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Jomana Karadsheh visits a Jordan eco-lodge hotel which transports people back in time.

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Hotel lets you live like a Bedouinupdated Thu Oct 03 2013 12:45:01

Jomana Karadsheh visits a hotel designed as one of Jordan's first eco-lodges which transports people back in time.

Jordan's ancient history comes to lifeupdated Wed Oct 02 2013 07:41:45

CNN's Jomana Karadsheh visits the Jordan Museum which will exhibit more than 4,000 artifacts once it opens.

Exploring Jordan's historic ruinsupdated Wed Oct 02 2013 07:31:52

Jomana Karadsheh looks at how the Arab nation has been influenced by Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, Arabs and Europeans.

Sex, lies and lithographs: An Iranian epic for the massesupdated Mon Sep 30 2013 23:06:15

Few books truly invade a national psyche. When a work manages to do so for 1,000 years, it's a pretty spectacular feat.

The dangers of being a cartoonist in the Arab worldupdated Wed Sep 18 2013 23:13:31

In many ways, the Middle East makes a strange -- and at times perilous -- hotbed for caricature.

Saudis seek Oscar glory for female director who defied death threatsupdated Fri Sep 13 2013 12:39:25

Traditionally, Saudi Arabia hasn't had much time for film. The country boasts no cinemas, and until last year, nothing but a handful of shorts had ever even been filmed on Saudi soil.

Kurdish men in drag promote feminism in the regionupdated Wed Sep 11 2013 22:22:39

Last April, images of Kurdish men dressed in drag started making the rounds on Facebook.

Twitter campaign highlights poverty in Saudi Arabiaupdated Thu Sep 05 2013 21:49:16

A few weeks ago, an Arabic campaign exploded on Twitter. The Arabic hashtag -- #??????_??????_?????? (loosely translated as "the salary does not meet my needs") -- reached 17 million tweets in the first two weeks.

The art of making baklavaupdated Wed Sep 04 2013 09:52:54

Chef Arda Turkmen stops for dessert at Gulluoglu, one of the oldest baklava bakeries in the world.

Reviving 'lost' Ottoman cuisineupdated Wed Sep 04 2013 09:50:37

Chef Arda Turkmen meets the owner of a restaurant that's bringing historic food back to life in Istanbul, Turkey.

Exploring Istanbul's history with foodupdated Wed Sep 04 2013 09:49:38

Chef Arda Turkmen explores the Turkish city's buzzing food scene, a great way to experience its rich past.

15th-century Ottoman cuisine revivedupdated Tue Sep 03 2013 11:59:23

Turkish restaurant owner Batur Durmay is a leading voice in Ottoman cuisine with recipes dating back hundreds of years

Discover Istanbul's street foodupdated Tue Sep 03 2013 09:23:26

Chef Arda Turkmen discovers the city's street food -- including a market that sells barbecued sheep heads.

Baklava secrets revealedupdated Tue Sep 03 2013 09:16:35

Turkish chef Arda Turkmen stops for dessert at Gulluoglu, one of the oldest baklava bakeries in the world.

My airport's bigger than yours: Middle East's big aviation ambitionsupdated Fri Aug 30 2013 04:32:34

The Middle East is currently the setting of a new form of airspace race. As the economies grow in a handful of countries in the region, so too do ambitions -- and few things symbolize a country's aspirations as aptly as an airport.

Saudi King intervenes to help 1,345-pound manupdated Mon Aug 19 2013 12:23:04

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has intervened to help a man who has become one of the heaviest people in the world.

Raha Moharrak: First Saudi woman to conquer Everest and break taboosupdated Tue Aug 13 2013 11:47:53

Climbing the world's highest mountain is challenge enough, but for Raha Moharrak, it also meant breaking a taboo.

Rock the conflict: Jewish and Palestinian metal bands tour for peaceupdated Sun Aug 11 2013 22:25:29

Two Israeli bands, one Jewish and one Arab, are joining together in "metal brotherhood" to spread a message of peace through rock 'n roll.

What was Ramadan like for Syrian refugees?updated Fri Aug 09 2013 00:54:31

The Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan, ended this week, marked across the Islamic world by the feasts of Eid el Fitr.

