Erdogan’s dream airport in dire straits amid pandemic The company operating Istanbul’s new mega airport appears unlikely to hold on for even a few months without assistance, as the COVID-19 pandemic hits Turkey’s aviation industry. Turkey
UAE exempts coronavirus patients, doctors from Ramadan fast Religious authorities in the United Arab Emirates have said patients suffering from COVID-19 and doctors treating them are exempt from fasting for Ramadan. United Arab Emirates
Back to the future on US-Iraq strategic dialogue The announcement of US-Iraq talks in June is considered by many Iraqis and observers as overdue, and comes as there appears to be backing for continuing the partnership, under adjusted terms. Iraq
Coronavirus lockdown uncovers vulnerability of Tunisia’s economy Despite government measures to help those most affected by a general lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, Tunisia’s economy is being dealt a heavy blow. Tunisia
Gang rape of disabled woman horrifies Iraqis A sexual assault on a mentally disabled Kurdish woman in a predominantly Turkmen town has shocked and outraged people across Iraq. Iraq
Cash-strapped Lebanon struggles amid the coronavirus crisis Various sectors in Lebanon, a country grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, have been hit hard by the measures imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Lebanon
Arab Israelis prepare for subdued Ramadan Ramadan is just a few days away, but in Arab Israeli towns and villages there is no holiday spirit in the air. Israel
UAE launches region's first 'fatwa-approved' lottery The United Arab Emirates has launched the region’s first fully digital and live lottery drawing at a time the world economy suffers under the coronavirus crisis. Originals
Secret relationships in times of the coronavirus The coronavirus crisis has put more constraints on the love lives of many Lebanese young people, especially those who are in interreligious or gay relationships. Lebanon
Palestinians claim COVID-19 efforts blunted by Israel in East Jerusalem Some East Jerusalemites accuse Israel of not being forthcoming about the spread of the coronavirus in East Jerusalem and criticize it for shutting down local efforts against the virus that are backed by the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Palestinian men take up cooking in quarantine Forced to stay at home due to precautions against COVID-19, some Palestinian men are learning to cook for the first time in their lives. Palestine
Meet Joe Biden’s foreign policy advisers Al-Monitor's walk-through of the views of the individuals tasked with crafting presidential candidate Joe Biden’s Middle East policies United States
For Gulf, South Asia countries, worst is yet to come The pandemic is expected to be especially hard on migrant workers in the Mideast and South Asia, as it has left many of them unemployed and struggling to return home to an uncertain future. Gulf
Syriacs mark Easter in Turkey amid safety fears The indictment of a monk on terrorism charges and the mysterious death of an elderly woman has shaken one of the world’s oldest Christian communities as it celebrates Easter during the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Why does Israel's center-left stick to the same failed strategy? The failed attempts by Israel's center-left to adopt the strategy of Kadima under Ehud Olmert to win election and form a government could be opening the door to the possible establishment of a Jewish-Arab party. Israel
