Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension Travelers whose trips are organized through hotels or tourism companies can apply for visas. Oman
In New York Jewish communities, similarities to Israel's virus struggle Israeli media are covering the conflict over coronavirus measures in New York's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, and the issue bears resemblance to Israel's virus situation. Israel
Israel-Emirates peace: An inside look Crisscrossing Dubai, journalist Ben Caspit says that his four-day visit to the emirate this week reveals the intense potential that lies in the recent outing of Israel’s covert relations with the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Syrian opposition fears being left behind again after US election Many leaders of the Syrian opposition prefer Donald Trump, who used military force twice against the Syrian government, over Joe Biden, who served in an administration they believe turned a blind eye to the Iranian presence in Syria and allowed the regime to use chemical weapons. Syria
For Erdogan’s government, it’s the economy first in COVID-19 crisis Wary of paralyzing its entire economy, Turkey’s government has balked at drastic measures against the coronavirus outbreak in Istanbul, the country’s economic powerhouse and now the epicenter of the pandemic. Turkey
Egypt's family planning policies tested by COVID-19 Egypt has struggled to lower divorce rates and to convince people to have no more than two kids, but the pandemic may challenge these polices, as more couples stay home during lockdown. Egypt
Jordanians cope with lockdown through humor, empathy and solidarity Despite economic hardships and the lockdown imposed to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Jordanians are coming together to help the needy while also turning to jokes to cope with this exceptional situation. Jordan
Syrian Kurds say no escapees after IS prison revolt Kurdish forces have put down a prison revolt in northeast Syria, where Islamic State detainees were apparently protesting their conditions, likely in fear of the coronavirus pandemic. Syria
Defaulted Lebanon hopes to pay off debts with cannabis As soon as parliament returns from its closure over the novel coronavirus outbreak, a bill legalizing cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes is expected to pass as lawmakers address the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. Lebanon
Plan to feed Jordanians under curfew sows chaos The Jordanian authorities' effort to distribute bread to citizens brought more confusion and panic than aid. Jordan
Al-Aqsa Mosque closed to Muslim worshippers to protect their lives The Jerusalem-based Islamic Waqf Council has managed to close Al-Aqsa Mosque because of the coronavirus outbreak, amid fears that Jewish extremists would take advantage of the crisis. Palestine
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
Jerusalem alliance fills gap in coronavirus awareness A group of Jerusalem-based activists launched an alliance to raise awareness and provide emergency needs to the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem amid the coronavirus outbreak. Palestine
Egypt suspending all flights amid coronavirus spread As the number of Egypt's COVID-19 cases rise to 150, Cairo says that all flights will be suspended for nearly two weeks and that tourism sites will be thoroughly sanitized. Egypt
Coronavirus imposes calm on Gaza front Calm has returned between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, mainly because of the outbreak of the coronavirus and fears of it spreading in the besieged enclave. Palestine
What's in store for Palestinian-Jordanian ties as US rolls out peace plan? While Jordan and Palestine are supporting each other in their rejection of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, it remains to be seen what the future holds if Washington ups the pressure on Amman. Palestine
![JERUSALEM - MARCH 15: Muslims perform prayer outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque after the Islamic Waqf Department announced to close the enclosed prayer places as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Jerusalem on March 15, 2020. According to the statement, all prayers remain to be held in the [outdoor] courtyard and all doors will be open to worshipers. (Photo by Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/03/GettyImages-1207229346.jpg/GettyImages-1207229346.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=NVQllSGq)
