Analysis Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon? Many in Israel were stunned when President Donald Trump slammed the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called it a "witch hunt." By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Lebanon arrests fmr economy minister Amin Salam on embezzlement charges The arrest comes nearly a year after the former central bank chief was arrested on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, among other things. Lebanon
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Pentagon formally accepts Qatar’s luxury megajet for Trump: What to know Qatar's offer to provide the US president with $400 million aircraft is likely to reinforce Democratic opposition to recently announced major arms sales to the Gulf kingdom. United States
Analysis Emboldened by Trump, Netanyahu is driving Israel into judicial crisis By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Who's afraid of a free Israeli press? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified attacks against media outlets and journalists that don't serve his interests. Israel
Turkey's 'Olive Branch' takes root in Syrian olive business Kurdish olive growers in Afrin, Syria, complain bitterly that Turkish authorities who control the area aren't doing anything to stop massive exploitation and armed extortion that is costing the local oil economy $100 million. Syria
Netanyahu's stab at premier for life Ahead of Israel's next elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing a bill that would limit the task of forming a coalition to a party leader. Israel
Likud party hostage in Netanyahu’s hands Even after the publication of police recommendations to indict him, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not consult with his party seniors, nor did he involve them in his intentions. Israel
Hard-liners face backlash for attempted impeachment of Zarif A group of hard-line lawmakers are seeking the impeachment of Iran's foreign minister on several grounds, including his assertion that money laundering is taking place in Iran. Iran
Corruption charges delay completion of Iraqi Cabinet The political alliance that allowed Iraq to move forward in building a new government could be on the brink of collapse. Iraq
Hard-liners call for Zarif's head over money laundering comment Iran's foreign minister is facing harsh criticism from hard-liners after his surprisingly frank remarks about money laundering in the country. Iran
Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality? Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success. Iraq
Smuggling surges as US sanctions hit Iranian rial The Rouhani administration may not be responsible for the US sanctions hitting the Iranian economy, but it is responsible for the damage caused by smuggling and other harmful activities resulting from misguided foreign exchange policies. Iran
New transparency law enters into force in Tunisia Tunisia's latest anti-corruption effort is an ambitious new law requiring powerful state figures and staff to declare their financial profits and interests. Tunisia
Analysis: Possible indictment pushes Netanyahu to attack rivals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that the police have finished their investigations in three cases involving him, which is why he is now attacking senior Likud member and potential rival Gideon Saar. Israel
