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
Are days numbered for Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox patriarch? The Greek Orthodox community in Palestine and Jordan is in open revolt against Patriarch Theophilos III over the sale of church lands to Israel and Israelis. Palestine
IRGC detains brother of Iran’s first vice president Fresh controversy erupts in Iran with the arrest of the brother of the first vice president. Iran
Can Iranian threat shield Netanyahu from police investigations? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a master at using his UN speeches to convince his Israeli electorate that he is the only person capable of defending the country from the Iranian threat. Israel
Where can ex-Erdoganists go? Dismissed from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s inner circles, the options for so-called X-Men are limited and unpleasant. Turkey
Netanyahu versus Israel The gatekeepers of Israel’s democracy are engaged in a dramatic battle against the camp of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the future of the state and the society. Israel
Iraqi farmers fight against imported goods, corruption The Iraqi market is flooded with foreign agricultural and food products, which affects local farmers and food producers. Iraq
Netanyahu’s five sins With the Jewish year coming to an end, it is clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is guilty of five sins: ignoring hope for peace, whitewashing injustices, inciting hatred, discriminating against the poor and indifference to the weak. Palestine
Iraqi officials’ dual nationality allows for escape abroad The Iraqi Constitution forbids high-ranking officials from holding a second nationality, but many do so anyway, allowing those accused of corruption to flee the country on foreign passports. Iraq
Talk of 'good genes' provokes nepotism outcry in Iran Comments by the son of prominent Reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref concerning his "good genes" have caused furor among Iranians. Iran
Venezuela's Maduro finds solidarity in Turkey When supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan look at the situation in Venezuela, they see a leader to be defended like their own instead of a situation to be avoided. Turkey
Corruption, nepotism obvious under Erdogan Trading in political influence is becoming more evident — some would say it's becoming the norm — in Turkey, where all power appears to be in one person's hand. Turkey
Are Israelis indifferent to corruption around Netanyahu? Despite political corruption, Israelis keep backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in polls. Israel
