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
For young Israeli Arabs, strong party means strong integration The young Israeli Arab generation seeks greater integration into Israeli society, including a strong Joint List party that will fight for their interests. Israel
Gaza's female softball players in league of their own Baseball and softball fever is sweeping Gaza, where women and girls are learning to swing. Palestine
Mountain couriers brave bullets along Iran-Iraq border As the economic crisis deepens in Iran, more people are risking their lives to earn money by transporting goods through the mountains of the Kurdistan region on the Iraq-Iran border. Iraq
Syrians in northern Aleppo terrified as regime advances Displaced Syrians and Aleppo natives alike are living in fear that the Syrian regime and its allies will invade their last refuge and set off a humanitarian catastrophe. Syria
Thousands stranded at Greek border as Ankara pressures EU over Idlib escalation Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said border security would continue to stand down Monday as thousands of refugees and migrants attempt to enter Greece by land and sea. Syria
Can Liberman reinvent himself again in Israeli politics? Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman has pledged not to sit in a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, but also not to join one supported by the Arab Joint List, creating a dilemma that could lead to an unappealing fourth round of elections. Israel
Tehran cracks down on hoarding as coronavirus panics Iranians As Iran continues to fight the coronavirus outbreak, officials vow strong action against the hoarding of medical supplies. Iran
Polls report high numbers as Israel votes yet again Despite predictions of voter fatigue in Israel's third round of elections in less than a year and growing fears of the coronavirus outbreak, voter turnout early in today's elections has been high. Israel
Meet the Lebanese artist who has created the heart of revolution A sculpture by artist Hayat Nazer delivers a message of compassion, peace and reconciliation amid the going protests in Beirut. Lebanon
Yemen’s Hadi hopes new governor calms Mahra tensions In the wake of clashes between Saudi forces and local tribesmen in Mahra province, Yemen’s president appointed a new governor in the hope of preventing further violence. Gulf
A Jordanian dinner table pushes for social change Every other week since 2016, dozens of near-strangers gather at the Shams Community house in Amman to discuss hot topics, from sex to religion. Jordan
Egypt faces calls for stricter laws after young girl dies from genital mutilation Public anger over the death of a girl after she underwent female genital mutilation has forced both the Egyptian government and top clerics to take a stand. Egypt
