Malls reopen, antivirus measures eased as Turkish economy teeters Shopping malls, barber shops and some stores reopened across Turkey Monday as the government rolled backed coronavirus precautions with aims to bolster the battered economy. Turkey
Jordan reopens stock market after two months, value falls Jordan's stock market resumed trading after a two-month shutdown amid the coronavirus crisis, but stocks continued to fall. Jordan
Part of Iran's oil-rich southwest goes under lockdown again Abadan, a city in Iran's Khuzestan province, has been ordered to shut down after people did not practice social distancing and coronavirus cases increased, according to Iranian media. Originals
Intel: WHO suspends Yemen staff activity over 'credible threats' in Houthi-held territory The World Health Organization has suspended its staff activity in certain areas throughout Houthi-controlled territory. Yemen
Iraqi Security forces target armed groups that attacked protesters Iraq's new government is taking a series of decisions to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Iran says prisoner swap can happen without talks Iranian officials have reiterated calls for a prisoner swap with the US. Originals
Amnesty: Syria, Russia responsible for war crimes in Idlib Between May 2019 and February 2020, the UK-based rights group recorded 18 attacks on hospitals and schools carried out by Russian and Syrian forces. Syria
Coronavirus offers Israel opportunity to strengthen ties with Gulf states Despite recent condemnation by Gulf states of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex parts of the West Bank this summer, there are signs that Israeli-Gulf ties might benefit from shared concern over COVID-19. Saudi Arabia
Actor's revelation about transgender son sends shock waves across conservative Egypt A prominent actor's disclosure about his daughter's transition has been met with a rare show of support in a conservative society with little tolerance for gender nonconformity. Egypt
Poll: Most Israeli Jews support annexing parts of West Bank The poll for April from the Israel Democracy Institute found differing opinions between the left and right and Jewish and Arab Israelis. Palestine
Decentralization push sparks fears of division in Iraqi Kurdistan Sulaimaniyah’s pursuit of enhanced self-governance has stoked concerns over the Iraqi Kurds’ hard-won unity as economic woes strain their autonomous region. Iraq
Netanyahu needs Trump on Syria, Iran, but he needs Putin, too On the anniversary of the end of World War 2 and less than a week before the visit in Israel of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel
Pompeo to warn Israel over Chinese involvement in water plant Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to warn Israel on his Wednesday visit against letting a Chinese firm build and operate the biggest seawater desalination plant in the world. Israel
Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship. Iraq
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. Iraq
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
