Intel: Pompeo refused interview on Saudi arms sale investigation before firing Linick Secretary of State Mike Pompeo refused to give an interview for State Department Inspector General Steve Linick’s investigation into a massive Saudi arms sale deal before asking President Donald Trump to fire the watchdog, Al-Monitor has learned. Saudi Arabia
Iraqi protests resume as new government builds support for reform Demonstrators across Iraq acknowledge the steps taken by the new government to meet their demands, but the massive street protests have resumed with new energy. Originals
Ankara unfolds Hagia Sophia card against COVID-19 crisis Erdogan’s government has signaled it could consider turning the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque as part of religious messages aimed at keeping its voter base intact under the strain of economic turmoil, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkey
Qatar triples swap line with Turkey Qatar has offered support to Turkey’s central bank, expanding a currency-swap agreement to $15 billion as Ankara seeks to mitigate economic shocks from the coronavirus pandemic. Qatar
Turkey to relax quarantine rules for citizens returning from abroad Instead of completing quarantine in dormitories across Turkey, arrivals from abroad will be allowed to isolate at home for two weeks. Turkey
Report: Iran-backed militia members enter Syria via Iraq The news from a Syrian pro-opposition group contradicts statements by some Israelis that Iran may be pulling back from Syria. Syria
Israel advances bill for Shin Bet tracking of coronavirus carriers' phones Israel’s government publishes a proposal for a law with a sunset date of three months that would enable the Shin Bet to track where the mobile phones of coronavirus carriers have been. Israel
Egyptians outraged by fatwa against charity to non-Muslims Pressure from angry Egyptians on social media has prompted Dar al-Ifta to withdraw a fatwa limiting regular alms-giving to Muslim recipients. Egypt
Nile dam talks stall again amid Egyptian-Ethiopian dispute Egypt has addressed a letter to the UN Security Council over Ethiopia’s plan to begin filling the Renaissance dam without prior notification of both Cairo and Sudan, further complicating talks to resolve the dispute. Egypt
Israel’s new foreign minister has other, higher ambitions For Gabi Ashkenazi, his appointment as Israel’s new foreign minister is just the first step in his expected political soar. Israel
Israeli-Chinese ties scrutinized by US Washington might soon demand that Israel pick a side in the security and trade conflict between the United States and China. Israel
Israel, Iran trade cyber jabs The April cyberattack on Israel’s water system and a May attack on an Iranian port might be the opening salvoes of a cyber war between Israel and Iran. Israel
Gulf countries increase virus-related restrictions after new cases The United Arab Emirates and Qatar registered more than 2,000 coronavirus cases between the two of them on Monday alone. Saudi Arabia
Saudi courts ordered to stop flogging for ‘tazir’ crimes Judges in the kingdom can no longer prescribe flogging as a punishment for lesser crimes. Originals
First commercial flight between UAE and Israel lands in Tel Aviv The Etihad Airways cargo plane brought COVID-19 aid to Palestinians via Ben Gurion airport. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Biden warns against West Bank annexation as Israel lobbies Trump for green light Former Vice President Joe Biden told campaign donors today that any Israeli annexation of the West Bank would “choke off any hope for peace,” according to a transcript of the presumptive Democratic nominee’s remarks seen by Al-Monitor. Palestine
