Israel’s unity government to help gay couples become parents Into the outline of the new government, Knesset member Itzik Shmuli has succeeded in introducing a clause by which the state will financially assist same-sex couples undertake surrogacy procedures abroad. Israel
Coronavirus crisis highlights Druze discrimination in Israel Faced with problems brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and delays in the transfer of funding because of the yearlong political imbroglio, Druze and Circassian local authorities are already on the verge of bankruptcy. Israel
End of lockdown brings avalanche of demonstrations to Israel People from across Israeli society have been demonstrating against the government, demanding both looser and tighter restrictions and increased aid Israel
Islamic State ramps up attacks in Iraq during Ramadan A rash of seemingly coordinated attacks by the Islamic State have hit several areas across Iraq during the Muslim holy month of fasting, starting before dawn and resuming after sundown. Iraq
Israel, PA agree on return of construction workers Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed on the conditions for the return of some 50,000 workers, mostly in the construction sector. Palestine
Turkey’s politicians spar over masks, bread in coronavirus response President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists his government should spearhead the fight against the pandemic and has stymied relief efforts in opposition-held cities, forcing local officials to come up with creative ways to deliver aid. Turkey
Trump administration touts aid that meets small fraction of Yemen’s COVID-19 needs The State Department announced more Yemen aid, but it still falls well short of the $1.3 billion the war-torn country needs to stave off the coronavirus pandemic. Yemen
Islamic State claims responsibility for army attack in Egypt’s Sinai The attack in Egypt's northern Sinai region left as many as 10 soldiers dead. Egypt
A further Iran-US prisoner exchange is overdue A mutual release of prisoners would be a low-cost way of reducing US-Iran tensions and providing the countries' leaders small breakthroughs. U.S.
Intel: US praises Germany for expanding Hezbollah terrorist designation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and pro-Israel lawmakers welcomed Germany’s decision this week to designate the entirety of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia-cum-political party, as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Was Trump’s call about oil with Saudi leader the start of a reset in relations? US-Saudi partnership faces both old and new challenges in post-COVID-19 Middle East. Saudi Arabia
US sanctions Iranian-Iraqi businessman, mining company linked to IRGC The sanctions freeze any US-held assets belonging to Amir Dianat and Taif Mining Services. Iran
Sudan outlaws female genital mutilation Sudan's criminalization of the practice done to a majority of young girls won praise and may reflect some change in attitudes. North Africa
Netflix yanks 'Designated Survivor' episode in Turkey over portrayal of fictional president A Turkish regulator has ordered Netflix to remove an episode of "Designated Survivor" that paints an unflattering portrayal of a fictional Turkish president. Turkey
Assad’s billionaire cousin denies tax evasion, begs for help in Facebook video Syrian telecom tycoon Rami Makhlouf has made a rare public statement calling on his cousin President Bashar al-Assad to dismiss charges of tax evasion. Syria
Intel: US doubles down on Turkey S-400 sanctions threats The Donald Trump administration has doubled down on threats to sanction Turkey should it activate the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Turkey