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
Iran's Rouhani mocks his opponents, again Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who has welcomed criticism in the past, is under fire for mocking his critics once again. Iran
As elections draw near, Egypt’s media faces further restrictions Egypt’s top prosecutor has called on his staff to monitor for "fake news," warning against "forces of evil" as this month’s presidential elections approach. Egypt
Erdogan calls for mobilization of army reserves in Syria Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s growing advocacy of nationalism and war has triggered a new debate in the country, with the opposition calling for sending 800,000 Syrian males in Turkey to fight in Syria before mobilizing Turkish army reserves. Syria
Progressive champion Sanders joins fight against Yemen war Anti-war activists hope that a new bipartisan effort spearheaded by 2016 left-wing candidate Bernie Sanders will reinvigorate efforts to end US support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
US commander says Iraq sovereignty provides ‘legal basis’ for Syria presence The Pentagon’s top commander in the Middle East told lawmakers today that protecting Iraq’s sovereignty provides the “legal basis” for US involvement in Syria. Iraq
Iranians call for soft power now to head off future water crises At a conference on water, Iranian officials called for moving to resolve potential water disputes with neighbors peacefully, in light of expected drought and other water problems. Iraq
Russia, Qatar move forward on military cooperation The Kremlin tightens its military relationship with Qatar, with Doha finalizing the purchase of S-400 air missile defense systems from Russia. Saudi Arabia
Satterfield’s shuttle diplomacy may offer diplomatic opening for Syria Is there more to the talks about Block 9? Success of UN Security Council cease-fire depends on definition of "terrorist." Israel
Palestinians fear political instability in Israel Palestinians worry that investigations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will push him to adopt an even more settlement-friendly policy. Palestine
Turkey shells pro-Assad militias entering Afrin to aid Kurdish rebels Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s warnings fail to deter groups loyal to Damascus from entering the region where Turkey is fighting Kurdish forces, risking a new front line in the spiraling Syrian conflict. Syria
Pentagon stops budgeting for peshmerga salaries The Pentagon’s fiscal year 2019 budget doesn’t specifically dedicate payments for Iraq’s Kurdish fighting force after it stepped back from the front lines of the fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
Trump takes center stage in Abbas-Putin talks While the Russian president expressed a desire to play a role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, he made it clear that Washington remains a key party in future talks. Palestine
