Identifying positives in the wake of the Iraq war is a difficult task at best. Yet the music, journalism, art and television shows emerging from the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah suggest that optimism can be found if you know where to look.

On deployment far from its home port of San Diego, the diminutive USS Freedom carries far greater weight than its size suggests: as the apex of US naval technology, its success or failure will decide the future of American sea power.

Its disastrous wars of the 1990s left Serbia locked out while other former Eastern bloc nations enjoyed the European party. Now, as its creative and business talent discards nationalist fantasies, the world is catching on to the country’s charms.

In a city untroubled by a reputation for putting quality before surface sheen, a quiet revolution is taking place as manufacturing workshops flourish once more. Monocle visits the LA makers who are reviving the artisan spirit.

Work is fun, literally, for Italian firm Zamperla, which has been making fairground rides big and small since the 1960s for places ranging from Coney Island to Pyongyang. Monocle fastens its seatbelt.

J-pop and K-pop, step aside: Thailand’s indie scene is taking to the stage with a new wave of young bands doing their own thing – and doing it well. Monocle signed up for front-row tickets.

Some of Japan’s best assets are its architects and designers, and their know-how is ripe for exporting. A new exhibition in Tokyo showcases the best ideas for the house of the future.

Dutch company Gazelle has been making beautiful bicycles since 1892. As the firm pedals into the 21st century with technical upgrades and a move into e-bikes, Monocle was talked through the tried and tested methods of a cycling trendsetter.

The trade fair that takes place in Switzerland each spring showcases the latest in watch-making design and this year, the venue itself was one of the real stars of the show.

Sticky situations in Bashkortostsan, the height of anxiety in Seville, and election excitement in Albania.

Why Argentina's president leaves the Boeing at home, why Chile is feeling British and why Brazilian admen are feeling relieved.

Who's in charge of Somaliland's skies, which nation is rolling in Grasse, and who's going to get Iran's top job?

Japan's dapper finance minister is style leader this issue. Plus elections in Cambodia and cruising around Asia.

The view from the Aussie campaign trail, plus political strife in the world's smallest republic.

Whose defence spending has plunged and whose skyrocketed plus other news from the military world.

Meet the decidedly unstuffy Panamanian ambassador in London and the US's man in Moscow.

Smuggling in Mali, locking up in Singapore, film-making in Mauritius and other business news.

A gallery in Brussels, Russian art auction in London and art-collecting in Turkey.

Hong Kong's art-film channel celebrates its first birthday and gallery guides get smart.

This month's collection of music, books and film and our culture editor's thoughts on the future of the bricks and mortar art gallery.

Oslo’s art scene has been getting a much-needed facelift with the opening of independent galleries and a brand new art neighbourhood in the making. We stopped by the studio of big-time art rebel and writer Matias Faldbakken to find out what he gains from living in the city.

Our verdict on this year's Salone del Mobile and a round-up of the best in show.

Outfits, retailers, designers and makers to keep an eye out for this month.

A teashop in Tokyo, our favourite coffee makers, a New York wine merchant and a star dish from London.

Adrian Cheng is CEO of one of Hong Kong’s largest businesses, with fingers in all kinds of pies. But, he says, it’s easy juggling responsibility when you have the right team supporting you.

The work of the Zimmerer, or carpenter, in Germany is steeped in tradition and their skill in restoring old timber houses is much in demand. We meet the master and his apprentice who is training for a way of life, not just a job.

As editor-in-chief of ‘El País’, Javier Moreno has made it his publication’s responsibility to drive social reform on a national level as well as maintain an international standing as the foremost Spanish-language newspaper.

Oslo’s art scene has been getting a much-needed facelift with the opening of independent galleries and a brand new art neighbourhood in the making. We stopped by the studio of big-time art rebel and writer Matias Faldbakken to find out what he gains from living in the city.

Hectic, hot and chaotic, Bangkok is the steamy backdrop for our fashion story. Stay cool on the run across town and take everything the city can throw at you in your stride.Men’s stylist Takeharu SatoWomen’s stylist Mariko Nakayama

Keep your engine oiled, your table tidy and your tache trimmed with our specially chosen products this month.

As part of our travel round-up in this issue we visit a restaurant in Madrid intent on promoting the unappreciated nuances of English food, a Chinese brewery educating locals in the delights of a glass of craft beer and a pair of boathouses in Berlin offering a unique way of navigating their beautiful lake location: by climbing aboard detachable motorised platforms.

One-stop shopping in the Japanese capital gets a luxurious makeover as the owners of the prestigious Midtown spruce up their offer.

With its beautiful, spacious art nouveau houses and cosmopolitan feel, Saint-Gilles is proving a draw for those looking for fresh pastures.

Chef and restaurant owner Massimo Bottura is the perfect ambassador for the producers and specialities of his home town.

As well as being the front man of Swiss electronica band Yello, Dieter Meier grows hazelnuts and owns three restaurants – one of which is Ocho Once.

Hail a cab from a Tokyo taxi firm whose white-gloved drivers are drilled everyday in what to say to customers, how to clean their cars and how to take real pride in their job.