Lebanon’s coronavirus response is working, yet faces challenges Critics say the Lebanese government's figures are unreliable amid the coronavirus crisis, fearing severe strains on the health care system in case of a major outbreak of the novel virus. Lebanon
Intel: Why Russia is getting involved in Mideast COVID-19 fight Syria has requested assisted from Moscow to fight the coronavirus outbreak, as Russia implements a campaign to cultivate its image as a "caring power," approaching Middle East leaders to work together against the spread of the virus. Near East
No sanitizers, fresh food or distance in some of Gaza's quarantine centers Gaza quarantine centers, which are mostly converted from schools and hotels, lack the basic necessities such as fresh food and sanitation that are necessary to survive the coronavirus pandemic. Palestine
Gaza company using 3D printing to fight coronavirus An engineer from the Gaza Strip is making much-needed medical equipment via 3D printing technology. Palestine
Egypt intervenes as Gaza warns Israel over medical aid Egyptian intelligence has contacted Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza to prevent a military confrontation with Israel over the growing coronavirus threat. Palestine
COVID-19 pandemic intensifies Iran sanctions debate Iran hawks are doubling down on sanctions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Democrats can’t agree on how much relief the United States should give Iran. United States
Intel: State Department backs up watchdog report on Syria chemical weapons use The United States agrees with the recent assessment of a global chemical weapons watchdog that found the Syrian regime used banned weapons against its own people, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday. Syria
The Takeaway: April 8, 2020 Israel’s rival leaders maintain political as well as social distance for Passover; Pompeo warns of Iraqi ‘economic collapse’ in proposing dialogue; Syrian Kurds settling scores with US-backed activists; Are Syrian refugees going home?... and more! Originals
Amid Saudi-Russia price war, US on track to become net oil importer: Report The coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia oil price war are contributing to a fall in US oil production and the United States is expected to become a net oil importer again in the fall. Saudi Arabia
Turkey’s Roma cry for help as coronavirus claims more lives On International Romani Day, a group of Turkish Roma associations protested that the community still faces “deep discrimination” and risks starvation from the loss of work and state neglect that have compounded the harm of COVID-19. Turkey
Egypt extends nightly coronavirus curfew by two weeks Egypt's prime minister announced an extension of a curfew and a lockdown that prohibits leaving the home except for essential tasks. Egypt
A year after local polls, Turkey’s Kurds left with only third of gains Not even the coronavirus outbreak has slowed Ankara’s crackdown on local administrations held by Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party, which, many now fear, will continue until the last one is seized. Turkey
Iran's Rouhani pushes for IMF loan, slams US 'medical terrorism' US points to medical and humanitarian exceptions to sanctions policies, blames Iran's mismanagement of economy. United States
Intel: Saudis to discuss oil price war with new Republican detractors Saudi officials will hold a phone call to discuss the kingdom’s record high oil output with two Republican senators that have become the ringleaders in conservative efforts to pressure Riyadh into ending the price war. Saudi Arabia
Roadside bombing in southeast Turkey kills five civilians While no group has yet to claim responsibility for the attack, Ankara is pointing the finger at the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party. Turkey
Islamic State seeks comeback under cover of coronavirus Iraqi authorities are worried the Islamic State will rear its head again now that the US-led coalition's anti-terror efforts have been put on hold, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic. Iraq
