Netanyahu sets Benny Gantz COVID-19 trap Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to exploit the coronavirus crisis as a means to establish an emergency unity government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt alarmed over Sudan's siding with Ethiopia in Nile water dispute Sudan's rejection of an Arab League resolution supporting Cairo in negotiations with Addis Ababa over the filling of Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam has caused alarm in Egypt, already at odds with Ethiopia over construction of the multibillion dollar dam. By Shahira Amin
Will Russia accept Turkey's proposal to split Syria's oil? Moscow weighs the pros and cons of a Turkish proposal on Syrian oil. By Anton Mardasov
Iran requests multibillion IMF loan as coronavirus cases reach 10,000 Iran has officially registered 10,000 cases of coronavirus, with the government requesting a multibillion-dollar emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran-backed militias in Iraq under fire after attack on base kills two Americans Iran-backed militias in Iraq are facing strong criticism from politicians and protesters after the attack on US troops at the Taji military base. By Ali Mamouri
Intel: Pentagon says Iran-backed groups 'likely' behind deadly Iraq attack Rocket attacks that left one British and two American service members dead in Iraq March 11 were likely the work of Iranian-backed militias, the top US military commander in the Middle East told Congress today. By Jack Detsch
Israel’s Arab party’s new target: 20 Knesset seats Members of the Arab Joint List say that if another round of election is held, their party will only grow stronger. By Shlomi Eldar
Iran pleads for medicine as it fights epidemic under sanctions Iran’s foreign minister has made a public plea for medical supplies and sanctions relief as the country struggles with the coronavirus explosion. By Al-Monitor Staff
Will Marib province survive Houthi offensive after fall of al-Jawf? An offensive on Marib province is looming but may not be imminent as analysts say they think Marib will likely remain in a state of ebb and flow following the battles in al-Jawf and Nihm. By Naseh Shaker
Arab voters in Israel turn out in force, win new Knesset seats A united effort helped Arabs in Israel claim two more parliament seats that they hope will translate to a better quality of life. By Aziza Nofal
Lebanon latest country to restrict travel over coronavirus fears Lebanon has banned flights to and from countries hardest hit by the coronavirus. By Al-Monitor Staff
Anti-war movement looks to take Trump to court to stop war with Iran Anti-war groups are lobbying Congress to take President Donald Trump to court on Iran war powers. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Multiple US troops dead in Iraq after rocket strike A rocket attack on a US base in Iraq killed two US service members and prompted questions of whether it was a retaliatory act by Iran. By Jack Detsch
Pakistan seeks to control spread of virus from Iran Pakistan kept its border open with Iran, a COVID-19 hotspot, perhaps longer than it should have and is now screening thousands of its citizens returning from pilgrimages for the new coronavirus. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
The Takeaway: March 11, 2020 Highlights: Putin throws Erdogan lifeline with new Syria cease-fire; Iran’s Reformists sidelined in new hard-line parliament; UAE’s four-part template for peaceful nuclear power; Sesame Street goes local in Jordan; and more! By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Trial of detained Saudi women's activist postponed in Riyadh A court hearing for Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul is delayed for a week. By Al-Monitor Staff