Intel: Russian mercenaries enter key oil field, Libya oil company says A convoy of Russian mercenaries entered Libya’s Sharara oil field and met with the facility’s security forces yesterday, the country’s National Oil Corporation said. Libya
Syria risks another wave of migration, UN food agency warns The United Nations' World Food Program director told the AP more Syrians will flee the country unless the international community steps in with additional aid. Syria
Monuments, statues destroyed by unidentified groups in Iraq Despite vandalism turning into a phenomenon in Iraq, the Iraqi authorities have yet to identify the individuals destroying monuments and statues throughout the country, but there is growing consensus whereby such acts express a political rejection of the ruling parties. Iraq
Netanyahu announces anti-coronavirus cooperation between Israel, UAE Private companies from Israel and the United Arab Emirates plan to cooperate on developing technologies to battle COVID-19. United Arab Emirates
UN Security Council to meet on Egypt-Ethiopia dam dispute The meeting will discuss Egypt's and Sudan's objections to the Ethiopian dam. Egypt
Intel: US pushes warring Libya factions to disband militias US officials pushed Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) to demobilize its militias in virtual meeting this week, the State Department announced today. Libya
Netherlands isn’t required to repatriate Islamic State families in Syria, court rules The Netherlands isn't required to bring home from northern Syria a group of 23 Dutch women suspected of joining the Islamic State or their 56 children. Syria
Turkey gears up for tougher challenge in Libya as conflict heats up Despite cease-fire calls in Libya, Turkey and its allies might be readying for a push toward the strategically important areas of Sirte and al-Jufra next month. Turkey
Netanyahu unapologetic on demanding tax exemptions Despite soaring unemployment and an economic crisis in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the time to demand retroactive tax exemptions for himself. Israel
Individual initiatives breathe life back into Gaza’s old houses Some businessmen and heritage institutions have taken it upon themselves to restore the ancient homes of the Gaza Strip, some dating back hundreds of years, amid limited government funding and external support to preserve Gaza’s heritage. Palestine
Netanyahu’s damage control strategy ahead of annexation vote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing contradictory estimates from security agency chiefs on whether annexation will generate massive uprisings in the West Bank and Arab retaliation. Israel
Iraqi security forces raid militia headquarters A group of Iraqi counterterrorism forces raided a headquarter of a militia in southern Baghdad, arresting some of its personnel and confiscating rocket launchers allegedly prepared for attacks against US bases. Iraq
Mossad chief meets with Jordanian king, relates message from Netanyahu According to reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen to Jordan, in an attempt to appease King Abdullah over the annexation plan. Palestine
Will Egypt’s decision to impose visa fees on GCC countries affect tourism revival? Egypt has imposed entry visa fees to its territories on GCC citizens, a decision that some say shouldn’t have been taken under the coronavirus circumstances, as tourism has been dealt a heavy blow. Egypt
Activists press for tougher penalties against female genital mutilation in Egypt Amendments are being finalized to crack down on female genital mutilation which remains popular in rural Egypt. Egypt
Oman weighs costs of bailout from Gulf neighbors Gulf countries might step up to keep Oman’s public finances afloat, but experts warn strings may be attached. Saudi Arabia
