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
Who is Israel commemorating at Holocaust remembrance event? Israeli and Jewish politicians and wheeler-dealers are turning Holocaust remembrance events into a political mingling arena. Israel
Last Ottoman viceroy casts shadow on current Turco-Egyptian culture war After the success of the series "Kingdoms of Fire,” Egyptian cinematographers may have found the next controversial figure that can be used to counter Turkey’s interpretation of Ottoman history on screen: Muhammad Ali Pasha. Saudi Arabia
Will political merger mania save or topple Netanyahu? In Israel, the goal of toppling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has driven center and left-wing parties to unite through"technical linkages," but with no guarantee their alliance will survive the day after March 2 elections. Palestine
Why some Israelis criticize Putin’s imminent visit The upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his participation in the ceremony commemorating 75 years to the liberation of Auschwitz and his inauguration of the monument commemorating the Leningrad blockade stir up mixed emotions. Israel
What, no connection? Internet outage further darkens life in Yemen Yemenis have long suffered a humanitarian crisis, but a severed wire makes it even worse when they can no longer connect. Yemen
Turkey's YouTube gangsters hit mainstream box office The "Sifir Bir" series set in the southern city of Adana is essentially a constant shootout between dueling street gangs competing for turf, with a bit of the country's turbulent politics. Turkey
Christians in Iraq welcome 2020 with confidence and desire for change Iraqi Christians hope 2020 brings them more security and national acceptance and brings Iraq more unity and stability. Iraq
Women's group brings equality to Talmud study Over 3,000 women participated in a gathering to celebrate the completion of a seven and a half years of Talmud study put on by the Hadran association, dedicated to make practice inclusive of women. Israel
Jordanians press case against importing Israeli gas A confrontation between the Jordanian government and parliament looms after the launch of a trial run pumping Israeli natural gas to Jordan amid vocal public opposition. Egypt
Years after coup, purged civil servants feel trapped in Turkey More than 130,000 dismissed civil servants continue to fight for their jobs and basic rights in post-coup Turkey, including those acquitted of their original charges. Turkey
Africans in Istanbul victims of unemployment, red tape "We love it," say many members of the African community in Turkey, but add that there are few jobs — at least for them. Turkey
Ottoman archives help Palestinians reclaim their land The Palestinian Authority is heavily relying on Ottoman archives to prove ownership of thousands of dunams of lands claimed by Israel in the West Bank. Palestine
