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
Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour coronavirus curfew in Mecca, Medina Saudi Arabia has shut down virtually all activity in Mecca and Medina as it fights the global pandemic, and authorities are urging Muslims around the world to delay making travel plans for the hajj this summer. Saudi Arabia
Israeli-Bedouin students left behind over coronavirus Israeli high schools and colleges offer online courses for students who are confined due to the coronavirus, but these initiatives are worthless for the Bedouin pupils who have little access to computers or fast internet in their villages. Israel
Will Egypt's military corner the coronavirus market? The Egyptian military has begun manufacturing and selling protective masks, which are in short supply through pharmacies. Egypt
Will Baha'is be released from Yemeni prisons as ordered? At the end of March, Houthi leaders ordered the release of all Baha'is currently detained in Yemeni prisons, including their leader, but there have been no signs of progress in that direction in the ensuing weeks. Yemen
Most vulnerable still exposed to virus on Istanbul's deserted streets Some of Istanbul's most vulnerable people, including Syrian child refugees, are still out on the streets day and night, braving the pandemic to earn a living. Turkey
Turkish political prisoners left out of plan to reduce jail population As fear of the novel coronavirus grow, Ankara lawmakers are weighing reforms that would release up to 90,000 inmates from overcrowded Turkish jails, drawing criticism for excluding political prisoners. Turkey
Israeli health minister urges quarantine on ultra-Orthodox city Israel's Heath Ministry has urged Netanyahu to call for a lockdown in an ultra-Orthodox city overwhelmed by COVID-19. Israel
Erdogan threatens new restrictions if Turks flout 'voluntary quarantine' Turkey's president continues to resist calling for a nationwide lockdown, but has admitted that stronger action will be needed if Turks don't stay home. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox in Israel hit hard by coronavirus Ahead of Passover, and with the coronavirus spreading in Israel, the ultra-Orthodox are instructed to avoid family gatherings and praying in groups. Israel
Facing the music of the Holocaust in Turkey Turkey has long claimed that it has saved many Jews twice in history, but how true is that? Turkey
Turkey’s femicide toll soars amid coronavirus lockdowns Women’s rights groups are calling for urgent action to protect victims of domestic violence in Turkey, where coronavirus restrictions leave vulnerable women trapped with their abusers. Turkey
Coronavirus crisis exposes Shin Bet's secret database Resistance to the Israeli government’s emergency measure to track coronavirus patients has revealed one of the most secretive tools of the Shin Bet in its war against terrorism. Palestine
