Lebanon’s Riad Salameh hospitalized as arrest roils Beirut: What to know Lebanon's former Central Bank governor, Riad Salameh, was taken from prison to a hospital over his deteriorating health. Lebanon
Here's what to know about Iraq's corruption as Zaidi launches crackdown Watchdogs and financial institutions regard Iraq as a significantly corrupt country as the new prime minister works to recover public funds. Iraq
Analysis Iraqi PM’s anti-corruption drive comes as US pressure mounts on Iran-backed militias Iraq’s new prime minister has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign ahead of key talks in Washington, but analysts say the real test will be whether it reaches Iraq’s most powerful Iran-backed actors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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 Can Bennett, Lapid unite Israel’s opposition to unseat Netanyahu? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis After Trump’s pardon letter to Herzog, 4 scenarios emerge for Netanyahu’s trial By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Anti-Netanyahu groups stage ‘neighborhood protests’ Following restrictions on demonstrations, anti-Netanyahu groups are now staging “neighborhood protests’’ across the country. Israel
Iraqi government steps up fight against corruption The arrest of six senior officials on corruption charges shows that serious steps are taken in the fight against corruption, amid calls that the government speeds up its reform program. Iraq
Intel: New Iraqi committee hopes to weed out corruption, 'exceptional crimes' The committee, reporting directly to Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, follows a string of assassinations in Basra against anti-corruption activists. Iraq
Iranian hard-liner under fire after opening Pandora’s box of corruption Allegations of deep-rooted corruption raised by a top hard-line politician against some of Iran’s most powerful institutions have sparked intense infighting and are further blurring the political stage ahead of the next presidential race. Iran
Iranian official reveals claims of corruption at highest levels Accusations of corruption have led to speculation that a former Iranian official under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration may seek the presidency. Iran
Could fraud allegations shatter Iranian parliament speaker's dream for presidency? Fresh fraud allegations leveled against Iran’s powerful parliament speaker could mar his expected bid for the presidency next year, while exposing widening rifts within the conservative camp. Iran
Should Netanyahu worry over violent protests against him? As political and public energy that has welled up against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the last few years is about to burst the floodgates, some worry he could be the target of an assassination attempt. Israel
Calling of witnesses in Netanyahu's trail fixed for January 2021 The Jerusalem District Court decided that the next phase in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trail will take place in January 2021, with witnesses called to the court three times a week. Originals
Tunisia PM's resignation sparks new political crisis Prior to stepping down, Elyes Fakhfakh was under investigation for conflict of interest violations. Tunisia
Can Iraqi government control corruption at border outlets? Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government has set its sights on controlling corruption that could ease the impact of the financial crisis in the country, while prioritizing the border outlets. Originals
Iran seeks answers in death of fugitive judge The Iranian judiciary seeks answers after a fugitive judge fell from a hotel window in Bucharest. Iran
Jordan government takes on tax evasion, abuse of public office Jordanians have welcomed the government’s latest push to prosecute officials and businessmen accused of tax evasion and money laundering, but wonder if the effort will be sustainable. Jordan
