Mideast oil producers brace for impact of price slide The global coronavirus outbreak and falling oil prices could spell a massive economic slowdown for oil-producing countries in the Middle East. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey seeks reduced charges against US consulate employee A Turkish prosecutor is seeking 15 years for Istanbul US Consulate employee Metin Topuz for alleged links to an outlawed group, but has dropped separate espionage and coup-plotting charges. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran’s Khamenei cancels new year address over coronavirus Iran’s supreme leader canceled his annual public address in the holy city of Mashhad amid the coronavirus epidemic, which continues to claim lives nationwide. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel’s Gantz ready to do whatever it takes to topple Netanyahu Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is now ready to do whatever it takes to topple Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including going back on his promise not to establish a government backed by the Arab Joint List. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israeli judge orders Netanyahu to appear in court The Israeli prime minister's request for postponement has been rejected and his corruption trial is set to begin next week. By Al-Monitor Staff
Does Moscow’s withdrawal from OPEC-plus deal end Russia-Saudi honeymoon? Russia’s decision to break off from the Saudis in the OPEC-plus agreement has some merits. By Nikolay Kozhanov
Israel’s right engaged in wild anti-Arab incitement Blue and White leader Benny Gantz’s attempts to establish a minority government with the support of the Arab Joint List is leading right-wing ministers to intensify their inciteful tone against Arab legislators. By Shlomi Eldar
A Gantz-led government, recipe for Jewish-Arab reconciliation? Partnership with Arab and Muslim parties is not a "problem," but an opportunity to heal Israeli society and advance Jewish-Muslim reconciliation. By Akiva Eldar
Is COVID-19 lurking in Syria's Kurdish northeast? Residents of the Kurdish autonomous administration in Syria are complaining about the lack of sufficient precautionary measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. By Shivan Ibrahim
A cleric's cure for coronavirus becomes butt of jokes in Iran A cleric’s bizarre response to treating COVID-19 in the guise of Islamic medicine has provoked widespread ridicule in Iran. By Rohollah Faghihi
Palestinians rediscover vast appetite for snails Snail recipes been passed from generation to generation in the Middle East, where many historical sources suggest the dish originated, and their popularity has led to a population decline in the West Bank. By Ahmad Abu Amer
Coronavirus damages Iraqi economy with fall in tourism, oil prices COVID-19 has harmed both the private and public sectors of the Iraqi economy. By Omar al-Jaffal
Arabic Sesame Street helps children explore emotions Sesame Workshop, the non-governmental organization behind series like "Sesame Street," teamed up with the International Rescue Committee to produce a new show for Middle Eastern children affected by war and displacement. By Joe Snell
How Iran’s next parliament will affect foreign policy Though Iran’s conservatives will rule the upcoming parliament, they might not rule with an iron fist as some expect. By Alireza Noori
Turkish envoy calls for more international support for Syria refugees, cease-fire deal Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic said Ankara is not receiving enough support from the international community as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels for meetings with the European Council and NATO. By Laura Rozen
UAE shows path for peaceful nuclear development Fuel assemblies have been loaded into the first of four UAE nuclear power plants following the country's yearslong effort to develop major national and international support for nuclear energy. By Li-Chen Sim