Rifaat al-Assad, perpetrator of Syria's 1982 Hama massacre, dies at 88 Known for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre, the late member of Syria’s former ruling family oversaw the killing of tens of thousands of civilians. Syria
Analysis After Trump’s pardon letter to Herzog, 4 scenarios emerge for Netanyahu’s trial President Donald Trump again asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been on trial for over five years. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
French cement giant Lafarge on trial for ‘funding terrorism’ in Syria: What to know The French company is accused of funneling millions of dollars via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria to jihadi groups and intermediaries to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria. Syria
Morocco arrests 400+ as youth protesters demand government steps down The group leading the protests, known as GenZ 212, posted a list of demands on social media Friday, including the dismissal of the current government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Morocco
Analysis Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know United Arab Emirates
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
Lebanon’s Riad Salameh interrogated, assets frozen as citizens raid banks The judicial proceedings against central bank governor come against the background of a worsening economic and political crisis, and as his term is set to expire next month. Lebanon
Analysis Chaos at Israel's parliament as Netanyahu pushes judicial overhaul Ahead of the Knesset vote on the clause canceling the power of the Supreme Court to abolish unreasonable decisions or appointments, demonstrators are gathering outside and inside Israel's parliament. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
IMF warns Lebanon crisis will intensify as corruption, paralysis continue Lebanon's economic and political crisis is worsening, as currency depreciation, political instability, lack of reform, corruption and anti-refugee sentiment continue to plague the country. Lebanon
Analysis Cigars and champagne: What's next in Netanyahu's trial as Milchan testifies? Testifying in Brighton instead of Jerusalem, billionaire Arnon Milchan claimed he did not realize the gifts he gave to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were perhaps inappropriate. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Double trouble: Lebanon’s Salameh gets second arrest warrant from Germany Riad Salameh is under increased scrutiny in Europe on suspicions of money laundering at a time Lebanon is grappling with a deteriorating financial and economic crisis. Lebanon
How much trouble is Lebanon's Riad Salameh in after Interpol's red notice? Days earlier, the French judiciary issued an international arrest warrant for Riad Salameh after he failed to show up at a hearing in Paris over his alleged involvement in an embezzlement case. Lebanon
