World’s tallest building in Dubai doubles as coronavirus ‘donation box’ For every light purchased along the Burj Khalifa’s exterior, a meal will be provided to a person in need. United Arab Emirates
Intel: Progressive coalition pushes Biden on Middle East policy More than 50 progressive advocacy groups on Monday sent a letter to former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, urging him to make concessions to the left on Middle East policy. Palestine
Is Russia pulling support from Libyan strongman Hifter? While Russia doesn't want to see Khalifa Hifter’s self-styled Libyan National Army collapse, there are signs Moscow’s interests may align more closely with other figures in the country’s eastern government. Libya
Saudi announces 24-hour lockdown for Eid holiday Saudi Arabia previously relaxed some of its anti-virus restrictions. Originals
Intel: US sanctions squeezing Iranian forces in Syria, says US envoy Cash-strapped Iran is reining in some of its forces in Syria as a result of American sanctions, US envoy James Jeffrey said today. Syria
Turkey targets US-backed Syrian Kurdish peace talks Turkey is openly disgruntled over the US-backed effort to unite disparate Syrian Kurdish factions that kicked off last month. Syria
Saudi Aramco first-quarter revenues fall The state-owned company still had a profit of $16.7 billion and gave its shareholders a big payout. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu appoints senior Likud member as his right-hand man in US Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, appointed to be Israel’s new envoy to both the United States and the UN, is a true Likud ideologist and ardent supporter of annexation. Israel
Iran’s industry minister sacked amid crumbling economy In a surprise move, Iran’s president dismissed his minister of industry as the sector is increasingly plagued by US sanctions, untamed inflation and corruption. Iran
Intel: Iraq’s Peshmerga Ministry pushes for joint security talks with Baghdad The Peshmerga Ministry of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region said it will send a delegation to Baghdad to discuss security cooperation and the situation in the disputed territories. Iraq
How clipping Turkey's religious reach has boosted Erdogan in Europe Western moves to curb Turkey's official religious body's activities in Europe are boosting support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan among the Turkish diaspora in Europe. Turkey
Feuds continue over Turkey’s East Med gas drilling as global energy prices plummet Despite the falling financial viability of several eastern Mediterranean energy projects, Turkish gas drilling activities are set to continue in the region, drawing condemnation from five nations Ankara accuses of forming an "alliance of evil." Turkey
Press freedom watchdog criticizes suspension of Kurdish reporter in northeast Syria Rudaw's Vivian Fatah was suspended because she did not describe Kurdish fighters who had been killed in Syria as martyrs. Iraq
Yemeni government vows to confront southern rebellion Yemen's internationally recognized government pledged to respond to any attacks from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council in the country's south. Saudi Arabia
Is a coup really looming in Turkey? Amid Turkey’s deepening economic woes and the COVID-19 pandemic, the main opposition has come into the government's crosshairs for allegedly inciting a military coup, which is no coincidence. Turkey
Israeli soldier killed by rock in West Bank raid An Israeli soldier was killed during a pre-dawn raid near Jenin when a large rock was dropped on his head, the first IDF death during military operations this year. Palestine
