Assassinations, kidnappings shake Baghdad Journalists and activists fear being targeted as another wave of protests and violence occur in Iraq. Iraq
Israel, Hezbollah playing war game, but avoid real conflagration Attempting to avoid further escalation with Hezbollah, the Israel Defense Forces are careful to showcase lots of fire and brimstone, but no casualties on either side. Israel
How COVID-19 widened Egypt’s budget gap The coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown measures have largely affected Egypt’s budget deficit. Egypt
Egypt seeks extradition of Sisi's 'pain in Spain' Madrid is looking into the case of Egyptian construction contractor Mohamed Ali at the Egyptian authorities' official request that the Spanish authorities extradite him for fraud offenses. Egypt
Potential China-Iran pact has major implications for Pakistan As speculation abounds over a leaked draft of an economic and security deal between Iran and China, its potential effects on Pakistan stand out as particularly dramatic. Iran
First barrel bombs, now coronavirus: doctors in Syria's Idlib hit hard by outbreak Doctors working in already short-staffed hospitals are struggling with a flare-up of new cases in the country's last rebel stronghold. Syria
Iraqi army aircraft damaged in rocket attack on Camp Taji The attack is the latest in a long-running series of low-level attacks believed to be carried out by Iran-sponsored militias in Iraq. Iraq
Intel: US calls on Turkey to release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala The United States today called on Turkey to release Osman Kavala, a Turkish businessman and philanthropist who has spent 1,000 days in detention despite widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. Originals
Israeli settlers firebomb mosque in West Bank Attacks by ultranationalist Jewish settlers in the West Bank have occurred this year amid Israel's planned — but so far unsuccessful — attempts to annex parts of the Palestinian territory. Israel
Iraqi PM calls for investigation after two protesters killed in Baghdad The prime minister said security forces have 72 hours to finish their investigation into the protester deaths. Iraq
Iran faces medical worker shortage as COVID-19 crisis shows no signs of slowing Iranian officials in charge of combatting the coronavirus have warned they are running short of medical staff. Iran
Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala marks 1000th day in jail Despite the European Court of Human Rights' order for his release, Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala remains imprisoned in Turkey on what supporters call politically motivated charges. Turkey
Trump loosens rules on armed drone exports amid rivalry with China The new US policy will allow the United States to export armed drones after reinterpreting a 35-nation agreement aimed at limiting the proliferation of rocket-based weapons. Business
Iraq issues 'total curfew' for Eid al-Adha COVID-19 cases have increased to historic highs of around 2,000 a day in Iraq. Iraq
16 fined for trespassing on Saudi holy sites ahead of restricted hajj The violators were each fined 10,000 riyals ($2,666), authorities announced. Saudi Arabia
GCC Railway: a train across a fractured Gulf? The repeatedly delayed rail network could boost regional trade and ease mobility. Originals