Mystery surrounds Egyptian sphinx unearthed in Israelupdated Thu Aug 08 2013 22:01:06

Tel Hazor in northern Israel has long been a treasure trove for archeologists, but a recent discovery of part of a 4,000-year-old Egyptian sphinx has been a most unexpected find.

Not so fast: Ramadan sees rise in binge eating and A&E casesupdated Wed Aug 07 2013 22:13:54

As Ramadan has drawn to a close -- and with it, mandatory daytime fasting -- Muslims can breathe a sigh of relief as their diets return to normal. Many, however, will be surprised to find their clothes a little snugger, and their health in a perilous state.

Mystery surrounds ancient sphinxupdated Wed Aug 07 2013 11:31:09

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets an archeologist whose team has made a discovery that could rewrite history.

Ancient city holds on to its rich pastupdated Wed Aug 07 2013 11:27:48

CNN's Leone Lakhani visits Acre, an Israeli city with both rich history and cultural diversity.

Artifact 'gold mine' rewrites history?updated Wed Aug 07 2013 10:24:27

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets Amnon Ben-Tor who manages Tel Hazor, the largest archaeological site in Israel.

Biblical city fights for survivalupdated Wed Aug 07 2013 10:19:07

CNN's Leone Lakhani visits Sebastia, an ancient city in desperate need of preservation.

Mysteries of the ancient Holy Landupdated Wed Aug 07 2013 10:12:28

Leone Lakhani travels to the Israeli city of Acre, one of the best preserved and oldest settlements in the Middle East.

Middle East media surveys find mix of freedom, controls and contradictionsupdated Sun Aug 04 2013 23:01:07

The Arab world's relationship with media is -- like the region itself -- complicated and often contradictory and one that has been changing rapidly since the Arab Spring.

'Space stations' to transform Riyadh in mega metro projectupdated Wed Jul 31 2013 22:50:40

Can car-loving Saudis be convinced to step out of their air-conditioned comfort and take public transport?

Yemeni girl from YouTube wants education, not marriageupdated Tue Jul 30 2013 21:02:07

A young Yemeni girl stares defiantly into the camera. Her question is a shocking one, coming from an 11-year-old:

Ramadan acts as 'Super Bowl for adverts' in the Middle Eastupdated Mon Jul 29 2013 00:09:08

For those that live and work in the Middle East, Ramadan is a period of considerable downtime. In many countries, special laws require the working day is reduced to accommodate those fasting (observers are meant to abstain from food, water, cigarettes -- even gossip -- during the daylight hours of the month-long holiday).

Baalbek, Lebanon: Where the Roman ruins outstrip Romeupdated Wed Jul 17 2013 23:29:25

I approached Baalbek on a hot, dry day out of Beirut, down a broken road where children played, oblivious to passing cars.

Seawater and solar power grow crops in the desertupdated Wed Jul 17 2013 00:20:43

In the scorching desert of Qatar, scientists are showing that saltwater can be used to help grow crops.

The 'crowd' gives entrepreneurs a kick-start in the Middle Eastupdated Mon Jul 15 2013 00:01:59

Things are looking up for entrepreneurs in the Middle East as a new breed of crowdfunding is emerging to help bring life to innovative ideas from the region.

Qatar gets its first World Heritage siteupdated Mon Jul 08 2013 00:17:11

Qatar's youthful new ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has acquired another jewel in his burgeoning crown. The archaeological site of Al Zubarah on the northern tip of the tiny Arab emirate has been added by UNESCO to its list of World Heritage sites.

New city offers vision of better life in West Bank updated Thu Jul 04 2013 23:47:58

High in the hills between Ramallah and Nablus in the West Bank sits a huge construction site its developers hope will transform the lives of Palestinians for generations to come.

Google captures view from world's tallest buildingupdated Wed Jul 03 2013 23:20:51

Fancy a stroll around the observation deck of the tallest building in the world?

Freerunners find their feet in Baghdadupdated Tue Jul 02 2013 22:52:40

Leaping from rooftops and doing backflips off walls is when Prince Haydar feels the most free.

