Corruption and nepotism

Menendez ignores calls to resign as alleged Egypt bribery ties get exposed

The US Senate’s top foreign relations lawmaker struck a humbler note on Monday but remained defiant after federal prosecutors alleged he took bribes in exchange for facilitating US foreign arms sales and passed sensitive US government information to Egypt.

Egypt

Turkey gloats at Menendez indictment but will it get F-16 jets?

Sen. Bob Menendez, a strong critic of Turkey who heads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been charged for allegedly receiving bribes via a scheme involving Egypt.

Turkey

Breaking | Last Updated: September 22, 2023, 5:18 pm

US Senator Menendez indicted on corruption charges involving Egypt

Sen. Bob Menendez, a key power broker in Washington's Middle East foreign policy, is accused of providing sensitive US government information to aid the Egyptian government.

Washington Connection

Iran's economic woes persist a year on Mahsa Amini protests

Inflation and unemployment rates remain high, which could contribute to a renewed burst of demonstrations.

Iran

Dubai's $1 billion Captagon bust ranks as one of world’s biggest

Sales of the highly addictive stimulant continue to fund the Syrian government, despite regional efforts to break up smuggling rings.

United Arab Emirates

Lebanon: arrest of standup comedian Nour Hajjar sparks fears despite release

Beirut already undergoing economic and political paralysis, was struck this week by arrest of a standup comic who joked about Lebanon's army and offended religious figures five years ago.

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Lebanon marks port blast anniversary amid paralysis, no accountability

As the Lebanese observe a day of mourning three years after the massive explosion that killed more than 200 people and destroyed parts of Beirut, the investigation into the blast remains on hold.

Lebanon

Lebanon: Republicans in Congress call for sanctions against political class

The letters come amid Lebanon’s continued political paralysis, economic crisis and rising tensions with Israel. Some members of Congress are calling for sanctions on parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Lebanon's scorned central bank chief Riad Salameh steps down

Salameh is under investigation in both Lebanon and Europe for financial crimes as Lebanon’s economic crisis continues.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s Riad Salameh interrogated, assets frozen as citizens raid banks

The judicial proceedings against central bank governor come against the background of a worsening economic and political crisis, and as his term is set to expire next month.

Lebanon

Analysis

Chaos at Israel's parliament as Netanyahu pushes judicial overhaul

Ahead of the Knesset vote on the clause canceling the power of the Supreme Court to abolish unreasonable decisions or appointments, demonstrators are gathering outside and inside Israel's parliament.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

IMF warns Lebanon crisis will intensify as corruption, paralysis continue

Lebanon's economic and political crisis is worsening, as currency depreciation, political instability, lack of reform, corruption and anti-refugee sentiment continue to plague the country.

Lebanon