Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Turkey’s S-400 delay is about more than just the economy and COVID-19

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Friday, April 24 | Daily Briefing [By: Metin Gurcan on Thursday, Apr. 23, 2020]( Turkey 1 [Turkey’s S-400 delay is about more than just the economy and COVID-19]( Turkey’s deepening economic woes are widely seen as the prime reason behind its decision to delay the activation of the Russian S-400 systems. But an array of other factors have been at play that are forcing Ankara to think twice. 2 [Saudi-led coalition in Yemen extends unilateral truce by one month]( The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen has announced it's extending a cease-fire another month to allow for UN-brokered negotiations as well as efforts to control the novel coronavirus outbreak. Iran 3 [Iran unlikely to release women activists during pandemic]( The coronavirus outbreak is adding to the plight of imprisoned women’s rights defenders in Iran. Israel 4 [Israel weighs strategic implications of coronavirus crisis]( Israeli intelligence is unsure whether the pandemic will ease tensions with neighboring countries or do just the opposite. 5 [Dubai Expo 2020 likely to be postponed until October 2021]( COVID-19 has put on hold the highly anticipated Dubai Expo 2020; it still is to take place, but most likely not until a year later than planned. 6 [Do US and Iranian navies need a hotline in the Gulf?]( In the absence of direct US-Iran diplomacy, a navy-to-navy communication channel might prevent an unwanted confrontation. Egypt 7 [Cairo-Beijing ties strong amid surge of anti-China sentiment in Egypt]( Egyptian-Chinese relations appear to be unshaken after an Egyptian lawyer filed a lawsuit against China for damages due to the coronavirus. 8 [New US restrictions on WHO, Houthis lead to COVID-19 puzzle in Yemen]( While the Donald Trump administration is considering increasing its COVID-19 support for Yemen after slashing millions in aid, its new restrictions on the World Health Organization poses significant logistical challenges. Israel 9 [Netanyahu looks to boost image with COVID-19 talks with world leaders]( Advancing the WHO videoconference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in another videoconference with six other world leaders on fighting the coronavirus. Lebanon 10 [Four new coronavirus cases in refugee camp in Lebanon]( The four infected individuals are relatives of the first refugee woman who tested positive for the coronavirus in a Palestinian refugee camp this week. Palestine 11 [Coronavirus brings more suffering to Gaza’s women]( With the suspension of the Sharia courts’ work due to the confinement in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinian women have been struggling to get their rights to custody and alimony, while many have been separated from their children. Lebanon 12 [Secret relationships in times of the coronavirus]( The coronavirus crisis has put more constraints on the love lives of many Lebanese young people, especially those who are in interreligious or gay relationships. Turkey 13 [Turkey seeks to exploit claims to Iraqi Kurdish village]( A small village in Iraqi Kurdistan has become a flashpoint for tensions between the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party and its rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, with the PKK also entering the dispute. Iran 14 [Iran claims US started latest Persian Gulf confrontation]( In today's Iran media review, the IRGC alleges the United States started the latest incident in the Persian Gulf and threatens to target US ships if Washington targets Iran's. Gulf 15 [In Yemen: Death by bullets or coronavirus]( Although one case of the coronavirus was officially confirmed in Yemen, sources say there are four infected people in isolation. 16 [Iran summons Swiss ambassador, threatens US warships over Trump tweet]( Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents US interests, over recent escalations in the Gulf. 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