Middle East battle for rights to Angry Birds theme parkupdated Tue Jun 18 2013 07:53:10

Those countries in the Middle East that have been spared political upheaval find themselves enmeshed in a different sort of battle of late. As Qatar, the UAE and Jordan split what's left of the region's tourists, each is fighting to pull in the lion's share. Their weapon of choice? Theme parks.

Dubai's latest superlative: The world's tallest, twisted towerupdated Wed Jun 12 2013 09:50:35

A land of superlatives.

After turbulent times Iraqi Airways reaches for the skiesupdated Sun Jun 09 2013 22:59:56

Even during difficult times, Iraqi Airways is aiming high.

Sporting chance: Iraqi women struggle for a level playing fieldupdated Fri Jun 07 2013 00:15:26

Filing nervously into a sports hall in Mosul, northern Iraq, around 20 girls prepared to practice gymnastics. Compared to their male counterparts at Mosul University's Faculty of Sport, their number is small. Another difference is that the gates to the sports hall were locked behind them and an announcement made that the hall was exclusively allocated for women.

Bunny business: Playboy hopes to push boundaries with Hebrew edition updated Tue Jun 04 2013 22:20:12

Playboy magazine recently published its first Hebrew language edition in Israel -- but has anyone actually been reading the articles to notice?

Iran tightens grip on cyberspace with 'halal internet'updated Mon Jun 03 2013 00:23:45

In the last few months Iranians have found themselves in a cyber no-man's land.

Bling, kebabs, cocktails: Guinness World Records moves to Dubaiupdated Mon May 27 2013 09:50:31

The United Arab Emirates is no stranger to superlatives: the world's tallest building, among the world's most expensive hotels, even the largest kebab.

From Jeeves to Jiang: The changing face of butlers in the Middle Eastupdated Mon May 20 2013 22:54:20

In popular culture, butlers are usually portrayed as "Made in Britain" and tend to stately homes somewhere in the English countryside. The last few years has revealed a different reality, however. Increasingly, "Jeeves" and his ilk are as likely to be found managing a palace in Saudi Arabia as a manor in England.

'Arab Idol's' first contestant from Gaza grabs spotlight updated Thu May 16 2013 18:27:11

One contestant on "Arab Idol," the Middle Eastern version of American Idol, has been drawing attention because of more than just his impressive vocals.

Can Saudi Arabia's first anti-domestic violence advert make a difference? updated Sun May 12 2013 23:08:29

Last month, thousands of people in Saudi Arabia opened up their newspapers to find a full-page picture of a woman with a black eye clearly visible underneath her burqa.

More 'likes' than the Louvre: Tiny museum shows rise of Saudi artupdated Wed May 08 2013 23:00:32

If Facebook is the ultimate popularity test, then the most famous art institute on the planet is not in Paris, New York or London.

Middle Eastern youth find comic relief through stand-upupdated Mon May 06 2013 22:24:37

It has been a rocky couple of years for the people of Egypt. Since the 2011 revolution, the economy has tanked, street protests are an almost daily occurrence and the political situation remains volatile.

Creating an international arts hub in the Middle Eastupdated Sun May 05 2013 22:17:15

The arts are thriving around the Arabian peninsula. From Doha to the smallest state of the United Arab Emirates, museums and galleries are making an ambitious mark on the Middle East's cultural landscape.

Meet the man who sculpted Saddam Husseinupdated Wed May 01 2013 22:05:42

For the generation of Iraqi artists who came of age under Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s, one common subject was the dictator himself, often depicted holding a sword or riding an Arabian horse.

Egypt's first comedy factoryupdated Wed May 01 2013 09:16:44

Young Egyptian comedians explain their craft and how their newfound freedom allows them to expand on material.

Artist blurs cultural bordersupdated Wed May 01 2013 09:15:49

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets Sara Rahbar, an Iranian-born artist who uses the U.S. flag as her canvas.

Qatar embraces stand-up comedy?updated Wed May 01 2013 09:13:01

Inside the Middle East meets two young comedians who are on a mission to make Qataris laugh.

