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.
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.
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.
President Trump says more coronavirus tests will be made available. States ramp up hospitals'capacity as COVID-19 cases multiply. And, Palestinian and Israeli leaders lauded for tight lockdowns.
The rampant outbreak of the coronavirus in both countries hasn't stopped the United States from slapping tougher and tougher sanctions on Iran in a cold war that keeps simmering.