Iraq arrests deputy oil minister in anti-corruption push The arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili marks a second signification step against corruption by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s government amid growing pressure from the Trump administration. Iraq
Analysis Can Bennett, Lapid unite Israel’s opposition to unseat Netanyahu? Six months before Israel's next elections, opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have decided to run on one anti-Netanyahu ticket. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
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
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
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
Police chief interview plays into Netanyahu’s hands The interview of Israel’s Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh by Channel 2 was oddly premature, shifting the focus away from the investigation expected to lead shortly to recommendations to indict the prime minister. Israel
Iraq takes custody of officials wanted in corruption probes Iraq is taking steps to recover funds and arrest those accused of corruption by coordinating actions with foreign countries and Interpol. Iraq
Muslim Brotherhood crumbling around Erdogan As many Turks openly say the president's party has lost its mojo, it really means Muslim Brotherhood networks are collapsing there; the reasons also help explain the rise and potential fall of the cult of Erdogan. Turkey
As corruption probe continues, Israeli police must set the record straight The media and social networks are flooded with reports about the various police investigations involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some of them outright contradictory. Israel
How Rouhani can combat corruption in Iran's budget The Rouhani administration’s shift toward performance-based budgeting could pave the way for a parallel reduction of corruption along with better addressing of grievances. Iran
