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
As Yemeni riyal is in free fall, worst may be yet to come The Yemeni riyal's loss of more than 15% of its value in a matter of days will make establishing peace more difficult by exacerbating inequality. Saudi Arabia
Turkey upends US Syria strategy with attack on YPG Ankara seeks green light from Moscow, not Washington, in attack on US partner; UN warns of consequences of continued fighting in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib; local council in Aleppo confiscates land of Islamic State families. Syria
Iraq's Islamists dump religion for upcoming elections Islamist parties in Iraq are shedding their religious platforms to focus on reform in the campaign for upcoming elections and are also allying with secular parties. Iraq
Syrian opposition iced out of White House The Donald Trump administration held off on the opportunity to talk to Syrian opposition officials in town this week even as it outlined a tougher stance against Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Hosting Syria talks in Sochi presents challenges for Russia There's plenty of suspicion and finger-pointing to go around leading up to the Syria peace talks in Sochi this month. Syria
Russia, Iran in sync on preserving nuclear deal Russia's UN ambassador says the United States has "an irrational allergy" to Iran and should stop trying to constrain Tehran's influence in the Middle East by undermining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Russia
Turkey’s optimistic plans in Iraq seem to be faltering Ankara thought it had promising deals with the Iraqi government — such as a new pipeline from Kirkuk, Iraq, to Ceyhan, Turkey, and a new crossing to Iraq — but the proposals now are in question. Iraq
Erdogan: No extradition to US until Turkey gets Gulen Turkey has announced it will suspend extraditions to the United States until Washington produces Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen as US-Turkish relations continue to circle the drain. Turkey
US sanctions hinder Iranian protesters’ ability to organize online As the Iranian protests die down, hawkish lawmakers and dovish advocates are united in their concern that US sanctions are inhibiting protesters’ ability to organize. United States
Turks up in arms over religious green light for 9-year-old brides Huge public outrage forces Turkey’s top Islamic authority to step back from its endorsement of marriage for girls as young as age 9. Turkey
Egypt poised to approve changes to citizenship law Amendments to Egypt’s citizenship law could be approved amid fears they would be used to repress the regime’s opposition. Egypt
Iran’s conservative-dominated judiciary under attack — from conservatives Iran's conservative-dominated judiciary finds itself on the receiving end of allegations of corruption. Iran
