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
Parties at ski resorts outrage Turks in lockdown Images of skiers partying on the slopes have angered ordinary Turks obeying coronavirus restrictions as vaccination efforts roll out. Turkey
UK bans travel from UAE The United Kingdom's decision follows historic highs in daily COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Canada votes to offer citizenship to jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, whose wife and children live in Canada, is serving a 10-year jail sentence in Saudi Arabia for "insulting Islam." Saudi Arabia
Pope Francis, Shiite leader al-Sistani to meet in historic Iraq trip Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani are scheduled to meet in the Iraqi city of Najaf during the first papal visit to the country. Iraq
Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament Adnan Dirjal, Iraq's minister of youth and sports, has gotten the ministry to promote health and fitness and is spearheading the nation's bid to host the 25th Arab Gulf Cup in Basra. Iraq
Campaign trash makes statement on waste, politics in Amman exhibit Local and international artists and environmental activists created an exhibition of art made primarily of discarded placards from Jordan’s parliamentary elections last year to address political apathy and the growing environmental crisis facing the kingdom. Jordan
Polls show surprising support for Jewish parties among Arab voters In the unlikely event that the Joint List splits up, many disappointed Arab voters would turn to Jewish parties rather than the coalition's Arab components. Israel
Six days after disappearance, Turkish worker returns home Following a public outcry, Turkish electrician Gokhan Gunes returned to his family Tuesday after six days of alleged torture. Turkey
Turkey enraged by Clintons' TV show exalting Syrian Kurdish women fighters Turkey’s state-run press agency is churning out angry coverage of former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea producing a TV series about the Syrian Kurdish women fighters who were key in defeating the Islamic State. Syria
Indian Jews bring traditional celebrations to Israel Members of the Jewish-Indian Bene Israel community are eager to share their Malida ceremonies and traditions with other Israelis, and this year they're doing it over Zoom. Israel
Israel extradites Australian woman accused of child abuse Australian authorities sought the extradition of former teacher Malka Leifer for several years. Israel
Ultra-Orthodox riot across Israel over lockdown Resistance to pandemic restrictions has grown violent in ultra-Orthodox towns, where a bus driver was attacked during anti-government riots. Israel