Artist: Sculpting is my lifeupdated Wed May 01 2013 09:10:15

Iraqi artist Natiq Al-Alousi, who once worked for Saddam Hussein, struggles to find buyers in the UAE.

Qatar's cultural ambitionsupdated Wed May 01 2013 08:58:27

Aisha Al Khater, director of Doha's Museum of Islamic Art, talks about making the city a cultural capital.

Mysterious structure found at bottom of ancient lakeupdated Fri Apr 19 2013 03:51:12

A mysterious, circular structure, with a diameter greater than the length of a Boeing 747 jet, has been discovered submerged about 30 feet (9 meters) underneath the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Iran's cartoonists find new lines of expressionupdated Tue Apr 16 2013 00:11:21

In 2003, former newspaper editor Ali Reza Eshraghi made a mistake that cost him his freedom: he published a cartoon.

Billionaire Saudi prince tweets support for women drivingupdated Mon Apr 15 2013 14:28:05

Billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has reiterated his support for giving women the right to drive in Saudi Arabia, announcing via Twitter that it would help the economy and reduce the number of foreign workers there.

Watch out street racers, Dubai cops have Lamborghiniupdated Thu Apr 11 2013 14:59:25

Dubai already has the world's tallest building, the world's largest shopping mall, and the largest man-made archipelago. So it's no surprise that the country's police would drive one of the world's most extravagant and expensive cars.

'A minority within a minority': Artist tells the story of the Palestinian Christiansupdated Thu Apr 11 2013 00:09:58

After generations of conflict, the clamor of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute has the tendency to drown out other voices and stories from the region.

Iraq's TV comedy show courts controversyupdated Sun Apr 07 2013 22:57:20

Beset by war and sectarian violence, Iraq has not had a lot to laugh about in recent years.

Bringing Babylon back from the deadupdated Thu Apr 04 2013 22:59:02

Babylon was one of the glories of the ancient world, its walls and mythic hanging gardens listed among the Seven Wonders.

Backstage at Iraq's hottest TV talk showupdated Wed Apr 03 2013 10:30:48

"Ako Fad Wahed" ("There is this guy") is pushing social boundaries in Iraq -- and angering some conservatives.

Thrills on Iraq's threatened riversupdated Wed Apr 03 2013 10:24:07

Arwa Damon gets taken white water rafting by a group of Iraqis hoping to turn Kurdistan into a haven for eco-tourists.

Peace and prosperity in 'the other Iraq'updated Wed Apr 03 2013 10:23:54

Iraq's autonomous northern region of Kurdistan is eager to display its distinct cultural heritage and booming economy.

Bringing Babylon back from the deadupdated Wed Apr 03 2013 10:22:55

The newest residents of the ancient city are fighting to protect a site trampled by Saddam Hussein and new developers.

Rediscovering Iraq's cultural heartupdated Wed Apr 03 2013 10:22:34

Once the world's capital of literature, mathematics and the arts, Baghdad is struggling to recapture its former glory.

Arab women directors find acclaim worldwideupdated Fri Mar 29 2013 00:06:20

Film-making was not an obvious career path for the young Annemarie Jacir.

Beyond hummus and kebabs: Touring a delectable Lebanonupdated Sun Mar 17 2013 23:20:31

Getting anyone in Lebanon to weigh in on where to find the best shawarma or falafel is asking for trouble.

Man-made desert lake: Ecological paradise or disaster?updated Thu Mar 14 2013 22:41:59

In a remote corner of the United Arab Emirates, a blue lake shimmers amid the sand dunes.

From the desert to the ice: The 'Freezing Omanis' take on Antarcticaupdated Tue Mar 12 2013 22:41:44

Bone-chilling cold is virtually unimaginable to the people of Oman, where temperatures routinely hit 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the hot season.

Head turners of the desert: A camel beauty pageant in the UAEupdated Thu Mar 07 2013 22:54:28

A dusty track in the remote western region of the United Arab Emirates is one of the last places you'd expect to find a beauty pageant.

A great year for Middle East cinemaupdated Wed Mar 06 2013 12:03:50

CNN's Sara Sidner meets two filmmakers whose documentaries were nominated for Academy Awards this year.

