Coronavirus changes Iraq’s traditions of physical touch The imposition of social distancing in Iraq to avoid the spread of the coronavirus has affected Iraqi cultural habits such as shaking hands and kissing. Iraq
Egyptians outraged over medical aid to Italy as supplies dwindle at home When Egypt's health minister visited Italy with a shipment of medical supplies, many citizens protested that trade and political ties were not worth the cost. Egypt
Islamic State spreading terror once again in Syrian desert The Islamic State is taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic and resuming its activities against regime forces in the Syrian desert. Syria
Jerusalem's Easter message is ‘your home is your church’ Virtual church and stay-at-home services have replaced physical presence in churches in Jerusalem due to the coronavirus, as church leaders are trying to deal with the needs of the faithful using modern technology and age-old empathy and concern for the needy. Palestine
Private sector asked to help cover Palestinian COVID-19 costs Officials issue call on Palestinians to help with the growing social and medical expenses from the coronavirus outbreak. Palestine
How Syrian opposition is trying to stop coronavirus from reaching its areas The Syrian opposition-led government is penalizing anyone involved in smuggling operations in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Syria
Iran's coronavirus stimulus: too little, too late Iran's decision to withdraw 1 billion euros from the country's sovereign wealth fund will do little to boost the economy, already distressed by corruption and the impact of global sanctions. Iran
Shops reopen in Bahrain as government rolls back restrictions Bahrain is allowing stores to reopen if they follow social distancing guidelines but theaters and tourist locations remain closed and food delivery and takeout remain the order of the day for restaurants. Gulf
Khamenei blames Western culture, atheism for coronavirus response failings In a rare speech, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized the West for its poor response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, as cases continue to grow in Iran. United States
Intelligence sharing remains key to fight against IS The Islamic State is continuing to carry out guerrilla attacks; developing and maintaining a comprehensive intelligence picture of the group is seen as an important weapon to keep its militants at bay. Iraq
Iran releases jailed UK resident Aras Amiri on furlough Tehran furloughs an imprisoned woman who had been working for Britain’s cultural outreach agency as Iran's official coronavirus death toll reaches 4,110. Iran
Turkish pandemic plan raises concerns over citizens' digital rights In effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, Ankara launched a mobile app that tracks patients, raising concern among digital privacy advocates. Turkey
Is Oman’s model of governance about to shift? Oman's debts are piling up as oil prices crash, putting at risk its wide-reaching social welfare system. Oman
COVID-19 crisis threatens to double Turkey’s unemployed The coronavirus pandemic has raised the specter of a dramatic spike in unemployment in Turkey, but only a small section of those affected are slated to receive government support. Turkey
Intel: Pompeo, Netanyahu talk coronavirus on Passover Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chatted by phone on Wednesday, the first day of Passover. Israel
Iraq’s president taps intelligence chief to form new government Iraqi President Barham Salih has appointed Mustafa al-Kadhimi, director of Iraq's National Intelligence Service, as Iraq's next prime minister-designate after Adnan Al-Zurfi withdrew his candidacy. Iraq
