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
Secret relationships in times of the coronavirus The coronavirus crisis has put more constraints on the love lives of many Lebanese young people, especially those who are in interreligious or gay relationships. Lebanon
Palestinian men take up cooking in quarantine Forced to stay at home due to precautions against COVID-19, some Palestinian men are learning to cook for the first time in their lives. Palestine
Why does Israel's center-left stick to the same failed strategy? The failed attempts by Israel's center-left to adopt the strategy of Kadima under Ehud Olmert to win election and form a government could be opening the door to the possible establishment of a Jewish-Arab party. Israel
Despite hero worship, Turkey's doctors continue to face threats, violence Doctors and medical associations worry Turkey's new law that includes heavier penalties for physical and verbal attacks against health care workers may do little to change the situation on the ground. Turkey
How is Palestine dealing with added hunger, poverty from COVID-19? Thousands of new Palestinian households fell below the poverty line due to COVID-19 which is an additional challenge to the government’s efforts in the fight against the epidemic and ramifications on the community. Palestine
IDF, Arab Israelis join forces against COVID-19 ahead of Ramadan The Israeli central government and mayors of Arab Israeli municipalities are working together on plans to contain the novel coronavirus ahead of the Ramadan festivities. Israel
Extremist settlers exploit pandemic to step up violence While the Israel Defense Forces and the political leadership are busy fighting the novel coronavirus, Israel's notorious hilltop youth are rioting and attacking Palestinians with impunity. Palestine
COVID-19 crisis pushes Bahrain to resume flights from Iran after 4-year halt The tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain is bringing hundreds of Shiite pilgrims home from Iran, with which it has no diplomatic ties and normally no direct flights. Bahrain
Gazan medical masks make a statement Gazan artists use masks, sand sculptures and performance art to create awareness on social isolation and protection during the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
Stigma spreads alongside COVID-19 in Egypt Fear of the novel coronavirus pandemic has led to discrimination and even bullying in Egypt. Egypt
The show must go on: Egypt's Ramadan soap operas defy COVID-19 Egyptian production teams are racing against time to complete the TV shows they hope will bring some Ramadan cheer to Egyptian and Arab audiences during the crisis. Egypt
Gaza resumes coronavirus testing, but equipment remains in short supply COVID-19 testing has resumed in the Gaza Strip with kits from the World Health Organization, but testing supplies will soon run out again in the impoverished enclave. Palestine
