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
Liberman accused of double standards on drafting ultra-Orthodox A report on ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service while top politician Avigdor Liberman served as defense minister has raised serious questions about his campaign to increase their enlistment. Israel
Syrian woman's Aleppo documentary takes top British award, up for Oscar "For Sama," a documentary depicting the struggle of a Aleppan mother and journalist, has won BAFTA's award for best documentary and is now in the running for an Oscar. Syria
Iraqi Jews in Israel watch protests with hope Iraqi Jews in Israel see an opportunity for Iraq in the protest movement, a chance for a more tolerant Iraq to emerge from the crisis. Iraq
Alarm as Turkey’s ruling party moves to empower night watchmen A revived nighttime security force in Turkey may soon get the same powers as regular police, drawing protest from lawmakers and civil rights advocates. Turkey
How this Palestinian initiative helps women deal with their scars Alorkedea, an initiative in Gaza, provides psychological support, health tips and networking opportunities for women with physical disfigurations. Palestine
Teacher translates Quran to save endangered Kurdish dialect The Kurdish dialect of Hawrami is on the path to extinction, according to UNESCO. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Trump’s plan revokes Israeli Arabs' citizenship The authors of the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan bothered to ask Israeli Arabs whether they wanted to become Palestinian nationals, but the deal nonetheless strips them of their Israeli citizenship and in the process would split families and help perpetuate right-wing rule. Palestine
Families languish in winter winds, legal limbo at Syria's Islamic State camp Al-Hol, the northeastern Syrian camp that houses thousands of wives and children of Islamic State fighters, is an increasingly desolate and violent place where a looming humanitarian crisis is smothering what hope is left. Syria
Turkey sends philanthropist back to prison despite European ruling Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala and 15 other defendants attended the fifth hearing of the Gezi trial today, when defense lawyers left the court room in protest of the prosecution's violation of Turkish legal norms. Turkey
Turkey rescues dozens after powerful quake kills 41 After a deadly tremor struck Turkey's east, rescue teams worked around the clock to save dozens from a disaster that sparked both an outpouring of support and fears about the country's unpreparedness for such events. Turkey
Meet the man who brought Picasso to Palestine A young curator's determination to bring a work of Picasso to Ramallah marked the decade in Middle Eastern art. Palestine
Popularity of Turkey's ancient temple worries archaeologists Gobekli Tepe, the oldest known place of worship in the world, has been a site of controversy as the Turkish government monetizes the mysterious archaeological treasure. Turkey
