Egyptian program aims to send first Egyptian into space Egypt's young but ambitious space agency is accepting applications from cititzens who would receive training to go into space as the first Egyptian by 2026. Egypt
‘Dragon storm’ batters Egypt with torrential rains, killing nearly 20 The intense storm comes as the country struggles to contain a coronavirus outbreak within its borders. Egypt
Bahrain pardons hundreds of prisoners as coronavirus fears spread While authorities have attributed the release to humanitarian reasons, human rights groups link the decision to efforts to contain the outbreak. Bahrain
A new generation lays its predecessors' ghosts to rest In Al-Monitor's latest longform, we look at young people throughout the Mideast who have been at the forefront of efforts to turn the page on decades of sclerotic and rigged politics in favor of a more democratic alternative. Iraq
Historical context: Biden’s 2002 vote on Iraq war Congress passed a new resolution on the use of force in the Middle East; the United States retaliates against Iran-backed militias in Iraq; and an 18-year-old debate returns. Iraq
Could baby-faced rival of Erdogan be 'remedy' for Turkey's problems? Can Ali Babacan, Turkey's former deputy premier, be a beacon of hope for the center-right? Turkey
Mercury hires British lobbyists as Israeli spyware firm faces global backlash Mercury Public Affairs is tapping former British officials to help lobby for Q Cyber Technologies and its better known subsidiary the NSO Group as the Israeli spyware company faces a global backlash. Originals
Israel's new Knesset members sworn in empty parliament building The traditionally festive swearing-in ceremony for the Knesset's incoming members was tainted by tight biosecurity measures and an unending political crisis. Israel
Iraq condemns 'treacherous' US strikes against Iran-backed militia US airstrikes struck a civilian airport in Karbala in what the Pentagon said was an operation targeting weapons storage facilities belonging to an Iran-backed Shiite militia group blamed for the recent attack on an Iraqi base housing US and coalition troops. Iraq
Intel: Russia, Turkey reach deal on Syria's Idlib Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar finally announced March 13 that after four days of talks in the Turkish capital, the Russian and Turkish militaries have agreed on the details of a new cease-fire in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone. Syria
Erdogan turns to oil in a bid to salvage Syria policy Turkey’s president eyes oil-related bargains in Syria after failing to achieve his stated objectives in Idlib and acquiescing to a new deal with Russia in the rebel stronghold. Syria
Pentagon retaliates after deadly Iran-backed strikes on US troops The US military targeted five weapons facilities of an Iran-backed group after an earlier rocket attack left two American and one British service member dead. Iraq
Lebanon struggles to cope with COVID-19 amid financial crisis As Lebanon reels under the brunt of the worst financial crisis in its recent history, the government struggles to provide the necessary equipment to be able to cater for a potential increase in novel coronavirus cases. Lebanon
Has war between Iran and US already started in Iraq? Iraqi officials condemned the recent US airstrikes that targeted not only Popular Mobilization Units but the Iraqi army and police. Iraq
Netanyahu wants an emergency government of Jews only Although the coronavirus doesn’t distinguish between Jews and Arabs, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been doing so while calling on Blue and White leaders to join him in an "emergency government." Israel
Israelis in panic over COVID-19, but not the 'occupation virus' Despite attempts to spin events otherwise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hijacked the coronavirus in an attempt to hold on to power and perpetuate the occupation. Palestine
