At Jerusalem's Request, U.S. Embassy Briefly Takes Down Its LGBTQ Pride Banner
The city's deputy mayor said the banner was removed because he received complaints that it was offensive to residents.
Middle East
Saudi Officials Announce This Year's Hajj Will Be 'Very Limited'
Saudi Arabia has said this year's Hajj will be restricted to pilgrims already within the kingdom. Because of the coronavirus, pilgrims will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Announces This Year's Hajj Will Be 'Very Limited'
Officials announce on Monday that this year's pilgrimage to Mecca will be restricted in size and limited to Saudi residents. In a typical year, millions of Muslims would make the journey.
Johnson & Johnson To Stop Selling 2 Lines Of Skin-Lightening Products Popular In Asia
The company says it didn't intend to suggest that fairness or white was "better than your own unique skin tone." Other major companies have announced changes to advertising tactics seen as racist.
Netanyahu Plans To Annex Parts Of The West Bank. Many Israeli Settlers Want It All
Some religious Jewish settlers are mounting vocal opposition as the prime minister prepares to annex parts of the territory. The wider Israeli public is confused and unenthused by the prospect.
Besides Palestinians, Israelis Have Qualms About West Bank Annexation Plans
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan to annex parts of the West Bank is getting pushback — not just from Palestinians under occupation — but, unexpectedly, from right-wing Jewish settlers.
As Israel Vows Annexation, Palestinian Leaders Embark On Risky Form Of Protest
Palestinian leaders have stopped coordinating with Israel on matters of daily Palestinian life, from tax collection to policing and medical care. Some Palestinians see the move as self-defeating.
Laid Off By U.S. Contractor, Iraqi Interpreters Fear ISIS Retaliation
A U.S. military contractor abruptly laid off most of the U.S.-led coalition's Iraqi interpreters. Some have gone into hiding. "We ... will be easily hunted down," a group wrote to the U.S. military.
Released From Iranian Prison, U.S. Student Xiyue Wang Says He Was Held As A 'Hostage'
The U.S. citizen spent more than three years in an Iranian prison. He tells NPR that Iranian authorities "told me quite explicitly just that 'we need a deal with America.' "
'Everybody's Getting Along Here': How 'Hotel Corona' United Israelis And Palestinians
A Jerusalem hotel hosted 180 quarantined COVID-19 patients from different backgrounds. Despite concerns they might clash, some became friends. The biggest test of togetherness came during Passover.