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
Some 40 million Turks ruled by appointed, not elected, mayors Institutions, including private ones, whose officials were once elected are being taken over by government-appointed trustees in the president's ever-expanding arena of influence. Turkey
The dealmaker: Mueller witness helped broker $4.2 billion Iraq-Russia arms deal Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s latest interest, Lebanese-American businessman George Nader, has a long history of mysterious dealings in the Middle East despite a low profile in Washington. United Arab Emirates
Top officials in Netanyahu's party kept in the dark Uncertainty within the Likud Party is growing as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not share with party seniors his plans to deal with the coalition crisis or with police investigations against him. Israel
Abbas rivals abroad wary as PA joins Interpol As Interpol's newest member, some rivals of President Mahmoud Abbas fear the Palestinian Authority may be tempted to misuse its new connections to pursue them. Palestine
Operation 'Save Netanyahu' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting police investigations into corruption by delegitimizing the police and legal systems and by preparing for early elections. Israel
Iraq increases taxes amid public discontent The Iraqi government has increased non-oil revenues by imposing a sales tax to get $1.8 billion this year. Iraq
Israel plagued with political corruption Unless Israeli society acts severely and decisively against political corruption, this corruption monster will take over every aspect of life. Israel
'Bibimania' hits Israel The police investigations against Netanyahu have contributed to an increasingly divisive and corrosive atmosphere in Israel's public and politics. Israel
Netanyahu risks implication in third scandal After recommending to the attorney general to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in cases 1000 and 2000, investigators are now looking into another case involving Netanyahu and his associates. Israel
Netanyahu focuses in on new archenemy The fact that Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid is a key witness in one of the cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes him Netanyahu’s most prominent political rival. Israel
Netanyahu’s real crime Whatever Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit decides on police recommendations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is already guilty of manipulating the media and taking over public opinion. Israel
How do Iran’s 'corrupt networks' operate? The fight against corruption in Iran will remain a key challenge until new ways are devised to address this challenge. Iran
