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
Tuk-tuks to the rescue in Iraqi unrest Iraqis disdained tuk-tuk drivers and their vehicles until their volunteerism during the ongoing anti-government protests made them national heroes. Iraq
Turkish court defies higher ruling to uphold verdict in Cumhuriyet retrial A Turkish court has upheld its conviction of 12 Cumhuriyet journalists, defying a September decision by a higher court and exposing discord in the Turkish judiciary. Turkey
Liberman spawns 'alliance of the underprivileged' Attacks by Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Liberman on Arab and ultra-Orthodox parties has pushed the two groups into a surprising alliance. Israel
Iran's internet access gradually resumes after protest blackout After blocking access to the internet over the recent massive protests, Iran has begun restoring connectivity in certain provinces. Iran
Internet ignites as journalist loses eye to Israeli bullet Journalists and social media activists joined a campaign in support of Palestinian photojournalist Muath Amarneh, who lost his left eye covering confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces in the West Bank. Palestine
Iranian film on US porn star causes stir at home "Xsunami: Memories of a Porn Star," produced by hard-line filmmakers, aims to expose "sexual decadence" in the United States but has yet to get screening permission from Iran's Ministry of Culture. Iran
Iraq on display Iraqis are rising up against their corrupt government, but how can these revolutionary protests lead to lasting change? Iraq
Through Fatima's eyes: Jordanians take to streets against domestic violence The blinding of Fatima, a mother of three, by her abusive husband has disgusted and outraged Jordanians because of the lack of protection available for women experiencing domestic violence. Jordan
New scandals pour more fuel on Iraq protests The popular protests in Iraq are still spreading, putting the government into even more of a corner. Iraq
Protests bring people from all classes to posh Beirut Downtown Since protests broke out across the country, people from all social classes have gathered in downtown Beirut, which previously had become the domain of the city's upper crust. Lebanon
Queen of Lebanese hip-hop raps on revolution Veteran Middle Eastern hip-hop artist Malikah's new release at the height of the Lebanese protests marks a shift in her music and views on Lebanon. Lebanon
Lebanese photographers put protests under camera lens An exhibition held at the center of the protests in Beirut has introduced photography to the streets and has challenged artists to adapt to the revolutionary moment. Lebanon
