Composer, singer take on ‘sexist’ Arab pop in new song

The backlash rages on over “Metlak Mesh Ayzin” song by a Lebanese singer that beckons women back to domesticity

War is hell: Lebanese art in Washington, DC

“Convergence: New Art From Lebanon” is billed as the first large retrospective of contemporary Lebanese art outside Lebanon in decades.

Israeli court allows Arab author to go to Lebanon

Israel’s Supreme Court has permitted an Israeli-Arab author to travel to Lebanon to receive a literary award.

Ala Hlehel was invited to the Beirut39 Festival this week, but laws in enemy nations prevented him from going.

Israel bans its citizens from visiting Lebanon, while Lebanon prevents Israeli passport holders from entering. (more…)

Saudi Woman Defies Death Threats to Finish Third in Poetry Contest

Hissa Hilal finished third, took home $800,000. Her participation in this year’s Million’s Poet contest will continue to have an impact on the art form.

2 Israeli Arab novelists unable to collect their Lebanon literary awards

Organizers of a Beirut cultural festival say two Israeli Arab authors will not be able to collect their literary awards in Lebanon because of laws in the two countries.