US News

• A record 3.3 million Americans filed for unemployment this week. 
• The Department of Homeland Security is requesting an additional 1,500 soldiers to be deployed to the borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus. [Link]
• Trump signs a new law that calls for the US to strengthen its ties with Taiwan. China was angered by the move. [Link]
• The US canceled war games with the Philippines due to the coronavirus. [Link]

Venezuela

• The US indicts Venezuela’s President Maduro on drug charges. The US alleges Maduro worked with Colombian rebel group FARC to traffic cocaine. A $15 million dollar reward was offered for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction. [Link]
• The Venezuelan attorney general announced US-backed, self-proclaimed Venezuelan leader Guaido was under investigation for plotting a coup. [Link]

Afghanistan

• Afghanistan plans to release 10,000 prisoners above the age of 55 to help slow the spread of coronavirus. The government did not say if ISIS or Taliban prisoners would be released. [Link]

Israel

• Israel will use soldiers to enforce coronavirus shelter in place. [Link]
• The leader of Israel’s Blue and White party signals he will enter into a coalition government with the current Prime Minister Netanyahu. Under the agreement, Netanyahu would remain prime minister for 18 months before allowing Gantz to assume the role. Many of Gantz’s supporters – and members of his party – are upset by Gantz allowing Netanyahu to remain prime minister. [Link]

Middle East

• The US sanctions five companies and 15 individuals for doing business with the IRGC or other Shia militias. [Link]
• US forces stationed at the Qayyara airbase in northern Iraq will be deployed to other bases in Iraq. [Link]
• Three French nationals and an Iraqi who worked for a French NGO were freed. They were kidnapped in Baghdad on January 20th. [Link]
• The Houthi and Saudi Arabia signal they are open to a UN proposed ceasefire. USAID announced they started cuts to aid Houthi-controlled Yemen. The US alleges the Houthi are diverting the aid from its intended targets. [Link]