Qatar to further ease coronavirus restrictions Qatar is registering fewer coronavirus cases than in previous weeks, and public spaces, mosques and offices can now start to reopen. Originals
Renaissance painting of Ottoman sultan divides Turkish government, opposition Mehmed the Conqueror is a popular figure among Turks, but the same cannot be said of his 15th century painting. Turkey
Lebanon probes blast near ex-PM Hariri’s convoy The attack in the eastern Bekaa Valley came as Lebanon's anti-government protest movement ramped up. Lebanon
Iran says Romania has not shared details of death of fugitive judge Iran says that Romanian officials have not shared any information about the death in their country of fugitive judge Gholamreza Mansouri. Iran
Gantz calls July annexation target 'not sacred' With two days to go before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's target annexation date, Defense Minister Benny Gantz says other issues such as the coronavirus crisis are more urgent. Palestine
Syrian refugees hopeful as Egypt eases coronavirus restrictions Syrian refugees in Egypt have arguably suffered the most from the restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but with the recent lifting some of those measures, they may get a chance at economic recovery. Egypt
Pro-Iran militia leader challenges Iraqi government attempts at restraint Head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq Qais al-Khazali warns the Iraqi prime minister to steer clear of a clampdown or "lose everything.” Iraq
Egypt boosts navy amid Turkish threats in the region Differences and conflicts between Egypt and Turkey have intensified, while Turkish threats became clear in the Mediterranean, which disturbed Cairo and prompted it to conclude armament deals for the Egyptian navy to face any military dangers from the Turkish side. Egypt
Israel’s Arab communities claim state turns blind eye to crimes Crimes continue to take place in the Palestinian villages and towns of Israel, while the Israeli government fails to pursue them legally. Palestine
Despite ultra-Orthodox objection, Israeli government advances cannabis laws The cannabis laws now being promoted at the Knesset are nothing short of a revolution, which would not have been possible under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s previous right-wing, ultra-Orthodox governments. Israel
Turks lose trust in Russia, warm to US The Turkish public’s trust in Russia has declined in favor of the United States due to the rising conflicts between Ankara and Moscow over the Libyan and Syrian civil wars, according to a survey. Turkey
Iran slams US efforts to reimpose arms embargo, UN sanctions The remarks from the Iranian ambassador to the UN follow a US proposal to the UN to extend an arms embargo on Iran. United States
Intel: Congress pushes European Union to fully designate Hezbollah as terrorist group A bipartisan group of 30 US lawmakers sent a blanket letter to all European Union member states Thursday asking them to designate the entirety of Lebanon’s militia-cum-political party Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Lebanon
Is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham doing Turkey’s job in Idlib? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group dominating Idlib, is turning up pressure on radical jihadis, facing accusations of acting at the behest of Turkey. Syria
Pompeo dismisses Rouhani’s terms for talks as Iran admits ‘no plan B’ for Syria Israel, Iran and the United States are all not backing down in Syria, but US-Iran prisoner talks may still have a chance. Iraq
US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia offers rare apology to rivals amid unity talks The apology is testament to the group's determination to see unity talks between the Kurdish National Council and the PYD through to a successful end. Syria
