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
Netanyahu’s shameful civics lesson for young Israelis The dismissiveness of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward the courts, minorities rights and rule of law has seeped into the nation's matriculation exams. Israel
After Gantz, will Israeli Arabs ever return to the ballot box? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz forming a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu has deflated the hopes of Arab Israelis of participating in national politics as equals, raising doubts that they will follow the urging of their representatives to take part in future elections. Israel
Egyptian government’s anti-virus plan met with mixed reactions Cairo has taken several new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many Egyptians are skeptical about the government's plans and fear the worst is yet to come. Egypt
Turkey mulls full lockdown to check coronavirus Turkey's interior minister says “full isolation” is possible if current measures do not slow the outbreak and Istanbul’s mayor says the country’s biggest city needs a stay-at-home order now. Turkey
Foreign Ministry rescues Israelis stranded abroad during pandemic The Israeli Foreign Ministry, after being sidelined for years by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sees its vital role recognized as diplomats bring back young Israelis stranded abroad during the coronavirus crisis. Israel
Coronavirus forces Lebanese protesters into new posture Anti-government protests have largely subsided in Lebanon due to government measures aimed at containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, but some activists continue to spread the message and are optimistic about the movement's future. Lebanon
Iranians look to each other, not government, for solidarity amidst COVID-19 Iranians attempt to lift each other's spirits with comedy, online cooking shows and by writing off debts, among other ways. Iran
Sex offenders may walk as lawmakers mull releasing one in three Turkish prisoners Turkish women's rights groups have denounced a bill that would reduce sentences for sex offenders and other convicts to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus in prisons. Turkey
Arab legislator to chair Knesset committee, undeterred by incitement The appointment of Arab Knesset member Aida Touma-Suleiman to head the Welfare and Labor Committee generated racist reactions and incitement to hatred, but she is not upset. Israel
Israel’s synagogues close doors for first time over coronavirus Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had avoided a complete nationwide lockdown, but with new COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, new directives have closed the nation's places of prayer. Israel
Plan to feed Jordanians under curfew sows chaos The Jordanian authorities' effort to distribute bread to citizens brought more confusion and panic than aid. Jordan
Why Israeli, Palestinian religious leaders ignore coronavirus threat Muslim and Jewish religious leaders in Israel and the West Bank are both guilty of conducting gatherings and prayers in public despite the coronavirus danger. Palestine
![JERUSALEM - MARCH 15: Muslims perform prayer outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque after the Islamic Waqf Department announced to close the enclosed prayer places as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Jerusalem on March 15, 2020. According to the statement, all prayers remain to be held in the [outdoor] courtyard and all doors will be open to worshipers. (Photo by Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/03/GettyImages-1207229344.jpg/GettyImages-1207229344.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=UPIJg16v)
