Turkey and COVID-19: Is another Italy in the making? Experts warn that Turkey may soon face a calamity similar to what befell Italy and Spain if the government fails to take stronger measures to fight the coronavirus. Turkey
Plan to feed Jordanians under curfew sows chaos The Jordanian authorities' effort to distribute bread to citizens brought more confusion and panic than aid. Jordan
How is Gaza dealing with COVID-19? While the UNRWA turned schools in the Gaza Strip into clinics to provide treatment for patients with respiratory diseases, the Ministry of Health is turning schools into quarantine centers where those arriving to the Gaza Strip are kept as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. Palestine
Beirut in the time of coronavirus outbreak Beirut has turned into a ghost city as shops and restaurants that remained open during the civil war closed their doors in implementation of a general mobilization decision issued by the government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Lebanon
Is another economic crisis looming in Iraq, with dropping oil prices? Iraqis are expressing great concern about the low oil prices amid the coronavirus outbreak, as the government may not be able to pay their salaries in the coming months. Iraq
Syrian Kurds still fight for rights on unrecognizable battlefield Nine years into the Syrian war, much has changed for the Kurds, but conditions seem riper today than ever for them to obtain their rights. Syria
Egypt seeks economic haven from coronavirus threat The Central Bank of Egypt is taking steps to protect the country's economy as it weathers the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt
Outrage as Knesset speaker resigns to avoid highest court order The resignation of Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein has won Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu time to capitalize on the pandemic menacing Israel and cost Blue and White head Benny Gantz precious days to form his government. Israel
SDF calls for humanitarian truce in Syria amid coronavirus crisis Following the lead of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces call for a cease-fire in order for all warring parties to combat COVID-19 instead. Syria
Trans-Atlantic official slams US for forcing Turkish broadcaster to register as foreign agent The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's media freedom representative said TRT's registration under a Nazi-era anti-propaganda law had a “restrictive & negative impact on media freedom.” Turkey
Iran expert says corruption 'No. 1 national security threat in Iran' Al-Monitor contributor Bijan Khajehpour discusses impact of coronavirus on Iran’s economy. United States
Turkey tightens restrictions to curb coronavirus outbreak As the death toll from COVID-19 reached 37 and cases spread across the country, Turkey pledged to accelerate diagnostic and treatment methods, while introducing new measures to keep people at home, though it has stopped short of a full lockdown. Turkey
Political crisis proves Israel needs constitution Ignoring Israel’s laws and rules and in order to avoid complying with the High Court’s directives, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein chose to resign. Israel
Turkey says it’s using ‘special’ coronavirus drug sent from China Turkey has so far recorded 37 fatalities connected to coronavirus, but the country's health minister says patients are being administered a "special drug" from China. Turkey
Iran tells Doctors Without Borders to leave despite worsening epidemic Iranian authorities asked a team of medical workers dispatched by Doctors Without Borders to leave the country despite initially allowing them to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Iran
Intel: US conducts separate military drills with UAE, Israel despite coronavirus United Arab Emirates
