Fourth Iranian tanker reaches Venezuela as US ups pressure A State Department official said it is warning companies about doing oil-related business with Venezuela as the ships continue to arrive. U.S.
Reports: Children among the dead after Syrian rebels clash in Turkish-held Afrin Clashes between Syrian rebel groups in the northern city of Afrin left at least two children dead Thursday. Syria
Turkey's assault against Syrian Kurds leaves trail of misery and spin Was a burn victim hit by white phosphorus during Turkey's invasion of Ras al-Ain in October? Whatever the reason, he and many others are still suffering. Syria
Greece to allow tourists from Israel, Lebanon The European country will open up for tourists from Israel, Lebanon and several other European countries in June. Israel
Iraq registers dramatic jump in COVID-19 cases There were 416 new confirmed infections of the novel coronavirus in Iraq today. Iraq
Libya cease-fire 'failed completely,' says Russian Foreign Ministry A spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry blamed foreign interference for the prolonged conflict in Libya. Libya
What does Libya’s ‘Syrianization’ scenario mean for key actors? Turkey may have gotten kudos for tipping the balance in Libya, but Russian countermoves raise the prospect of Turkish collaboration with Russia in the North African country, which is not to the liking of countries that have been giving plaudits to Ankara. Syria
Intel: State Department approves $1.4 billion upgrade for Kuwait’s missile defenses The US State Department approved Kuwait’s request for $1.425 billion in upgrades for the Gulf country’s Patriot missile defense systems. Kuwait
Kuwait reduces its lockdown to 12 hours as virus cases continue to climb Kuwait previously instituted a 24-hour curfew to stop the spread of COVID-19. Kuwait
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Netanyahu undeterred on annexation Israel's prime minister has dismissed the international outcry, counting on the US president and popular support at home. Palestine
Dubai reopens gyms, restaurants after months of closure Dubai, like many cities around the world, is trying to find a "new normal" as businesses reopen with restrictions. United Arab Emirates
Despite trial, Netanyahu's popularity soaring Despite the opening of his trail, and despite failures in prior elections, the popularity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps soaring. Israel
Egypt imposes strict measures on illegal construction The authorities in Egypt are seeking, under the Emergency Law, to limit illegal constructions and the exploitation by some of the state’s preoccupation with the coronavirus. Egypt
Prosecution of blogger over Quran parody ignites renewed fears of censorship The criminal case against Emna Chargui for a Ramadan Facebook post has raised questions about the limits of free speech in Tunisia, and given rise to passionate protests against the enforcement of Ben Ali-era laws. Tunisia
Intel: Pompeo discusses Syria with Jordan’s foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed Syria today on a phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Jordan
![A British Royal Air Force Harrier GR7 groundcrew member cycles along the apron infront of a Patriot Missile defence system on his base in Kuwait April 6, 2003. [U.S. troops have a tight control on Baghdad airport and will move out from there in all directions, Jim Wilkinson, a spokesman for U.S. commander General Tommy Franks, said on Sunday.] - PBEAHUOQIBA](https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/05/RTXLWAK.jpg/RTXLWAK.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Rlh7RZgw)
