Culture Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit. Lebanon
Interview International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen Speaking to a select group of reporters in Manama, the ICRC chief detailed the dire conditions in Gaza and the enclave's urgent humanitarian needs. Pierre Krahenbuhl Director-General of the International Committee
RSF hits Darfur hospital as cholera, dengue fever spread in war-torn Sudan A Sudanese medical organization said a dozen people were killed after the RSF shelled one of the last operating hospitals in El Fasher, as Sudan’s collapsing health system battles cholera and dengue fever. Sudan
Cholera kills 25 in two days in Sudan's Darfur amid deepening war The town of Tawila has been the hardest hit in Darfur, with 58 new cholera cases reported on Sunday alone. Sudan
Feature Trump's aid freeze forces war-battered Syrian hospitals to halt services By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis US aid freeze threatens Sudan’s lifeline as USAID support hangs in balance By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iran releases jailed US Navy vet Michael White on medical furlough Iran has released US Navy veteran Michael R. White on medical furlough, the State Department announced today. US President Donald Trump asked Syria for the release of US journalist Austin Tice. United States
Coronavirus spurs regional humanitarian outreach to Iran The UAE, Kuwait and Qatar provide help to Coronavirus-stricken Iran, while there is talk that the United States could ease the way for aid to Iran while Iran released American prisoners who could be prime COVID-19 targets. United Arab Emirates
From cannabis to cologne, Turks flaunt their ‘cures’ to coronavirus As the number of coronavirus cases quadruples in Turkey, columnists and health gurus return to tradition: soup and cologne. Turkey
Iran asks people to stay home for Nowruz holidays As the coronavirus continues to spread, Iranian officials are asking Iranians to remain in their homes. Iran
Israel turns to anti-terror technology to counter coronavirus Awaiting Cabinet approval, the Shin Bet plans to implement digital counterterrorism technology to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. Israel
Bahrain pardons hundreds of prisoners as coronavirus fears spread While authorities have attributed the release to humanitarian reasons, human rights groups link the decision to efforts to contain the outbreak. Bahrain
Lebanon struggles to cope with COVID-19 amid financial crisis As Lebanon reels under the brunt of the worst financial crisis in its recent history, the government struggles to provide the necessary equipment to be able to cater for a potential increase in novel coronavirus cases. Lebanon
Palestinian COVID-19 state of emergency raises other fears The Palestinian Authority declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19, but critics believe it's a cover for the body to make political arrests. Palestine
Israel's embattled Netanyahu calls for unity government amid coronavirus outbreak Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called for the formation of an emergency unity government as the country works to contain the spread of COVID-19. Israel
Coronavirus fears hover over Israel’s Knesset swearing-in The Knesset's traditional swearing-in ceremony is being scaled down, as Israel closes schools through the Passover holiday. Israel
Is Netanyahu really the coronavirus savior? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staging himself in the role of savior rescuing the people of Israel from the coronavirus, but how much of all this is true? Israel
Iran requests multibillion IMF loan as coronavirus cases reach 10,000 Iran has officially registered 10,000 cases of coronavirus, with the government requesting a multibillion-dollar emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund. Iran
