Archives for April, 2020

Coronavirus curfew fails to clear Iraqi protest squares

Despite a curfew and other restrictions imposed by the Iraqi government to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, Iraq’s major protest squares remain packed with demonstrators.

In Cairo, different architectural styles mingle with each other

Egypt's plans to celebrate its multi-layered Islamic heritage stumbles upon coronavirus measures.

Religious authorities across Syria join fight against the coronavirus

Most religious authorities in Syria called on their constituents to abide by the government’s preventive measures aimed at containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A palestinian worker manufacture protective coverall suits and masks at a workshop in Gaza City on March 31, 2020. amid coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Factories in the Gaza Strip used to specialize in the manufacture of shirts and jeans, for despite the closure of many of them in previous years due to the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and the inability to export and its aftermath From economic problems that led to the closure of many factories, But with the invasion of the new coronavirus to the world,

Coronavirus revives Gaza's sewing sector as tailors turn out PPE

As COVID-19 spreads across the Middle East, Israel is having medical gear made in the Gaza Strip, where clothing manufacturers have shifted production to sorely needed personal protective equipment.

A Syrian woman sets a protective mask on a child's face after a lecture provided by staff from Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) to raise awareness about the novel coronavirus epidemic at a camp for the displaced in Kafr Lusin village, on the border with Turkey, in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, on March 23, 2020. - Testing for the novel coronavirus is to start within days in northwest Syria, the World Health Organisation said, amid fears of a disaster if the pandemic reached overcrowde

Syrian students turn to e-learning amid pandemic

The opposition-led government in Syria has activated distance learning for students in the areas under its control to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools and universities, though some students aren't able to benefit from the program.

Why Egypt banned news about terrorist bombings in Sinai

Egypt has instructed media outlets in the country not to publish any news on the recent terrorist bombings of power lines in the northern Sinai Peninsula, which some consider unconstitutional.

Airstrikes on Yemen intensify, shatter hope for peace

The latest Saudi-led airstrikes against Houthi positions in the Yemeni capital Sanaa have ended all hopes for peace as the war-torn country braces for the coronavirus pandemic.

Egypt offers psychological help amid social isolation

The Ministry of Health has designated a special hotline for Egyptians isolated at home and in quarantine to offer psychological support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attend a news conference following their talks in Moscow, Russia March 5, 2020. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC2UDF9MRZQ9

Intel: What’s next for Russia-Turkey cooperation after Erdogan, Putin call?

On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss potential cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the next steps in joint efforts in Syria as well as the developments in Libya.

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the 11th Democratic candidates debate of the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, held in CNN's Washington studios without an audience because of the global coronavirus pandemic, in Washington, U.S., March 15, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - HP1EG3G058XET

Intel: Joe Biden uses coronavirus crisis to push for Iran sanctions relief

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the overwhelming favorite to become the Democratic presidential nominee, came out in favor of humanitarian sanctions relief for Iran to help the embattled country cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

A man holds up a sign in memory of U.S. journalist James Foley during a protest against the Assad regime in Syria in Times Square in New York August 22, 2014. Foley, who was abducted in Syria in late 2012, was beheaded by a masked member of the Islamic State group in an act filmed in a video released on August 19 that also threatened a second American journalist, Steven Sotloff. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY CIVIL UNREST) - GM1EA8N0MAY01

Families of Americans detained abroad want more US government attention, study finds

An analysis of US hostage policy found that efforts to free Americans wrongfully detained abroad are hampered by unclear policies and confusion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 14, 2019. Sputnik/Alexei Nikolsky/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC16798088B0

Intel: Russia rebuts Trump’s claim that Saudis agreed to oil compromise

President Donald Trump tweeted on Thursday that Russia and Saudi Arabia agreed to a compromise to end the ongoing oil price war after a discussion between President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Funeral vehicles stand in front of a morgue to carry coffins of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) victims to cemeteries in Istanbul, Turkey March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Umit Bektas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC2ZUF99ETHB

Turkey finally releases epidemic figures: coronavirus epicenter in Istanbul

Turkey’s death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak has hit 356 as political sparring has broken out over rival assistance programs for the poor and the government’s efforts to keep the economy afloat.

Can Iran's president turn around its economy?

Iran's economic plight — compounded by US sanctions, low oil prices and COVID-19 — depends on risky and difficult reforms for a turnaround.

Intel: Soleimani’s successor visits Iraq, then Trump tweets warning to Iran

President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday to warn Iran against further attacks on US forces in Iraq — the same day that Iraqi officials told the Associated Press that the new head of the Quds Force had recently visited Baghdad.

Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour coronavirus curfew in Mecca, Medina

Saudi Arabia has shut down virtually all activity in Mecca and Medina as it fights the global pandemic, and authorities are urging Muslims around the world to delay making travel plans for the hajj this summer.