Turkey's opposition elects acting mayor as Imamoglu remains detained, protests persist The Turkish president accuses opposition of sabotaging the economy amid ongoing detentions against protestors over the arrest of the Istanbul mayor. Turkey
Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era. Syria
Feature Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
After raid, Israel puts Jerusalem bookshop owners under house arrest: What to know Israeli police raided the Educational Bookshop on Sunday and arrested its owners on charges of “disturbing public order,” a move met with outcry by diplomats. Israel
Analysis Kuwait's citizenship law changes reflect growing restrictions under new emir By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis Post Oct. 7 Israel: Divided, veering right and embracing Jewish identity By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis How far will Israel's justice minister go in reviving polarizing judicial overhaul? By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Rebirth Beirut brings nightlife back to Lebanon’s iconic Gemmayzeh NGO Rebirth Beirut has brought 24-hour power back to Lebanon’s beloved nightlife district, hoping to encourage visitors and businesses to return. Lebanon
Can Egyptian civil society contribute to solving Sudanese crisis? An Egyptian civil society delegation visited Khartoum where it met with various political parties, as part of efforts to boost relations and dialogue at the popular level. Egypt
Turkey’s Alevis to open their houses of worship to LGBTQ funerals Turkey’s major Alevi organizations announce they will open their houses of worship to LGBTQ individuals in support of equal funeral rights. Turkey
Has Ukraine war given Erdogan free hand at home? Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might be aiming to tighten his grip on the domestic front, taking advantage of Ankara’s rising profile amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
Tunisian president grants himself power to appoint election authority The presidential decree to revise the law of the Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia and change its composition is facing widespread criticism from opposition parties and organizations that accuse Tunisian President Kais Saied of granting himself wide powers that may affect the course of democracy. Tunisia
Interview Israel’s occupation has crossed the ‘red line of legality,’ says new UN rapporteur In an interview with Al-Monitor, the newly appointed UN special rapporteur for the Palestinians, Francesca Albanese, speaks about her plans to address human rights violations in the Palestinian territories, while fending off a smear campaign launched against her by Israel. Francesca Albanese UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories
Tunisia's future darkens with dissolution of parliament Tunisia's president has taken a darker turn after unilaterally dissolving parliament and threatening to put elected deputies on trial. North Africa
Turkish court keeps philanthropist in prison ahead of final verdict in April Renowned philanthropist and peace advocate Osman Kavala's detention is extended after his case was adjourned. Turkey
Children's education at risk in Lebanon due to economic crisis More than 700,000 kids are at risk of never returning to a classroom due to rising poverty, while thousands have dropped out of school to engage in child labor or get married. Lebanon
Israeli legislator promotes new 'Peace Authority' Emilie Moatti, head of the Knesset's subcommittee on foreign affairs, is busily planning meetings on advancing cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel
Learning Arabic becomes political act in Israel All the initiatives and events presented on Arabic language Day in the Knesset cannot hide the fact that the Nationality Law has stripped it from its status as an official language in Israel. Israel
Israeli ultra-Orthodox learn about Holocaust over phone Since ultra-Orthodox schools do not include history classes in their curricula, Israel Goldwasser and his friends came up with the idea of recorded Holocaust-history classes over the phone. Israel
