’ raising of the rainbow flag did not have its intended effects. Iraq
Will Israel fully legalize use of cannabis? Several ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government support the full legalization of cannabis use. Israel
Sexual abuse suspect fit to stand trial in Australia, says Israeli court After six years of discussions and contradictory psychiatric opinions, the Jerusalem District Court ruled that Malka Leifer, a suspect in Australian sexual assault cases, is mentally fit to stand trial. Israel
Three villages north of Cairo emerge from lockdown Egyptian authorities isolated three villages to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as hospitals outside the capital struggle to keep up with the increasing number of infections. Egypt
Cairo cracks down on social media influencers Internet personalities in Egypt, especially women, are the target of a government campaign against debauchery and other charges that rights activists say violate free speech. Egypt
Hundreds of children abused during lockdown in West Bank The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development said it has provided counseling and psychological services in more than 600 cases of child abuse in the West Bank during the coronavirus lockdown. Palestine
