Middle East

Iran is among the countries hard hit hit by the coronavirus pandemic. As Iranians head back to work after their New Year's holiday, fears are growing that the rate of infection could surge.

A map of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world. The respiratory disease has spread rapidly across six continents and has killed thousands of people.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin are at the center of the devastating oil price war. President Trump has inserted himself into the fray.

Although people fleeing war or humanitarian crises know about the dangers of COVID-19, many are also worried about being persecuted if the disease spreads in their communities.

One of the top pieces of advice is: Wash your hands to prevent infection. But millions of people don't have access to running water.

The leaders of Hungary, Israel and the Philippines have exploited the coronavirus crisis to consolidate their hold on power and weaken institutions that could curb them.

Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh faced the death penalty for the 2002 kidnapping and murder of a Wall Street Journal reporter. A court in Pakistan reduced his sentence to seven years.

Usually quiet Israeli government agencies and contractors are going public with their battle against COVID-19.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews make up about 12% of Israel's population — but account for many of Israel's COVID-19 cases. This week a senior rabbi finally urged his followers to obey government lockdown orders.

Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who number more than 1 million, are afraid to come forward for coronavirus testing or treatment.

St. Charbel is revered for his healing miracles. "He gives us faith and strength, especially in this time of sickness," says a pilgrim visiting his tomb. "He is the only cure, in my opinion."

Gaza braces for onset of coronavirus cases. West Bank's early restrictions may have staved off a crisis. And, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu is self-quarantined and will be named prime minister again.