Have taxes killed GCC economic integration? Saudi Arabia's recent decision to increase its value-added tax by 200% could spell the end of chances for regional economic integration and policy coordination. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon says Damascus, Moscow exploit discontent in Kurdish-controlled Syria A US military report accuses Russia and the Syrian regime of using Arab discontent in eastern Syria to undermine the Kurdish-led administration. Syria
Iranian tanker on way to Venezuela despite US pressure The tanker passed through the Suez Canal on Wednesday. United States
PKK attacks Turkish military base in Kurdistan Region of Iraq The attack comes amid intra-Kurdish tensions in Iraq over the PKK's and Turkey's presence in the country. Iraq
Don’t 'turn a blind eye' to Libya, UN agencies warn Seven United Nations agencies called for a cease-fire in war-torn Libya that would allow local authorities and humanitarian organizations to focus on the coronavirus outbreak. Libya
Iran rejects US plan to reenter nuclear deal to trigger sanctions return In Iran's media review today, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the United States has left the nuclear deal and plans to reenter are "idiotic." Iran
Kuwait sees coronavirus jump as lockdown holds Kuwait has registered 947 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours as the country continues its total lockdown. Kuwait
Israeli unity government sidelines pro-settler party Israel's impending unity government leaves out pro-settler Yamina, which accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using it before pushing it out of the new coalition. Israel
Turkey’s intervention in Libya turns tide to Erdogan’s advantage, for now Ankara has thrown in its lot with the Government of National Accord for reasons that have more to do with its own interests than Libya’s. Turkey
Sisi grants army more powers under state of emergency Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi approved new amendments to the emergency law, granting the army the right to arrest and prosecute civilians in clear violation of the constitution and the law, according to human rights activists. Egypt
Pompeo forges ties with Ashkenazi as Israeli government diversifies The US administration knows that the new government in Israel means that the days of working only with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are over. Israel
Why is US pushing unworkable plan to renew Iran arms ban? Two years after the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, the administration is looking extend the UN ban on conventional arms sales to and from Iran, a strategy designed to kill the deal for good and benefit President Donald Trump whether it succeeds or not. United States
The Takeaway: Irreconcilable differences between NATO allies? Turkey targets US-backed Kurds in Syria Also, Biden adviser criticizes Trump policy on Iran, but says sanctions “very effective”; Expat labor is biggest loser in Saudi cutbacks; Egyptian actor speaks up about transgender son; more! Originals
Intel: 331 lawmakers take International Criminal Court to task over Israel investigation Hundreds of US lawmakers have signed onto two letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him to continue his “vigorous support of Israel as it faces the growing possibility of investigations and prosecutions by the International Criminal Court” over potential war crimes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
Hezbollah chief says Israel fighting 'imaginary battle' in Syria Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Iran-aligned Lebanese Hezbollah, accuses Israel of targeting missile-manufacturing sites in Syria. Israel
Israel gives final go-ahead for cannabis exports Israeli Economy Minister Eli Cohen gives his final approval for the export of medical cannabis. Israel