Festivals celebrate culture, camelsupdated Wed Mar 06 2013 11:59:04

CNN's Leone Lakhani reports from the annual Muscat Festival which celebrates Oman's history and its animals.

Oman's love for the artsupdated Wed Mar 06 2013 11:52:41

CNN's Leone Lakhani looks at how Muscat is taking center stage on the cultural map with both opera and filmmaking.

'Desert lake': An ecological disaster?updated Wed Mar 06 2013 11:49:09

CNN's Leone Lakhani reports on a lake that experts say formed as a side effect of increased desalination usage.

Young Omanis to take on Antarcticaupdated Wed Mar 06 2013 11:47:25

CNN's Leone Lakhani meets two men who are preparing for a remote research expedition.

How Oman banks on its historyupdated Wed Mar 06 2013 11:42:31

CNN's Leone Lakhani explores how Oman is using its rich history to attract tourism.

Tahrir's bodyguards fight to 'cure Egypt's disease'updated Tue Mar 05 2013 22:31:20

Soraya Bahgat, a Cairo-based HR executive and postgraduate student, was on her way to join Tahrir Square protests on November 25 when an unwelcome thought stopped her in her tracks.

The Lebanese art rockers creating the soundtrack to the Arab Springupdated Wed Feb 27 2013 21:35:34

They've been described as the voice of their generation -- though not one that everyone is comfortable hearing.

The Yemeni 'dictionary men' recall the day Muhammad Ali came to townupdated Thu Feb 21 2013 00:54:59

Film-maker and artist Tina Gharavi grew up idolizing Muhammad Ali, the trailblazing American boxing great who was a hero to her Iranian father and millions of others around the world.

Lebanese women take on Muslim judges who call rape a 'marital right'updated Sun Feb 17 2013 21:35:51

Lebanese women are taking to the streets to demand that the government takes domestic violence seriously, by introducing laws to protect women from abusive partners.

"I have no memory of a time without struggle"updated Mon Feb 11 2013 21:55:22

I come from Palestine. I have lived my entire life under military occupation, and I have no memory of a time without struggle.

Not all colors welcomed in Lebanon's cultural tapestryupdated Sun Feb 10 2013 21:16:46

Lebanon prides itself on its image as a melting pot on the Mediterranean: an ancient bastion of civilization boasting a diverse tapestry of cultures and creeds.

Lebanese women call for gender equalityupdated Wed Feb 06 2013 13:30:11

Arwa Damon speaks to a rights activist who says women are sold "superficial fake freedoms."

Skiing provides escape for Lebaneseupdated Wed Feb 06 2013 13:26:57

CNN's Arwa Damon explains what makes Beirut a top skiing destination in the Middle East.

Lebanese band tackles controversyupdated Wed Feb 06 2013 13:25:03

Arwa Damon speaks to a band that doesn't shy away from controversy, singing about everything from politics to sexuality.

How Lebanon fights racismupdated Wed Feb 06 2013 13:19:47

Arwa Damon speaks with Lebanon's Minister of Tourism who says defeating racism is key for the country's tourism industry.

Lebanon: A top destination for expats?updated Wed Feb 06 2013 13:18:48

CNN's Arwa Damon meets a British couple who claim Lebanon is a 'crown jewel' for those seeking an expat lifestyle.

Syrian artist's vision of love amid devastation of war goes viralupdated Wed Feb 06 2013 11:15:17

An image juxtaposing a famous painting of lovers and the ruins of a building in Syria has gone viral, becoming a powerful symbol of the country's devastation from civil war.

Can Iraq's geeks save the country?updated Tue Jan 29 2013 07:06:13

Politicians, generals and clerics have all played their part in shaping the new Iraq, with varying results.

Palestinian women change motor racing up a gear updated Thu Jan 24 2013 09:49:01

On the starting line of the Emirates Motorplex on Thursday (Jan 24) will be professional drift racing, one of the most dangerous disciplines in motorsport.

