Middle East Experience

Nine years into the Syrian war, much has changed for the Kurds, but conditions seem riper today than ever for them to obtain their rights.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrian Kurds still fight for rights on unrecognizable battlefield

Iraqis are expressing great concern about the low oil prices amid the coronavirus outbreak, as the government may not be able to pay their salaries in the coming months.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Is another economic crisis looming in Iraq, with dropping oil prices?

Residents in Saudi Arabia are banned from entering or exiting Riyadh, Mecca and Medina as of Thursday, according to new coronavirus prevention measures approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.King Salman also approved a measure that bans residents in the Kingdom’s 13 regions from traveling between different areas.In a larger effort to contain the spread of the deadly virus, the recently imposed curfew will begin at 3 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. in the three cities of Riyadh, Mecca and Medina as of Thursday, according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.Coronavirus: Checklist to prepare for isolation and lockdownThe ministry said curfew exemptions still apply to those in vital public and private sectors such as security, military and media. Those who work in health services are also excluded from the curfew.The Kingdom has so far confirmed two coronavirus-related deaths, one on Tuesday and one Wednesday. The total number of infections is now 900, according to the health ministry.Watch: Saudi Arabia's biggest cities empty after coronavirus curfewFacts about what is banned and closed in the Kingdom Malls and parks were shut down earlier this month in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus. Meanwhile, restaurants and cafes were banned from serving food and beverages on their premises. Workplace attendance was also suspended at most government agencies for a period of 16 days, except for health, security, and military sectors.Read more about what is banned and closed in Saudi Arabia here. More of the latest coronavirus news:UK Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirusCoronavirus: UAE allows all food stores, pharmacies to operate 24/7Chinese man dies from hantavirus as coronavirus pandemic slows down in China
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman orders lockdown in Riyadh, Mecca, Medina

The UAE has launched a campaign titled “Stay Home, Stay Safe” to encourage citizens and residents to not leave their houses amid the coronavirus pandemic which has killed two and infected 248 in the Gulf country.A #StayHome message is being displayed on the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in Arabic and English, after the government called on citizens and residents to refrain from going out except if necessary or for work reasons.No curfew has been implemented in the UAE at the time of publication.Mobile networks also incorporated the campaign into their displays on mobile phones. When making a call in the UAE, the caller is greeted with a message that says “Dear caller, staying at home keeps you and your loved ones safe from corona,” before being connected to the call.The total number of recovered cases in the UAE is 45.Precautionary measuresThe UAE has put various precautionary measures in place aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.All malls, shopping centers, commercial centers, and open markets except for fish, vegetable, and meat markets will be closed for two weeks, the Ministry of Health announced early on Monday.Restaurants will also only be limited to delivery for the two-week period.The UAE ordered on March 16 all hotels to close their pubs, bars, and lounges. Gyms, electronic gaming centers, and spring camps will also be closed until the end of the month.Public beaches, swimming pools, cinemas, theme parks, and tourist attractions are also closed until the end of March.Read more: Coronavirus: Checklist to prepare for isolation and lockdownBill Gates predicted a coronavirus-like pandemic five years ago: ‘We’re not ready’Dubai police arrest European for inciting non-compliance with ‘Stay Home’ campaign
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE displays Stay Home message on Burj Khalifa, telephone networks

The UK's Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne, has tested positive for coronavirus, confirmed Clarence House on Wednesday.Prince Charles is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, the current monarch. If the reports are confirmed, he would be one of the most high-profile cases of coronavirus across the world.The 71-year-old is displaying mild symptoms of COVID-19 "but otherwise remains in good health," Clarence House said in a statement.The statement also said that the Duchess of Cornwall had been tested but does not have the virus.Tested in ScotlandThe couple were tested by the state-run National Health Service (NHS) in Aberdeenshire in northeast Scotland near where they had been staying, it said."It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks," it added.Queen Elizabeth II, 93, and her husband Prince Philip, 98, retired to Windsor Castle, outside London, on March 19.Read more: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman orders lockdown in Riyadh, Mecca, MedinaWith AFP, Reuters, The Associated Press.Developing.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UK Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus

Beirut has turned into a ghost city as shops and restaurants that remained open during the civil war closed their doors in implementation of a general mobilization decision issued by the government to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Beirut in the time of coronavirus outbreak

A 46-year-old man from Mecca died of coronavirus, becoming Saudi Arabia’s second death, according to a health ministry’s spokesman.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The health ministry recorded 133 new infections, bringing the total to 900 on Wednesday.Of those newly confirmed cases, 18 are associated with recent travel, and were placed in quarantine upon their arrival in the Kingdom, the spokesman said.Most of the infected patients are receiving medical care but are in good condition.Three people are in critical condition are are receiving extra care in the intensive care unit.The health ministry urges people to comply with the preventative measures taken by the Kingdom and to avoid going out except when absolutely necessary.King Salman approves new measuresKing Salman bin Abdulaziz approved several new measures on Wednesday to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Residents will be banned, starting Thursday, from traveling between the 13 regions of the Kingdoms. Residents will also be banned from entering or exiting Riyadh, Mecca and Medina. The curfew for the three cities will begin at 3 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior.Read more about Saudi Arabia's latest measures here. Watch: Saudi Arabia's biggest cities empty after coronavirus curfewFacts about what is banned and closed in the KingdomMalls and parks were shut down earlier this month in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus. Meanwhile, restaurants and cafes were banned from serving food and beverages on their premises. Workplace attendance was also suspended at most government agencies for a period of 16 days, except for health, security, and military sectors.Read more about what is banned and closed in Saudi Arabia here.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records second death, 900 infections confirmed

The Jordanian authorities' effort to distribute bread to citizens brought more confusion and panic than aid.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Plan to feed Jordanians under curfew sows chaos

Lebanon’s coronavirus death toll up to 5: Health Ministry source..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon’s coronavirus death toll up to 5: Health Ministry source

Iran has rescinded its invitation to Doctors Without Borders to build….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iran refuses coronavirus help from 'foreign' MSF, fearing doctors could be 'spies'