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
Netanyahu’s defense team scores points Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be happy with his week: His rival Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is deep in coalition trouble, and his own trial offers him some small legal victories. Israel
Iran parliament speaker in hot water over family's trip to Turkey Under tightening livelihood strains and constantly being told to pursue modesty and exercise austerity, the Iranian public saw the trip as a sign of brazen hypocrisy among some senior officials whose private lives are characterized by extravagance. Iran
Despite government efforts, corruption still threatens Iraqis Efforts to crack down on corruption in Iraq have resulted in improvement but much remains to be done, especially among forces tasked with protecting the population. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Iraqi judges in crosshairs of drug dealers with powerful connections Iraq has seen systematic assassinations of judges since 2003, most of whom were handling investigations into drugs and corruption cases involving influential figures and parties. Iraq
Analysis Netanyahu rallies supporters for Pegasus protests Supporters of opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu rallied last night in Tel Aviv, claiming that the Pegasus affair is part of a conspiracy against their leader. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Iran's IRGC confirms leaked audio of former head discussing corruption The IRGC has confirmed the audio of the former commander speaking about corruption. Iran
Netanyahu refers to Pegasus revelations as 'black day' Allegations that the police used the Pegasus software to illegally spy on politicians, activists and journalists raise more concerns about privacy, civil liberties and democracy. Israel
Netanyahu exploits Pegasus affair in Israel With the Pegasus affair growing in Israel, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on trial for breach of trust and bribery, says his opponents used the spyware against him. Israel
Turkey sinks on corruption index as activists point to public tender system Transparency International says there has been a “significant decline” in Turkey’s tackling of graft over the last decade. Turkey
Could Netanyahu opt for plea bargain? Despite declarations made in the past by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a plea bargain, it seems that such a deal might now be on the table. Israel
Global crime index paints gloomy portrait of Turkey A recent report by Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime indicates that organized crime may not always have a confrontational relationship with the state, and Turkey is a case in point. Turkey
Bennett begins to echo Netanyahu on Iran Despite his declared intentions, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett seems to be using tension with the Biden administration on Iran to his advantage. Israel
