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
Is Iran’s youngest minister biting off more than he can chew? Iran's minister of communications and information technology is advancing the agenda of his transparency initiative, but Iranian officials are pushing back. Iran
Momentum builds for Iran to meet global financial watchdog requirements Iran’s political elite finally appear to have enough momentum to pass key measures to satisfy FATF’s demands for greater transparency and compliance with international standards, which will improve the changes of Iran and the European Union to build on their economic relations. Iran
Rouhani goes on offense against critics, shady interests and ‘culture of opacity’ Iranian president presses ahead with anti-corruption agenda in response to political dissent and widening protests. United States
Egyptians debate efforts to bring back Mubarak's billions Egyptians are divided over whether former officials should be offered the chance to pay back looted funds in exchange for dropped charges as authorities work to bring back the estimated billions of dollars smuggled abroad during the reign of former President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt
Iran’s economic crisis gives Rouhani chance to hit 'corrupt networks' Rouhani should make use of the mandate that Iran’s supreme leader has given for further transparency, which will weaken corrupt networks that are harming the country more than any external enemy. Iran
Iran’s youngest minister becoming symbol of transparency drive Iran’s youngest minister has received widespread praise for his “courageous” transparency campaign after revealing a list of allegedly fraudulent cellphone importers. Iran
Iran's ex-military chief accused of squatting in former shah mansion The former chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces has been accused of living rent-free for 25 years in a mansion belonging to the shah’s regime. Iran
Iraq faces uncertainty as parliament orders manual election recount As the Iraqi parliament orders a manual recount of ballots, the Kurdish opposition that lost in the election May 12 pushes for a cancellation of the result, while the PUK is adamant that the outcome should stand. Iraq
Turkey's 'Lord of the Herbs' prescribes civil war In a TV interview, a Turkish writer vowed to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling party should they lose in the upcoming elections by promising to dig up a buried weapons stash and "take to the streets." Turkey
Why Netanyahu wants to replace Israel's police chief Israel's Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan tries maneuvering between good governance practices and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to replace the head of Israel Police, Roni Alsheikh. Israel
Turkish election pledges belie serious economic problems Both the ruling party and the opposition have pledged various incentives and social welfare benefits ahead of next month's vote. Turkey
Five trends to watch in Lebanon’s parliamentary elections Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary elections still have the potential to surprise, as political giants aim to solidify their grip on power and as retired military officers make the leap to politics. Lebanon
