Analysis Emboldened by Trump, Netanyahu is driving Israel into judicial crisis Empowered by moves in Washington, Prime Minister Netanyahu fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and is pushing for the sacking of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir Over 35,000 Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship since the government enforced amendments to its citizenship law in September of last year. Kuwait
Public backlash as Iran closes $3.7B corruption case, largest in its history With only two former ministers receiving lenient sentences, the $3.7 billion embezzlement scheme has reignited national debates on systemic corruption amid an increasingly dire economic climate. Iran
Nawaf Salam secures enough votes to be Lebanon's next prime minister The ICJ president is not a Hezbollah favorite, but has secured the backing of more than 70 parliamentarians to be Lebanon's next prime minister. Lebanon
Analysis Why is Sara Netanyahu still in Miami as Israel PM faces health, other crises? By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis With Gulen dead, Turkey sees chance to weaken group, improve US ties By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Iran expands spy network in Israel, recruiting Jews and Arabs for attacks By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
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
Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentences for corruption Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentences of two individuals charged with economic crimes in what the judiciary hopes is a “warning” to others. Iran
Commentary: Why Netanyahu needs a landslide victory The strategy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a possible indictment includes early elections and the appointment after of yes-men for the positions of IDF chief of staff and police commissioner. Israel
Democrats’ promised Trump probes threaten to sweep up Mideast allies Key US allies could be caught in the crosshairs as Democrats plan extensive investigations into President Donald Trump’s policies and business dealings should they win in November. Saudi Arabia
'Diamond Dust,' a poisonous pleasure for Egyptian moviegoers The book "Diamond Dust" and its adaptation for the stage didn't ruffle any feathers when they appeared in Egypt, but the movie version has proved to be controversial for taking on a political subject no one previously dared touch. Egypt
