What's behind arrest of Turkish-Azeri billionaire? Although Azeri-Turkish billionaire Mubariz Mansimov Gurbanoglu was cleared of links to the Gulen movement, he's been arrested again this week. Turkey
US urges Iraq to step up protection of US, coalition personnel The State Department said Iraq is not doing its part to protect US and coalition forces in the country. Iraq
American detained in Syria moved to undisclosed location, family says An American psychotherapist's family is more worried than ever about the dual US-Syrian citizen who disappeared in Damascus in 2017 as a potential coronavirus outbreak looms over Syria’s prisons. Syria
Don't say it with music: Egyptian MP drafts new penalties for racy lyrics After the controversy over lyrics of a popular song, an Egyptian lawmaker drafted a new law that would put singers behind bars for talking dirty. Egypt
Intel: Turkey targeted by both sides in northern Syria conflict The Turkish troops in northern Syria have become a target of all warring parties in the area in less than a month, after a rocket attack by a radical group killed two Turkish soldiers and wounded one in the region yesterday. Syria
Iranians’ demands for quarantine fall on deaf ears Iran’s president has rejected calls for quarantine against the coronavirus with no explanation, but his reasoning seems to be related to the economic devastation following the US sanctions. Iran
Iran’s leadership defends coronavirus handling in Nowruz addresses Iran's supreme leader canceled his public Nowruz speech and instead addressed Iranians on state TV. Iran
Intel: US scales up Iran sanctions amid coronavirus fallout The Donald Trump administration stepped up its sanctions on Iran this week as Tehran appeals for relief to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. United States
Turkish soccer team lands in political hot water The soccer team of Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city has become the target of nationalist animosity from rival fans as well as the government, which accuses the club of being linked to armed Kurdish militants. Turkey
Is there a coronavirus peace dividend for Israelis and Palestinians? Cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian leaders to contain the coronavirus sparks hope for deeper cooperation as Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz edge closer to a unity government. Palestine
Russia hoping to outdo Saudis over time in coronavirus-hit oil market Russia opted for an approach based on uncertainty in its decision to leave the OPEC-plus deal, but is it punching above its weight? Saudi Arabia
Iraq to exhume bodies from Yazidi mass graves Iraq is uncovering and exhuming the mass graves of Islamic State victims, primarily Yazidis. Iraq
Coronavirus robs Bethlehem of Easter festivities Easter, along with Chrismas, has been a high point for tourism in Bethlehem, the birthpace of Jesus, but alas, not this year. Palestine
Meet Syria’s female doctors Syrian women stepped up and took on medical work to fill the void left by men in the health care sector in northern Syria. Syria
Artists reflect on age of anxiety in Sharjah A group of contemporary artists explore the ways everyday technologies have altered our collective consciousness and created the age of anxiety, but the exhibit in Sharjah has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. United Arab Emirates
Egyptian lawmaker calls for free COVID-19 tests as Cairo accused of profiteering The Egyptian authorities have come under heavy criticism for charging high fees for the coronavirus tests poor workers need to travel. Egypt
