Iraq takes action to reduce suicide rate in the country Iraq's Interior Ministry wants to build fences around bridges to prevent suicide attempts. Iraq
Yemen's cholera survivors get oral vaccines in Sanaa The World Health Organization and Yemeni health officials are offering an oral cholera vaccine in Yemen, but some Yemenis are suspicious of the vaccine. Yemen
Palestinian rift endangers opposition to US peace plan Backers of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas say the ongoing Palestinian division will only weaken efforts to defy the US peace plan, which is expected to be announced soon. Palestine
How long can PA keep borrowing money from Palestinian banks? The Palestinian government announced its decision to pay 60% of the salaries of public employees, which could be achieved under a plan to borrow money from local banks to confront the financial crisis caused by Israel's deduction from clearing funds for the PA. Palestine
Israel fears Islamic Jihad will ruin Eurovision Israel fears that escalation in the Gaza Strip and rockets by Islamic Jihad will chase away the thousands of tourists expected to come to Tel Aviv for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Palestine
Hamas to form body to foil 'deal of the century' Hamas has recently announced its intention to form a supreme body with the aim of thwarting the US deal of the century in what some officials say trespasses the prerogatives of the PLO. Palestine
Democrats move to defund Yemen war after veto defeat After failing to override a presidential veto on ending US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, Congress is looking for new ways to tie the Trump administration’s hands. Saudi Arabia
Boys' rescue from forest provides bright spot for Turks The rescue of two boys, ages 4 and 5, from a forest brought a modicum of hope the day after May Day to Turkish union members and others who have seen their buying power dwindle and are still seeing the nation's governing party trying to reverse the results of the March 31 Istanbul mayor election. Turkey
Israel’s finance minister gets second chance Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is bitter over what he sees as voter disloyalty, but his party still has four Knesset seats that will enable him to keep his job. Israel
Israel, Hamas hesitant over Islamic Jihad provocations On the backdrop of attempts to reach an arrangement with Hamas and ahead of an especially sensitive month, Israel minimizes retaliation against the provocations of Islamic Jihad. Palestine
Can Turkey double down in Libya game? Under attack by Khalifa Hifter’s forces, Libya’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli has pinned its hopes on Turkey, but despite its forceful rhetoric of support, Ankara can hardly tip the balance in Tripoli’s favor. Turkey
Iran arrests dozens at International Workers’ Day protests Iran has marked International Worker's Day with arrests and threats against independent labor unions. Iran
Badr strongman Amiri faces dissent within his group's ranks Powerful Iraqi politician Hadi al-Amiri is up against strong opposition within his own Badr Organization, as hundreds of members accuse him of being corrupt and exploiting power. Iraq
Why first intifada is back on Middle East art scene In conjunction with a new exhibition, founders of the Palestinian contemporary art scene met in Beirut to discuss how the political events of their time influenced their work. Palestine
Yemen's divided parliament growing further apart Literally and figuratively, the two sides of Yemen's split parliament are miles away from each other and show no sign of reconciliation. Saudi Arabia
After local electoral wins, Tunisia's independents aim even higher After making major gains in the 2018 local elections, independent candidates expect voters' disappointment in Tunisia's ruling parties to help them win this fall's legislative and presidential elections elections. Tunisia
