Israeli-Arab society torn over LGBTQ legislation The vote over a bill banning gay "conversion therapy" stirred a real conflict within Israeli-Arab politics and society. Israel
Egypt eyes coronavirus vaccine production Egypt is getting ready to serve as the hub for the manufacturing of a coronavirus vaccine in Africa, with the help of China. Egypt
Palestinian hands tied as crime rises in East Jerusalem Palestinians living in East Jerusalem are concerned by rising crime among the Arab population and complain that Israeli security forces are turning a blind eye while blocking Palestinian security forces from establishing control. Palestine
The latest reason Australia won’t take back citizens detained in Syria’s prisons for IS? Coronavirus Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says COVID-19 has further complicated the possibilities of repatriating Australians captured during the war against the Islamic State in Syria. Syria
Saudi Arabia jails Yemeni blogger over video calling for LGBT rights A Saudi court sentenced Mohamad al-Bokari to 10 months in prison over a social media post encouraging gay rights. Saudi Arabia
Lebanese prime minister calls for 'caution' after reported Israel-Hezbollah clash Israel said it thwarted a Hezbollah incursion, but the Lebanese group denied this. A Hezbollah fighter was killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike in Syria last week. Lebanon
Iran conducts large-scale drills amid flaring tensions with US During the military exercise in the Persian Gulf, Iranian forces were shown firing a barrage of missiles at a replica of a US naval carrier. Iran
Turkey stops eastern Mediterranean drilling, wants talks with Greece The area in which Turkey planned to drill for gas is considered by Greece and Cyprus to be their waters. Turkey
Turkish lawmakers to debate controversial social media bill With a vote expected this week, the Turkish Parliament is set to begin deliberations over a bill that would compel social media platforms and news websites to open offices in Turkey and even remove content upon government request. Turkey
Fuel tank explosion in Iran latest in string of mystery blasts No casualties were reported after six trucks carrying fuel reportedly caught fire Monday. Iran
Moody's credit rating downgrade puts Lebanon on par with Venezuela The major credit rating agency said Lebanon is likely to default on its debt due to a lack of reform and the collapse of the Lebanese pound. Lebanon
Australian-British academic jailed in Iran moved to dangerous desert prison Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been moved to the Qarchak prison after spending nearly two years in Tehran's notorious Evin detention center. Iran
Emirates to require negative COVID-19 test for transit passengers The United Arab Emirates already required people entering the country to test negative for the coronavirus, but now the rule has been extended to all connecting travel on the Emirates airline. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Saudi Arabia backs Egypt on Libya Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said his government supports Egypt’s calls for a cease-fire in Libya after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. Saudi Arabia
Should Netanyahu worry over violent protests against him? As political and public energy that has welled up against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the last few years is about to burst the floodgates, some worry he could be the target of an assassination attempt. Israel
Is Turkey headed for compromise or fresh fighting in Idlib? Turkey’s military buildup and efforts to collaborate with the dominant rebel group in Idlib appear to be the harbinger of a fresh war in the region, yet rebel forces suspect that Turkey is willing to concede to Russia. Turkey
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