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
Mideast corruption rankings: UAE least corrupt, Lebanon & Iran close to bottom Arab states’ average corruption score dropped to an all-time low in 2023, as did Turkey’s, the corruption index shows. Turkey
Sen. Cardin 'looking at options' as calls grow to block US military aid to Egypt Sen. Ben Cardin told reporters on Thursday he expects to make a decision soon on whether to use his new authority as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman to hold up a fraction of Egypt's annual military assistance. Egypt
Lebanon protesters storm electricity company as Beirut plunges into darkness Angry Lebanese stormed the state electrical company in Beirut to protest the high power bills as the devastating economic crisis continues to blanket Lebanon in darkness. Lebanon
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
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
