How megaprojects mitigated COVID-19 impact on Egypt’s labor market The coronavirus pandemic has increased the unemployment rate, but the impact could have been worse without the infrastructure overhaul. Egypt
Al-Qaeda executes dentist in Yemen Al-Qaeda in Yemen killed a dentist in Yemen on spying charges and then tied his body on a makeshift cross as the country slides deeper into lawlessness and chaos. Yemen
Israel carries out multiple airstrikes after 12 rockets from Gaza Escalation on Israel-Gaza border: Israel Defense Forces jets struck Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip three times, after 12 rockets and projectiles were launched during the night from Gaza. Palestine
General Electric signs deal with Iraq's Electricity Ministry The US industrial giant's announcement came before Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi visited the White House. Iraq
Pompeo initiates snapback of Iran sanctions at UN Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was left with no alternatives following its failed bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. Originals
Iran unveils ballistic missile named after Qasem Soleimani A missile named for the powerful commander killed in a US drone strike last January was unveiled on Iranian state TV Thursday. Iran
UAE official says F-35 request 'legitimate,' not connected to Israel deal UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said an arms deal should be easier now that his country inked a deal to normalize ties with Israel. United Arab Emirates
Democratic Party platform criticizes possible Israeli annexation of West Bank, Saudi role in Yemen Parts of the platform approved at the Democratic National Convention this week have been both praised and criticized by Israel- and Iran-focused groups in Washington. Saudi Arabia
US official links long-term aid to reform in Lebanon Following his visit to Lebanon, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale told reporters that further economic assistance will be linked to IMF reform package. United States
Opting for backdoor measures, Turkey’s Central Bank holds interest rate steady Turkey’s Central Bank left a key interest rate unchanged in favor of liquidity measures Thursday in what analysts described as a “missed opportunity” to send a positive signal to the markets. Turkey
'Time is running out' in Yemen: NGOs urge USAID to restore funding to Houthi-held north Six of the largest humanitarian responders in Yemen urged USAID acting administrator John Barsa to immediately restore aid to Houthi-held northern Yemen. Yemen
Iran speaks out against US attempt to reinstate UN sanctions Iran says the United States will suffer another defeat if it attempts to bring back sanctions against Iran. Iran
Turkey's 'hedonist' singles become new target of AKP heavyweight Numan Kurtulmus, deputy chair of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party who opened a Pandora’s box on the Istanbul Convention, has come under fire once more for remarks on “over hedonist singles.” Turkey
Netanyahu’s maneuvers leave Blue and White clueless on budget, elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s constant machinations and tricks leave Blue and White in the dark as to whether he intends to push for new elections next week. Israel
Turkey banks on military drones to extend power, regional clout The “dronization” of Turkey’s power projection abroad continues with a new unmanned aerial vehicle that Ankara plans to use against PKK militants in Iraq and Syria as well as in brewing regional conflicts. Turkey
Egypt, Sudan kick off another round of Nile dam talks A new round of meetings between the Nile Basin countries has resumed as Sudan and Egypt try to unite on controlling damage from the Ethiopian dam. Egypt
