Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship. Iraq
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
Report: Child soldiers deployed to Libya by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army An exclusive report, citing sources on the ground in Syria and Libya, says Syrian teenagers are being sent to Libya to take part in the civil war there. Syria
Turkey charges 7 over ex-Nissan boss’s escape to Lebanon Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has been living in Lebanon since escaping house arrest in Japan in late December. Lebanon
Kuwait announces full curfew as other countries ease restrictions Kuwait announced a "total curfew" will start Sunday to fight the coronavirus, but did not yet specify details. Kuwait
Intel: Trump administration singles out Russia’s role in Libya war The Donald Trump administration stepped up its criticism of Russia’s role in Libya’s civil war on Thursday. Syria
Israel concerned over US intention to withdraw troops from Sinai Israel would rather have the United States keeping its 400 soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula, especially on the backdrop of growing tensions there and increased jihadist activity. Egypt
Why is Turkey prioritizing shopping malls in reopening plan? Ankara’s haste to reopen shopping malls may be an effort to revive sagging consumption, but it also has to do with a tight nexus between politicians and businesses in the country. Turkey
Shells strike near Turkish, Italian embassies in central Tripoli, Libya Turkey supports the embattled Tripoli government against rebel forces from the east led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Turkey
Civilian killings in Syria are a ‘ticking time bomb,’ UN commissioner says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned of a "ticking time bomb" in Syria amid an uptick of civilian attacks and human rights violations. Syria
Intel: US approves $2.3 billion upgrade for 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters The US State Department approved a sale of $2.3 billion worth of equipment to refurbish 43 of Egypt’s Apache helicopters. Egypt
Suicide rates increase within Iraq’s Yazidi community The number of suicides among Iraqi Yazidis have been increasing recently, while they receive little support from local and international organizations in this regard. Iraq
Tunisia emerges healthy from six-week lockdown Tunisia has started to ease lockdown measures, pointing to the relative success of the restrictions it imposed early on in the pandemic. Tunisia
Israel expands settlement projects around Hebron’s mosque Israel has approved a project near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in another step toward annexation. Palestine
Pompeo to discuss annexation, Iran, China with Israel’s new government Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will arrive in Israel with a long list of issues to discuss the day the new government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is sworn in. Israel