Mideast airlines out $7.2 billion so far as flights scrapped Airlines have already lost more than $7 billion as the coronavirus tears through the Middle East. Business
Intel: Lebanon frees jailed US citizen after Washington threatens sanctions Lebanon released Amer Fakhoury, who is suffering from stage 4 cancer, after Washington threatened to move ahead with sanctions. Lebanon
Congress pushes for Syria funding boost A bipartisan congressional effort is underway to maximize US aid intended for stabilization efforts in Syria. Syria
Is Iraq taking necessary measures to prevent COVID-19 spread? Iraqi authorities are taking strict measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Iraq
Israel, Palestinians cooperate over coronavirus When the crisis surrounding the coronavirus is finally over, Israelis and Palestinians alike will realize that it is possible to do things differently and cooperate in various areas. Palestine
Upper Egypt publisher fights for survival Hypatia Publishing House, which takes its name from an executed Platonic thinker, aims to put Upper Egypt on the literary map. Egypt
Egypt and Turkey's energy face-off in the Mediterranean Egypt signing an agreement with five major energy companies to start drilling in the Mediterranean off its coast near Libya raises the prospect of more friction developing with Turkey. Egypt
Jordan announces lockdown in effort to contain coronavirus Jordan’s King Abdullah approved the activation of Defense Law No. 13 as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but some officials fear the measure will deeply impact the kingdom’s fragile economy. Jordan
Hamas spy story shakes up Arab society, Israeli politics The Aya Khatib affair has not only divided Israeli Arab society, it is also haunting the political prospects of the Blue and White and its ability to cooperate with the Joint List. Palestine
Coronavirus spurs regional humanitarian outreach to Iran The UAE, Kuwait and Qatar provide help to Coronavirus-stricken Iran, while there is talk that the United States could ease the way for aid to Iran while Iran released American prisoners who could be prime COVID-19 targets. United Arab Emirates
The Takeaway: March 18, 2020 Highlights: COVID-19 redraws some key lines in the Middle East: UAE, US both offer Iran help; Iran not giving up disputes with US in Iraq; Turkish columnist backs cannabis to fight coronavirus; Protests in Iraq have their soundtrack; and more! Originals
Israel seals borders to foreigners in latest coronavirus measure Israel announced it would close its borders to noncitizens to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Palestine
Intel: Bernie Sanders uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief Presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called on the Donald Trump administration to ease its Iran sanctions regime as Tehran struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
Egypt’s censors shift into high gear over coronavirus coverage Press censorship in Egypt has most recently hit The Guardian and The New York Times following what it claims are "false rumors" of the coronavirus crisis in the country. Egypt
Algeria cites coronavirus amid ban on anti-government protests Algeria's president called for measures that would prioritize citizens' health but restrict their freedoms. Algeria
Erdogan focuses on Turkish economy in first major coronavirus speech Responding to the growing number of domestic coronavirus cases, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled measures to safeguard the nation’s economy while advising citizens to practice social distancing. Turkey
