Why Netanyahu still resists an independent probe 3 years after Oct. 7 Alongside official memorial ceremonies taking place across Israel on Monday, civil society groups are holding protests calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to take responsibility for the Oct. 7 attacks. Israel
Culture Lebanon becomes first Arab country to abolish death penalty Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc walked out of Tuesday’s session in protest of the measure. Lebanon
As Trump casts doubt on Netanyahu's future, Likud rushes to reaffirm support By questioning whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will run in the next Knesset elections, President Donald Trump may have dented one of the Israeli leader's key political assets ahead of the vote. Israel
Analysis Pushed out of Sahel, Macron turns to Egypt and Africa's anglophone countries Following the French retreat from the Sahel amid growing Russian influence, President Emmanuel Macron is turning to anglophone Africa to rebuild France's diplomatic and economic footprint on the continent. By Rina Bassist , Rosaleen Carroll
Interview Treated as 'enemies’: Ahmad Tibi accuses Netanyahu government of indifference to Arab Israeli lives Ahmad Tibi Knesset member and Ta'al Party leader
US fears aid cuts to PA will undermine security of Israel There are reports that Israel and the United States are working to resume aid to Palestinian security agencies as they fear the funding cuts might affect security coordination. Palestine
Lebanese youth open zero-waste market Active during the 2015 trash crisis, Lebanon’s younger generation are pushing for environmentally friendly products, seen in the opening of Recycle Lebanon’s EcoSouk. Lebanon
What’s next for Lebanon’s yellow vests? Analysts believe the momentum recently seen in protests against Lebanon’s state incompetence will die out, as people are losing hope. Lebanon
"We’re here, we exist": Sidon’s poets break new ground Musicians and poets are challenging social norms in Sidon, Lebanon’s conservative third-largest city. Lebanon
Tunisian activists ready to walk the walk A group of young Tunisian civil society activists established the Red Vest campaign in protest against the worsening economic and social situation in Tunisia. Tunisia
Jordanian activists left disappointed by PM Razzaz When Jordan’s Omar Razzaz was appointed prime minister this summer, many in civil society were pleased given his longtime support for liberal causes and free speech including serving on the board of a human rights organization; however, during his time in power, Jordanian activists have faced many of the same challenges. Jordan
Tunisia's Ennahda party faces more assassination allegations Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi is threatening to sue the Ennahda political party, which was recently accused of planning in 2013 to assassinate him and the French president. Tunisia
Voters elect first woman to local council in Aleppo, Syria Local elections were held recently in the Free Syrian Army-held town of Ain Jara, where more women voted than men and a female candidate was elected to the local council. Syria
Will amending NGO law appease civil society in Egypt? After ratifying the controversial NGO law, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently ordered the formation of a committee to amend it, following the international criticism he is under for repressing freedoms. Egypt
Israeli civil society, left-wing camp back in the game The Israeli left-wing camp and human rights organizations seem to have woken up and are ready to fight the Netanyahu government and its occupation policies. Palestine
Violence against women at center of debate on landmark bill in Iran A landmark bill to expand the legal definition of violence against women remains stalled amid objections from the Iranian judiciary. Iran
How Israel’s divided society can thrive As Israel prepares to celebrate 70 years since it declared independence, it is time to come to terms with the fact that embracing diversity may be better than forcing cohesion. Israel
