World | Middle East | Olive Press
In Jordan, drum bangs slowly for a fading Ramadan traditionDuring Ramadan, musaharatis walk the streets before dawn, banging drums and singing to the faithful to wake up and eat the morning meal. But their ranks are dwindling.
Amid Gaza rubble, new center offers kids art, storytelling, and hopeIn a Gaza City neighborhood that saw some of the fiercest fighting in last summer's war, a children's center teaches free thinking, life skills, and ethics.
Voice of disapproval: Lebanese pop star abandons jihadist cause in SyriaFadel Shaker's about-face stands as a symbol of a wider crisis facing jihadist groups in Syria. Dozens of Saudis and more than 100 Jordanians have reportedly defected as well.
In Jerusalem, a taste of forbidden fruit from GazaStrawberries are among the produce items that Israel no longer imports from Gaza, to the dismay of growers keen to revive a once vibrant trade.
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Bilingual collection of poems and prose joins young Arabic, Hebrew writersCalled 'Two,' the anthology focuses on daily life and love as much as on politics, offering Israeli Arabs and Jews a unique perspective into the humanity of the other.
Seriously, a fatwa against snowmen? Saudis push back on Twitter.A prominent Saudi cleric issued a religious ruling against snowmen and other creatures, suggesting 'lifeless' forms such as boats and fruits instead.
A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolutionAziz Abu Sarah became embittered as a kid during the first Palestinian intifada but had an extraordinary transformation – in Hebrew class.
In tense West Bank city, she secretly meets Israelis to talk peaceHaya, a Hebron college student, has stopped telling friends about peace and started boycotting Israeli products. But she meets twice a month with Israelis and says one day she might be Palestinian president.
Islamic State: Arab female F-16 pilot stirs debate in Muslim worldUAE fighter pilot Mariam al-Mansouri shot to fame last week for her role in a US-led bombing campaign in Syria. While Americans hailed her pluck, for Arabs it's more complicated.
Classroom brings a rare, welcome 'escape' for refugees in LebanonSyrian and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon face a multitude of hurdles to complete their educations, like obtaining books or taking exams recognized by their home country. One charity has stepped in to help.
Israeli condolence visit to family of murdered Palestinian teen meets wall of distrustThe visit showcased shared humanity, but also the difficulties of reconciliation in the current environment.
In Gaza, women see a future in high-tech startupsGaza Sky Geeks’ fourth annual Start-Up Weekend drew record numbers, and women accounted for half of those making one-minute pitches.
From Paris, with sand: La Traviata opera rocks desert fortressVerdi’s tragic love story draws thousands to the foot of Masada, a dramatic mountain fortress where Jews jumped to their deaths rather than be captured by Romans.
Breaking the silence about Israeli occupationThe founder of Breaking the Silence, a group of ex-soldiers opposed to Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza, talks about moral accountability on the group’s 10-year anniversary.
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