Pandemic worsening existing food crises across the Middle East, UN agencies warn Even before the coronavirus outbreak, nearly 110 million people across the Middle East and North Africa were undernourished. Yemen
Speculation grows in Iran about outgoing parliament speaker's possible presidential bid Political circles in Iran are busy debating where Ali Larijani is headed next following his farewell as parliament speaker after 12 years. Iran
Oman ending lockdown in capital Restrictions in other parts of the country to remain in place as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Oman
Rainbow flags over Baghdad fan debate, spur fear In what both progressive and conservative critics considered a tone-deaf step to support Iraq’s LGBTQ community, several Western embassies’ raising of the rainbow flag did not have its intended effects. Iraq
Is Hamas becoming second power in ruling Palestinians? Hamas is destroying houses in the Gaza Strip, as it considers them illegally built on government territories, while its understandings with Israel are ongoing despite Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement about halting all agreements with Israel. Palestine
Abbas’ decision to cut ties with Israel will weaken PA, boost PLO The Palestinian president's decision to sever relations with Israel means strengthening the larger Palestine Liberation Organization, which represents all Palestinians and is not limited to the occupied territories. Palestine
Democrats prepare legislation forcing Trump to declassify report on Khashoggi murder Democrats are drafting new legislation that would force the Donald Trump administration to declassify a report on Khashoggi’s murder, potentially implicating the crown prince. Saudi Arabia
Coalition airstrike kills Islamic State leader in eastern Syria, Iraq says Mu'taz Numan 'Abd Nayif Najm al-Jaburi was killed in a coalition-led airstrike, Iraq's intelligence services said. Iraq
Saudi Arabia again easing anti-virus restrictions The Gulf country is still recording more than 2,000 COVID-19 cases per day. Saudi Arabia
Bethlehem, Jerusalem churches reopen to limited number of worshipers The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity opened to tourists and worshippers Tuesday for the first time since March. Palestine
'Baby face' political rival puts Erdogan on edge Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has killed rumors that his ruling party may gamble on snap elections to retain its 18-year grip on power, but he's clearly feeling the heat. Turkey
Jordanian government employees return to work Most civil servants had not worked since March due to anti-virus measures. Jordan
Intel: Congress advances trans-Sahara security bill as Pentagon mulls Africa troop drawdown The Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week unanimously advanced long-stalled legislation to formally institutionalize a counterterrorism partnership with numerous North African and Sahel states. North Africa
Iran claims it circumvents US sanctions with shipments to Venezuela Venezuelan officials welcome the second Iranian tanker carrying gasoline to the Latin American nation; three more vessels are on their way. Iran
Will Israel fully legalize use of cannabis? Several ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government support the full legalization of cannabis use. Israel
Syrian government lifts nightly curfew despite uptick in coronavirus cases The Syrian Ministry of Health has registered 121 coronavirus cases and a death toll of four in areas under regime control. Syria