Inside the Middle East explores Beirutupdated Thu Jan 17 2013 11:04:38

This month, Inside the Middle East travels to Beirut, the cosmopolitan, multi-lingual capital of Lebanon. Beirut's popularity among expatriate residents has not waned, despite the increased fears of instability spilling over from the conflict in neighboring Syria. Host Arwa Damon explores Beirut, discovering why the "Paris of the Middle East" is so appealing to foreign residents of the city.

Who will win battle for the new Tunisia?updated Fri Jan 11 2013 08:27:44

When artist Nadia Jelassi exhibited work in Tunis last year, she hoped the piece would prove a talking point.

Egypt struggles with landminesupdated Mon Jan 07 2013 08:01:52

CNN's Ian Lee meets a 12-year-old boy who lost a leg to a landmine from World War II.

'Arab Shakespeare' comes to lifeupdated Mon Jan 07 2013 06:05:35

A new play in Abu Dhabi explores the heroic, and sometimes dark, history of Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran.

Has the revolution changed Tunisia?updated Mon Jan 07 2013 06:04:30

CNN's Leone Lakhani looks at how life has changed in Tunisia, the country where the Arab Spring started in early 2011.

Gaza conflict deters Bethlehem Christmas pilgrimsupdated Thu Dec 13 2012 06:54:52

Authorities in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem are hoping it won't be a silent night this Christmas Eve, following a spate of tourist cancellations due to recent violence in Gaza.

Silence over sexual violence: Arab women take stand on 'absurd honor'updated Thu Dec 06 2012 13:11:58

Women stood at the forefront of the Arab Spring, taking to the streets shoulder to shoulder with men in an effort to overturn oppressive old orders.

IME in 2012: The language of artupdated Thu Dec 06 2012 05:18:20

A look back at the highlights of 2012 covered on Inside the Middle East.

IME in 2012: Olympics as a game changerupdated Thu Dec 06 2012 05:17:23

A look back at the highlights of 2012 covered on Inside the Middle East.

IME in 2012: Spiders in spaceupdated Thu Dec 06 2012 04:04:35

A look back at the highlights of 2012 covered on Inside the Middle East.

Mideast men go under knife for manly mustachesupdated Thu Nov 29 2012 06:34:23

Thick, handsome mustaches have long been prized by men throughout the Middle East as symbols of masculine virility, wisdom and maturity.

Following in Lawrence of Arabia's footsteps in Jordanian desertupdated Fri Nov 23 2012 08:36:48

In the 100 years since British army officer T.E. Lawrence traversed Jordan's desert and the half century since David Lean set out to capture it for his cinematic epic "Lawrence of Arabia," the blood red landscape that entranced both men has scarcely changed.

Woman forced to leave family behind: My heart is still in Gazaupdated Wed Nov 21 2012 08:01:25

One week after leaving, my mom's words still echo in my ears: "Leave Gaza now, please. Don't think about us. I have many things to worry about."

Paris Hilton whips up a storm in holy Mecca updated Tue Nov 20 2012 13:43:39

As an American socialite and hotel heiress, Paris Hilton has built up a global brand on her sexy image -- and sometimes very few clothes.

Artists tackle Syria's brutal civil warupdated Tue Nov 13 2012 03:05:53

At first glance, the brightness of the colors might just be enough to fool the casual viewer. But this abstract scene in "Play in the City" isn't a cheerful one. Pain infuses this painting.

Kuwait's desert: From burning war zone to blooming nature reserveupdated Mon Nov 12 2012 07:12:09

A former military bunker in the desert is one of the last places you might expect to find nature bloom.

Obese Emiratis turn to surgeryupdated Mon Nov 12 2012 06:48:33

Inside the Middle East meets Ahmed Al Shamsi, one of many Emiratis who have shed weight after bariatric surgery.

Fast-food-loving Kuwaitis fight fat with stomach staplingupdated Thu Nov 08 2012 07:25:28

Thanks to its large reserves of oil, the small Gulf state of Kuwait has transformed over the decades from a humble pearl-farming backwater into one of the world's richest countries per capita.

Building choppers in Kuwaitupdated Thu Nov 08 2012 05:26:33

Inside the Middle East meets chop shop owner Hussain Salmeen who builds and customizes bikes in Kuwait.

