Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Battles rage in Syria despite coronavirus cease-fires

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Tuesday, April 14 | Daily Briefing [By: Fehim Tastekin on Monday, Apr. 13, 2020]( Turkey 1 [Battles rage in Syria despite coronavirus cease-fires]( Clashes are raging between Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and Syrian Kurdish groups east of the Euphrates River in what Syrian Kurds claim that is a Turkish effort to prevent displaced civilians from returning to their homes. Gulf 2 [Banks can't save Gulf economies]( Because of the way they are set up, GCC banks will have a hard time providing the funds that could help jump-start regional economies as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll. Israel 3 [Israel's deadline after the deadline]( Blue and White leader Benny Gantz has 48 hours to choose between a fourth round of elections and a unity government under conditions orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu. Washington 4 [Intel: US signals support for Iraq’s latest prime minister-designate]( Secretary of State Michael Pompeo signaled support for Iraq’s newest prime minister-designate, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in a statement today. Iran 5 [Coronavirus resurging in Iran hotspots amid partial reopening]( At least three Iranian provinces are experiencing a resurgence of the coronavirus after the government partially relaxed lockdown measures. Culture 6 [Baghdad's monuments fall apart or destroyed despite laws]( Laws cannot protect Baghdad's monumental buildings, particularly when owners prefer that they fall down so they can replace them with modern buildings. Israel 7 [Israel and Turkey, first signs of warming up?]( The recent publication over Turkey selling to Israel medical equipment to fight the coronavirus could signal a small, yet significant warming up of relations. 8 [Gaza resumes coronavirus testing, but equipment remains in short supply]( COVID-19 testing has resumed in the Gaza Strip with kits from the World Health Organization, but testing supplies will soon run out again in the impoverished enclave. Washington 9 [Intel: Pro-Israel super PAC warns Netanyahu against West Bank annexation]( The leaders of a prominent pro-Israel super PAC with close ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rivals against moving forward with plans to annex Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported today. Gulf 10 [Dubai to reopen some food stores to pre-Ramadan shoppers]( UAE grocers will be allowed to briefly reopen ahead of Ramadan, with stores subject to social distancing and sanitation inspection. Palestine 11 [Private sector asked to help cover Palestinian COVID-19 costs]( Officials issue call on Palestinians to help with the growing social and medical expenses from the coronavirus outbreak. Israel 12 [Israeli Labor to unite with Blue and White?]( If the Israeli Labor party would indeed unite with Blue and White, the party could be perhaps saved and even rejuvenated. Egypt 13 [Mothers versus minister as Egyptian students go online because of COVID-19]( Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has done much to secure women's support, but angry mothers may be a major crack in the relationship. Turkey 14 [Turkey to release thousands of prisoners as coronavirus sweeps through jails]( As COVID-19 ravages Turkish prisons, Ankara is pushing forward a law that will reduce the prison population by a third. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2020 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA