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
IDF not in hurry to integrate women in elite combat units Young Israeli women have petitioned the Supreme Court demanding to be tried-outed for joining elite combat units. Israel
Turkey’s seasonal workers caught between virus, poverty Impoverished seasonal agricultural workers in Turkey are riding out the pandemic in squalid tent encampments to earn their living, providing a labor force crucial to the agricultural sector. Turkey
Israeli-Arabs adapt Eid al-Fitr celebrations to new coronavirus reality Israeli-Arabs are adapting to the new coronavirus reality, where mosques are open but restrictions remain in place. Israel
New law cuts contact for families split between Israel, Iran Prearranged contact with Israelis has become a criminal offense in Iran in a harsh blow to remaining Jews in the country and tens of thousands of Iranian-Israelis, populations already traumatized by loss and disconnection. Israel
Egypt makes major archaeological discovery amid coronavirus crisis A joint Egyptian-Spanish archaeological mission announced a major discovery in the Bahnasah region, in Minya governorate, consisting of a unique cemetery. Egypt
Turks rattled as protest song blares from mosques Hackers broke into the sound systems of mosques in Izmir to play a popular Italian protest song, reigniting political and religious debates in polarized Turkey. Turkey
Israeli court limits Jerusalem Day celebrations over coronavirus The High Court court ordered that the traditional — and provocative — Jerusalem Day Flag March be replaced with a human chain and a smaller celebration by the Western Wall. Palestine
New York court orders Gilgamesh tablet returned to Iraq The US Department of Justice said a past seller of the tablet, infamously purchased by the US company Hobby Lobby, misrepresented how it had been acquired. Iraq
Israeli schoolgirls in 'shorts rebellion' against sexist dress code Israeli girls are protesting over instructions banning female students from coming to school wearing shorts. Israel
Israel advances bill for Shin Bet tracking of coronavirus carriers' phones Israel’s government publishes a proposal for a law with a sunset date of three months that would enable the Shin Bet to track where the mobile phones of coronavirus carriers have been. Israel
Egyptians outraged by fatwa against charity to non-Muslims Pressure from angry Egyptians on social media has prompted Dar al-Ifta to withdraw a fatwa limiting regular alms-giving to Muslim recipients. Egypt
Israeli soccer fans dream of returning to stadiums Israeli soccer players have resumed training sessions and might even play again, but the fans are still kept away from the stadiums. Israel