Can Kuwait restore its desert?updated Thu Nov 08 2012 05:15:02

Zain Verjee visists Sabah Al-Ahmed Reserve which experienced one of the biggest environmental disasters of all time.

Blair: Obama's Middle East missionupdated Wed Nov 07 2012 10:30:44

Former British PM, Tony Blair talks to CNN about what Barack Obama's re-election could mean for the Middle East.

Kuwaitis: The world's fattest people?updated Wed Nov 07 2012 08:42:58

Kuwait's love affair with fast food has become a health disaster for its population. CNN's Zain Verjee reports.

New wealth brings luxury shopping to Iraq updated Wed Oct 31 2012 06:59:54

A Dubai-based perfume, cosmetics and jewelry chain is set to become one of the first international luxury retailers to open its doors in previously war-torn areas of Iraq.

Rappers in Casablanca rage against injustice updated Fri Oct 19 2012 07:30:15

In the poor suburbs of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, home-grown hip-hop artists blare from radios, clubs and street corners around the clock.

Rooftop farms provide rich pickings in refugee campupdated Tue Oct 16 2012 08:19:21

Hajar Hamdan lives with her mother, sister and her sister's two children in the concrete jungle of Deheishe refugee camp near Bethlehem in the West Bank.

Morocco's 'liquid gold' liberates Berbersupdated Tue Oct 09 2012 04:54:57

In Agadir, the arid heartland of Morocco's indigenous Berber population, a quiet oil boom is gaining momentum, one drop at a time.

Photographer holds festival of hope amid Aleppo fightingupdated Fri Oct 05 2012 06:41:55

These pictures were taken within one week of each other in the center of Aleppo and show the incredible resilience of some of its residents in the face of Syria's bloody civil war.

Opinion: Tunisia's response to police rape puts human rights to shameupdated Thu Oct 04 2012 13:18:13

A young woman claims she was in a car with her fiancé when three police officers came by. She says two of them raped her while the third kept guard and later attempted to extort money from her fiancé. All parties involved were arrested -- the woman, her fiancé, and the three police officers.

Morocco's 'liquid gold' oilupdated Wed Oct 03 2012 11:09:46

Cosmetic demand for Argan Oil is proving jobs for rural Moroccan women.

The taste of Moroccoupdated Wed Oct 03 2012 11:09:10

From the market to the pan. Get a culinary master class in Moroccan cuisine.

Casablanca's urban rageupdated Wed Oct 03 2012 11:08:33

Moroccan rapper, Si Simo's music confronts the wealth gap in his county's society.

This month on Inside the Middle Eastupdated Tue Oct 02 2012 08:06:11

This month, Inside the Middle East travels to Morocco, a North African kingdom located on the western edge of the Arab world. Host Leone Lakhani visits the bustling commercial hub of Casablanca, which for many recalls the film classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. But modern-day Casablanca, like the rest of Morocco, is much different than the movies.

Syrian pop artist depicts suffering with 'black comedy'updated Thu Sep 27 2012 08:07:44

As bloody unrest has raged around him, artist Oussama Diab has been formulating his own response to Syria's civil war -- through art.

Tunisian artist graffitis minaret, fights intolerance updated Wed Sep 19 2012 08:13:23

Fine Arabic calligraphy and street art may seem worlds apart, but for artist eL Seed, they're one and the same thing.

What happened to Tel Aviv's tent city?updated Thu Sep 13 2012 06:49:24

A year ago, nearly half a million protesters took to the streets across Israel in perhaps the largest social justice movement in the country's history.

Tel Aviv mayor on social justiceupdated Wed Sep 12 2012 09:18:43

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai talks about Israel's economic challenges and recent protests against social injustice.

Rita: An Israeli star singing Iranian songsupdated Tue Sep 11 2012 07:35:26

One of Israel's best-known singers, Rita Jahanforuz -- known simply as Rita -- performed during her country's 50th anniversary celebrations and has met president Shimon Peres.

Does Ramallah need a 'real economy'?updated Thu Sep 06 2012 10:01:38

Some Palestinians are living the high life in Ramallah. But is the city relying too much on credit and foreign aid?

