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
Yemenis in Egypt face another kind of hell Yemenis who fled the war in their country thought Egypt would be their safe haven, only to be faced with harassment and injustice once there. Yemen
Will US exit from Syria change terrain of Turkey's road map? President Donald Trump's abrupt announcement that he will pull US troops out of Syria has Turkey reassessing the situation. Syria
Sinjar road reconnects estranged Yazidis and Kurds with Baghdad The opening of a strategic road in Iraq's Kurdistan Region — closed since the Kurds' ill-fated independence referendum in September 2017 — could be a prelude to a reset in ties between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraq
Iranian Reformists clash with hard-liners in drive to restrict child marriage A parliamentary bill to restrict child marriage is pitting hard-liners against Reformists in Iran. Iran
Turkey's 'Olive Branch' takes root in Syrian olive business Kurdish olive growers in Afrin, Syria, complain bitterly that Turkish authorities who control the area aren't doing anything to stop massive exploitation and armed extortion that is costing the local oil economy $100 million. Syria
Erdogan says Turkish troops to march into northeast Syria Some experts think Erdogan's threat to send troops into northeast Syria is a trial balloon that has more to do with Turkey's March 31 local elections than anything else, but others take his statements more seriously. Syria
Egypt takes on massive development — and debt While many economists are praising Egypt's major development projects in the fields of energy, agriculture and transportation, others are warning against the unprecedented debt the country faces due to such projects. Egypt
Can Russia, China cooperate on the Middle East? Russia and China seek to reinforce cooperation over the Middle East, but each approaches the region with its own rationale. Syria
Will China buy Turkey on the cheap? Some argue China may “swallow” Turkey through acquisitions, given China’s growing interest in the region and Turkey’s economic crisis, which has cheapened its assets and left it in dire need of external funds. But the realities on the ground speak otherwise. Turkey
US, Israeli, Palestinian leaders more hawkish than their peoples On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Palestinian leadership’s stance is more extreme than that of its public, the Israeli leadership’s stance is more extreme than that of the Israeli public and the Trump administration’s stance is far from the American public's position. Palestine
US ices Iran out of Yemen talks Iranian efforts to send a high-level official to Sweden talks with the Houthis have been rebuffed. Saudi Arabia
Black Sea simmers as world awaits Kerch Strait fallout The Russia-Ukraine crisis could expand to affect many countries, and Turkey's position is potentially crucial. Turkey
