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
Pandemic further strains Egypt's dilapidated health system Egypt's health practitioners say protective gear shortages are putting them at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Egypt
Turkey cracks down on journalists, others as coronavirus rumors spread Turkish journalists and social media users alike are facing charges for sharing "lies" and "manipulating the public" as Ankara finds its coronavirus responses under scrutiny. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox welcome soldiers’ help in battle against coronavirus When the ultra-Orthodox residents of Bnei Brak realized that the army was there to help them against the coronavirus, their negative attitudes changed almost overnight. Israel
In Israel, Arabs feel sidelined in struggle against coronavirus The Arab community has been disappointed with Israeli government communications about the coronavirus. Israel
Why returning to classics may mean success for Egyptian cinema Egypt, known as the Hollywood of the Middle East, now wonders whether nostalgia will draw in new audiences. Egypt
Turkey's state religious body undermines anti-coronavirus efforts Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate is accused of badly mishandling its response to the coronavirus pandemic and its credibility is increasingly under question. Turkey
Coronavirus leading Israel into a Passover like no other With Passover approaching, the Israeli government appears set to implement extraordinary measures to try to keep the novel coronavirus from spreading beyond control as families gather for the holiday. Israel
Tel Aviv, the city that never stops, now paralyzed Although Tel Aviv is known as "the city that never stops," its entire entertainment and tourism scene — plays, other performances, bars, restaurants and hotels, the seashore — have come to a halt as a result of the coronavirus. Israel
Israeli Arabs left to rely on 'self-help' for coronavirus testing The discrepancy in the Israel government's approach to coronavirus testing in Jewish and Arab communities has put the burden on Arab Knesset members and local Arab authorities to organize to try to keep infections under control in Arab towns and villages. Israel
Egypt's family planning policies tested by COVID-19 Egypt has struggled to lower divorce rates and to convince people to have no more than two kids, but the pandemic may challenge these polices, as more couples stay home during lockdown. Egypt
Assyrian new year canceled in Syria amid fear of coronavirus outbreak Syriac and Assyrian authorities suspended New Year festivities and called on people not to gather for celebrations. Syria
In Cairo, different architectural styles mingle with each other Egypt's plans to celebrate its multi-layered Islamic heritage stumbles upon coronavirus measures. Egypt