Fears for bubble burst after Ramallah boomupdated Thu Sep 06 2012 09:55:02

Mingling with customers in the bar he opened two years ago, Yazan Khalili is enjoying the booming consumer economy in his home city of Ramallah, in the West Bank.

Jerusalem Syndrome: How does it work?updated Wed Sep 05 2012 15:01:30

Psychatrist Pesach Lichtenberg talks about what causes people of all religions to believe they are the 'chosen one.'

Can music 'heal' Israel-Iran relations?updated Wed Sep 05 2012 14:58:42

A major artist in both Israel and Iran, Rita Jahanforuz uses her music to bring the two countries closer.

Israeli activist demands social changeupdated Wed Sep 05 2012 14:30:15

Daphni Leef took to the streets in 2011 demanding economic change, a movement that inspired thousands other Israelis.

A rebirth of Berber culture in post-Gadhafi Libyaupdated Mon Sep 03 2012 08:58:30

The overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi has had a messy and often confused aftermath, as rival groups jostle for a stake in the new Libya after four decades of dictatorship.

Syrian artists fight Assad regime with satireupdated Mon Aug 27 2012 09:12:53

With horrors emerging from Syria's civil war with numbing regularity, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that the uprising has not been waged only with guns.

This month on Inside the Middle Eastupdated Fri Aug 24 2012 12:12:55

This month, Inside the Middle East journeys to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Host Leone Lakhani strolls along the ramparts of the wall surrounding the old city of Jerusalem, a place of enormous spiritual and cultural significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.

Boy's flying fear leaves family strandedupdated Mon Aug 20 2012 13:30:36

A British boy's sudden fear of flying has left his family stranded in the UAE looking for safe routes to get home.

Pirates, wars: Hurdles for flight phobia boyupdated Mon Aug 20 2012 11:56:30

A British boy and his father are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, traveling across the Middle East and Europe by land and sea after 11-year-old Joe Thompson suddenly developed a paralyzing fear of flying.

'Muslim for a Month:' Tourists take Islamic 'pray-cations'updated Tue Aug 14 2012 06:51:48

To the devout, the concept of becoming "Muslim for a month" -- or any other religion, for that matter -- could verge on the sacrilegious.

Faith vs. performance at the Olympicsupdated Sun Aug 12 2012 08:46:58

Ramadan proves challenging for Muslim athletes and weightlifter Khadija Mohammad is torn about fasting during the games.

Images of Tahrir: Egypt's revolutionary artupdated Fri Aug 10 2012 05:47:46

The tumultuous months since January 2011 have confronted Egyptians with uncertainty, triumph and despair on an almost daily basis.

Judo: Focus is keyupdated Thu Aug 02 2012 13:05:05

Judo champion Maher Abu Rmeileh is one of five Palestinians competing in the London Olympics.

Middle East makes Olympic historyupdated Thu Aug 02 2012 13:04:37

CNN's Leone Lakhani looks at Olympic contenders from the Middle East.

Sailing for social changeupdated Thu Aug 02 2012 12:05:01

Oman recently welcomed its first professional female sailors, achieving skills in strength, leadership and endurance.

Arab sportswomen finally in the pictureupdated Thu Aug 02 2012 07:59:43

On Friday morning, Wojdan Shaherkani will set a new Olympic record. By participating in the first round of the Olympic judo competition she will become the first Saudi woman to take part in any Olympic Games.

Fighting for Jordan and Lebanon's stateless childrenupdated Fri Jul 27 2012 11:16:43

In Jordan and Lebanon, women married to foreigners are taking to the streets to fight for their children's citizenship rights.

'Bars for Ramadan' list sparks protest in Dubaiupdated Wed Jul 25 2012 07:48:41

An English-language magazine in Dubai has been accused of disrespecting Islam by recommending places to drink during Ramadan.

Next on Inside the Middle Eastupdated Mon Jul 16 2012 07:46:51

This month, Inside the Middle East aims for Olympic gold, exploring stories of adversity, faith, and triumph in the world of Middle Eastern sports.

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