Iran releases 70,000 prisoners due to coronavirus, judiciary chief says The total number of persons infected with coronavirus in Iran has risen to 7,161 as officials scramble to respond to the spread of the virus. Iran
Does Israel's Gantz stand a chance at establishing a government? The chances of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz establishing a minority government with Avigdor Liberman and the support of the Arab Joint List are not high, yet the risks he is taking are huge. Israel
Israel faces political earthquake with potential Gantz-Liberman alliance Blue and White's Benny Gantz seeks a coalition with Yisrael Beitenu's Avigdor Liberman to lead Israel "onto a new path and toward a new future." Israel
How will Russia, China support Iran's military after UN arms ban ends? Moscow and Beijing could strike weapons deals with Tehran after the UN arms embargo expires later this year, but their anticipated support will face hurdles. Russia
Is Israel's 'Sovereignty Road' project step toward annexation? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interim government is busily advancing various annexation moves with the excuse of addressing the settlers’ living conditions. Palestine
How did opposition fighters in Daraa’s Sanamayn go separate ways? Twenty-one opposition fighters from the city of Sanamayn have arrived in opposition areas in the Aleppo countryside in line with an agreement concluded between the Assad regime and the opposition under Russian sponsorship. Syria
Iranian officials call for quarantine as coronavirus spreads Some Iranian officials are calling for more restrictive measures as the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the country. Iran
Jordanian artist taps absurd for 'Camel in the Room' With iconic imagery such as camels and locks, artist Raed Ibrahim explores the complexities of Middle Eastern identity, memory and the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Palestine
Does Jewish-Arab partnership to form government stand a chance in Israel? The Likud is continuing its campaign of incitement against Arab party representatives to head off their helping form a minority government led by Blue and White. Israel
Civil war rivals vie for Yemen's strategic Socotra island Despite stepping back from its military role in Yemen, UAE influence remains strong in the country's south, especially on Socotra island. United Arab Emirates
How an Iranian director defied ‘repression’ and won Golden Bear The Golden Bear-winning Iranian movie “There Is No Evil” revolves around the power to say no, the very same concept that has characterized the filmmaker’s overall mission. Iran
Why women in the Middle East find little to celebrate on March 8 From Beirut to Khartoum, women in the Middle East held demonstrations calling for the elimination of discriminatory laws and improvement of their situation. Saudi Arabia
How Turkey's soldiers and spies saved the day in Syria Turkey’s diplomatic position in Syria remains untenable, but its armed forces and spy agency did a pretty good job last week. Syria
Can Sochi 2.0 save the day in Idlib? The fragile cease-fire that took effect in Syria's rebel-held province of Idlib on March 6 under a fresh deal between Turkey and Russia might prove short-lived amid a series of uncertainties on key points of contention. Syria
Iraqi female activists launch women's magazine in Ninevah Plains Woman of Ninevah, a magazine that aims to give voice to women in the region, was launched on March 8, on International Women's Day. Iraq
UAE offers regional road map to deal with Iran Policies on coronavirus, nuclear issues may help recast regional security discussions, complement US policies. Saudi Arabia
