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
Coronavirus resurgence hits Iran Iranian officials warn that a resurgence of the novel coronavirus is gripping nearly half of the country as the number of infections climb once again. Iran
In Lebanon’s new wave of protests and riots, Tripoli is leading the way Lebanon’s protests have resumed, but more violently, especially in Tripoli, where bank facades were smashed and a protester was killed by the army. Lebanon
Death of Egyptian director whose video mocked Sisi prompts calls for investigation Filmmaker Shady Habash, who was arrested after directing a controversial music video, died at the age of 24 in a Cairo prison. Egypt
Iran begins reopening mosques despite coronavirus concerns Mosques across 132 "low-risk" cities reopened in Iran under strict guidelines meant to ensure social distancing. Iran
Turkey’s gay community fights homophobia alongside COVID-19 Prosecutors have launched a probe into the bar associations that condemned the head of the state-run religious affairs directorate, for claiming homosexuals are spreading the pandemic. Turkey
Israel’s unity government to help gay couples become parents Into the outline of the new government, Knesset member Itzik Shmuli has succeeded in introducing a clause by which the state will financially assist same-sex couples undertake surrogacy procedures abroad. Israel
End of lockdown brings avalanche of demonstrations to Israel People from across Israeli society have been demonstrating against the government, demanding both looser and tighter restrictions and increased aid Israel
Turkey’s politicians spar over masks, bread in coronavirus response President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists his government should spearhead the fight against the pandemic and has stymied relief efforts in opposition-held cities, forcing local officials to come up with creative ways to deliver aid. Turkey
Sudan outlaws female genital mutilation Sudan's criminalization of the practice done to a majority of young girls won praise and may reflect some change in attitudes. North Africa
Netflix yanks 'Designated Survivor' episode in Turkey over portrayal of fictional president A Turkish regulator has ordered Netflix to remove an episode of "Designated Survivor" that paints an unflattering portrayal of a fictional Turkish president. Turkey
Low projections dim Ankara's high hopes for tourism recovery Turkey plans to begin reopening domestic travel in late May, but prospects remain gloomy for its crucial tourism sector, which relies largely on foreign visitors. Turkey
Alleged Gulenists main target of forced disappearances in Turkey A new report from Human Rights Watch on forcible disappearances in Turkey called for an "effective investigation into credible testimony" from one of the most recent men to go missing for months. Turkey
