For the first time in decades, contemporary Western artworks, from Donald Judd to Christo, are on public display in the Iranian capital. They had long been locked away so as not to offend Islamic values. By Suzanne CordsMore
Revered as "Mother of the Lebanese Nation" and "Harp of the Orient", Fairuz is a legend all over the Arab World. Now she is celebrating her 85th birthday. By Suzanne CordsMore
Although he has been banned from film-making since 2010, Jafar Panahi keeps working – albeit without the approval of Iranian authorities. His latest work, "Three Faces", has been enthusiastically received in Cannes. By Suzanne CordsMore
Persian poetry from the Arabian Nights meets modern, urban jazz – it may sound bizarre, but it works beautifully. The music of Berlin-based band Cyminology manages to be experimental while at the same time dodging the pitfalls of the world music genre. By Suzanne CordsMore
More than 5,000 people have died, and over 7,000 people are still missing in the Libyan port city of Derna. Relief efforts are underway but face daunting challenges.
