Gantz, Netanyahu trample Basic Law with mind-boggling hutzpah In negotiating a unity government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz are making a mockery of Israel's parliamentary system and Basic Laws. Israel
Gantz has played into Netanyahu's hands Thanks to the coronavirus crisis and high poll numbers, Benjamin Netanyahu is even better off than he'd hoped, but he still needs Blue and White leader Benny Gantz to get him back into the Prime Ministry. Israel
Is Israel's Gantz crafting his political demise or a new beginning? Even if Blue and White's Benny Gantz fails in his attempt to form the next Israeli government, he could emerge from the effort looking like the adult in the room and the person who put the interest of the state above his own. Israel
Israel passes ball of prisoner exchange deal back to Hamas On the back of the coronavirus crisis, Israel is now examining a three-phased plan proposed indirectly by Hamas for the exchange of prisoners. Palestine
Egypt joins worldwide race for coronavirus cure Egypt’s Cairo University recently announced that it has found a treatment protocol for COVID-19 and is awaiting its approval for use. Egypt
Services emerge to help Middle Eastern men beat high costs of marriage In Gaza and Egypt, men are seeking help from religious authorities and matchmaking services to persuade their prospective brides' families to lower financial demands. Palestine
Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s diverging regional coronavirus strategy The United Arab Emirates is showing openness to Iran during the coronavirus crisis, which could point to the UAE’s aim to break loose of the policies of its tradition Saudi ally. Saudi Arabia
‘All hands on deck:’ Middle East embassies inundated with citizens stranded in US Middle East embassies are overwhelmed with calls from citizens trying to return home as COVID-19 spreads in the United States. Oman
Intel: Key Democrat says Yemen war restrictions 'on the table' in major defense bill House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., told Al-Monitor today that Democrats are considering renewing last year’s push to cut off US support to the Saudi-led coalition that is fighting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels as part of Congress’ annual defense authorization bill. Saudi Arabia
Intel: US comes out against emergency COVID-19 IMF loan for Iran The United States opposes Iran’s request for a $5 billion emergency loan request from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help it cope with the coronavirus pandemic, Al-Monitor has learned. United States
Pandemic further strains Egypt's dilapidated health system Egypt's health practitioners say protective gear shortages are putting them at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Egypt
Iraq's Kurdish region issues arrest warrants over funeral linked to surge in COVID-19 cases Two banned funeral services held in Erbil in March have led to at least 72 coronavirus infections. Iraqi-Kurdistan
US-led coalition ally targets State Department-funded Syrian Arab activists Syrian civil society activists in the country's largely Kurdish northeast are being arrested and held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, possibly as part of a campaign of intimidation. Syria
Turkey cracks down on journalists, others as coronavirus rumors spread Turkish journalists and social media users alike are facing charges for sharing "lies" and "manipulating the public" as Ankara finds its coronavirus responses under scrutiny. Turkey
Intel: US, Iraq to meet on American troop presence Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced today that the United States and Iraq will convene next month to hammer out several thorny issues, including the status of US troops who remain stationed in Iraq. Iraq
For Erdogan’s government, it’s the economy first in COVID-19 crisis Wary of paralyzing its entire economy, Turkey’s government has balked at drastic measures against the coronavirus outbreak in Istanbul, the country’s economic powerhouse and now the epicenter of the pandemic. Turkey
