India tells Iran’s Khamenei to 'look at own record' over comments on Muslims suffering India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei’s remarks on the treatment of Muslims. Iran
George Helmy becomes first Coptic Christian sworn into US Senate Helmy fills the New Jersey seat left vacant after Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted of federal crimes and resigned. United States
Analysis On eve of Iran’s Pezeshkian visit, Iraq jostles for Shiite space amid rivalries Ahead of a top-level visit by Iran’s new president, Iraq seems to be garnering greater attention as the go-to place for Shiites looking for an alternative to its eastern neighbor. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Hundreds of Israeli pilgrims pray at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus Joseph's Tomb in Nablus has often been the site of violent conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis. Israel
Analysis What a far-right French government could look like By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syriacs mark Easter in Turkey amid safety fears The indictment of a monk on terrorism charges and the mysterious death of an elderly woman has shaken one of the world’s oldest Christian communities as it celebrates Easter during the coronavirus pandemic. Turkey
Israeli Arabs left to rely on 'self-help' for coronavirus testing The discrepancy in the Israel government's approach to coronavirus testing in Jewish and Arab communities has put the burden on Arab Knesset members and local Arab authorities to organize to try to keep infections under control in Arab towns and villages. Israel
Will Baha'is be released from Yemeni prisons as ordered? At the end of March, Houthi leaders ordered the release of all Baha'is currently detained in Yemeni prisons, including their leader, but there have been no signs of progress in that direction in the ensuing weeks. Yemen
Facing the music of the Holocaust in Turkey Turkey has long claimed that it has saved many Jews twice in history, but how true is that? Turkey
Will COVID-19 reshape ultra-Orthodox leadership? Public outrage against the ultra-Orthodox community is palpable in Israel for its members disobeying coronavirus restrictions against large gatherings. Israel
Egyptians feel demoralized by empty churches, mosques The decision to suspend collective prayers in mosques and churches was criticized by some Egyptians who feel deprived of spiritual support during hard times. Egypt
After Gantz, will Israeli Arabs ever return to the ballot box? Blue and White leader Benny Gantz forming a unity government with Benjamin Netanyahu has deflated the hopes of Arab Israelis of participating in national politics as equals, raising doubts that they will follow the urging of their representatives to take part in future elections. Israel
Turkish soccer team lands in political hot water The soccer team of Turkey’s largest Kurdish-majority city has become the target of nationalist animosity from rival fans as well as the government, which accuses the club of being linked to armed Kurdish militants. Turkey
Ultra-Orthodox leaders ignore coronavirus threat, endanger Israelis Ultra-Orthodox educational institutions continued to operate despite orders by the government to close all schools to try to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. Israel
Palestinians' electoral success in Israel can't be denied Palestinian citizens of Israel made a huge accomplishment in the latest Israel elections by winning an unprecedented 15 seats. Israel
Does Jewish-Arab partnership to form government stand a chance in Israel? The Likud is continuing its campaign of incitement against Arab party representatives to head off their helping form a minority government led by Blue and White. Israel
Will Israeli Arabs facilitate the ‘Netanyahu-removal government’? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to believe that it is not a problem for Arab citizens to vote as long as they cast their ballots for the Likud, otherwise they should not have a voice in their governance. Israel