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
Is Saudi crown prince winning or losing in the Middle East? With Saad Hariri staying on as prime minister in Lebanon, the Saudi crown prince has suffered another setback in his efforts to counter Iran. Saudi Arabia
Ahmadinejad’s former VP takes refuge in holy shrine Former Iranian Vice President Hamid Baghaei took refuge in a historic shrine to avoid a court case over likely corruption charges. Iran
Turkey demands news as Zarrab drops off radar Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a formal inquiry about the whereabouts of Reza Zarrab, an Iranian-Turkish businessman held in the United States on money-laundering charges that could implicate Turkey's ruling party. Turkey
Israel police chief falls into Netanyahu’s trap The interview accorded by Israeli police Chief Roni Alsheikh to daily Yedioth Ahronoth plays into the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his accusations of being persecuted. Israel
Is US counseling restraint to Saudi crown prince? Saudi Arabia claims two "acts of war" in one week; Israel and Syria both back the Druze. Saudi Arabia
Turkish prime minister’s family caught up in Paradise Papers leak Popular Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim denies any wrongdoing after his close family members appeared in the Paradise Papers that list companies and individuals who shield their wealth in offshore tax havens. Turkey
Israeli police turn up heat on Netanyahu The detention of Yitzhak Molcho, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal envoy and closest associate, sends shock waves through Israel’s security and political arenas. Egypt
High stakes as Saudi crown prince tries to remove opponents Saudi Arabia's uncertain future has not become any more stable with the recent removal of 11 princes from their positions in power. Saudi Arabia
Iranian VP tainted by brother's corruption charges Corruption allegations involving his brother are threatening the promising political prospects of Iran's First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Iran
Under Erdogan's pressure, Ankara mayor resigns after 23 years Melih Gokcek is stepping down from his position as Ankara's mayor after 23 years, following a weekslong standoff with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Netanyahu’s strategy of chaos Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mistakenly thought that by appointing his associates to key positions in the police and the judicial system, he could protect himself from investigations. Israel
Iran's Intelligence Ministry, judiciary clash over sentenced nuclear negotiator Iran’s Intelligence Ministry denies claims by Iran’s judiciary that a sentenced Iranian nuclear negotiator was a spy. Iran
