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. By Kadri Gürsel
Iranian officials contradict one another on coronavirus projections, state assistance Iran's health minister says he expects full containment of the outbreak by May 20 despite epidemiologists' predictions of an exponential jump. By Al-Monitor Staff
Israel’s coronavirus committee slams government over crisis management Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces harsh criticism for both preparation and response to the growing coronavirus pandemic threat. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Coronavirus tests alliance between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox Ultra-Orthodox politicians feel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is using them as scapegoats over coronavirus failures. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel to require people to wear face masks in public Israelis prepare to observe Passover under a curfew after the Israeli government issued new restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. By Al-Monitor Staff
Ultra-Orthodox welcome soldiers’ help in battle against coronavirus When the ultra-Orthodox residents of Bnei Brak realized that the army was there to help them against the coronavirus, their negative attitudes changed almost overnight. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
In Israel, Arabs feel sidelined in struggle against coronavirus The Arab community has been disappointed with Israeli government communications about the coronavirus. By Afif Abu Much In Baqa al-Gharbiyye, reporting on business and tech
Netanyahu puts settlers before Israel, again Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blew up coalition talks following right-wing attacks against him for letting Blue and White control the committee that appoints Supreme Court justices. By Shlomi Eldar
Why returning to classics may mean success for Egyptian cinema Egypt, known as the Hollywood of the Middle East, now wonders whether nostalgia will draw in new audiences. By Ahmed Fouad
Syrian camps brace for potential COVID-19 outbreak Doctors are deeply concerned about the devastation likely to occur if the coronavirus spreads into northwest Syria, particularly the camps for the displaced. By Mohammed al-Khatieb
Millions of Egyptians out in the streets despite coronavirus lockdown Many irregular workers in Egypt are turning a blind eye to the curfew and measures imposed by authorities and heading to work, as they are concerned about making ends meet. By Doaa Fareed
How is Lebanon dealing with refugee camps amid coronavirus outbreak? Since the coronavirus reached Lebanon, there have been growing concerns about the spread of the epidemic inside the country’s overcrowded Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps. By Hanan Hamdan
Race for wheat heats up between Damascus, opposition The Syrian government in Damascus is competing with the opposition government in the northwest to buy wheat, facing increased demand and high prices. By Mohammad Bassiki
Intel: Netanyahu, Gantz strike West Bank annexation deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, struck a deal today to annex parts of the West Bank as part of their bid to form a unity government. By Al-Monitor Staff
Intel: Iran accuses US of blocking IMF loan request to fight coronavirus The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council publicly accused the United States on Sunday of blocking Iran’s request for a $5 million emergency loan request from the International Monetary Fund to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the country. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress
Lebanon calls on international donors to provide coronavirus relief funds Lebanon's president said he welcomed any financial assistance from "the friends of Lebanon.” By Al-Monitor Staff