Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Turkey’s megaprojects threaten ‘mega’ financial havoc

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Tuesday, June 2 | Daily Briefing [By: Mustafa Sonmez on Monday, Jun. 1, 2020]( Turkey 1 [Turkey’s megaprojects threaten ‘mega’ financial havoc]( Turkey’s government might be forced to nationalize some megaproject investments, chief among them the new airport in Istanbul, which have hit dire straits under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Turkey’s existing economic woes. 2 [Did Gantz Break the Blue and White Party]( In this week’s "On Israel" podcast, MK Ofer Shelah gives his thoughts on the recent unity government between Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party and Benny Gantz’s Blue & White Coalition. Israel 3 ['Palestinian Lives Matter,' shout Israeli protesters over killing of Iyad Hallak]( The killing of autistic Palestinian man Iyad Hallak is arguably a perfect example of brutality by a police force that sees all Arab civilians as suspects. 4 [Turkey looks to link Syrian Kurdish militia to ANTIFA following Trump tweet]( Some foreign veterans of the People's Protection Units (YPG) disagree with the Turkish assertion that ANTIFA and the Kurdish group are connected. Gulf 5 [Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain]( By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing know-how central to achieve economic diversification. Egypt 6 [Three villages north of Cairo emerge from lockdown]( Egyptian authorities isolated three villages to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as hospitals outside the capital struggle to keep up with the increasing number of infections. 7 [Intel: US returns acquitted Iranian scientist, no apparent prisoner swap]( The United States has returned an acquitted Iranian scientist to his home country after holding him for months in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Iran 8 [Iran officials weigh in on US protests]( In today's Iran media review, Iranian officials have called out the United States over its response to peaceful protests. Iraq 9 [Pro-Iran militias in Iraq wage 'fake news' campaign against US]( Several pro-Iran militias have lately claimed responsibility for attacking US forces in Iraq, but examining their media activities indicates they are probably fake groups created by existing militias to show strength without taking the risk of ramifications. Egypt 10 [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. 11 [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. Israel 12 [With children infected by coronavirus, Israel fears second wave]( Israelis have returned to an almost normal routine in recent days, only to discover the pandemic is far from over. North Africa 13 [US commander suggests sending military trainers to Tunisia after Russia sends aircraft to Libya]( Backed by military contractors, Russia deployed military fighter jets to Al Jufra Airfield in Libya, prompting the US Army to consider sending military training personnel to neighboring Tunisia. Gulf 14 [Saudi-led coalition says it downs two Houthi drones]( A coalition spokesperson said the Houthis launched two drones in the direction of residential areas in Saudi Arabia. Washington 15 [US woman convicted of providing material support to Islamic State]( Alison Marie Sheppard, 35, of Florida purchased 10 mobile phones and arranged to ship them to undercover officers posing as IS supporters. Iraq 16 [Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases]( Iraq registered more than 400 COVID-19 cases today, breaking the previously highest number from only a few days ago. Israel 17 [European allies of Israel against Hezbollah, but also against annexation]( Israel’s traditional allies in Europe promote resolutions against Hezbollah but also express clearly their objections to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Gulf 18 [Emirates airline reportedly cut jobs]( The Dubai-based carrier let go of pilots and flight attendants as it resumes flights during the crisis in global travel, Reuters reported. 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