Analysis Emboldened by Trump, Netanyahu is driving Israel into judicial crisis Empowered by moves in Washington, Prime Minister Netanyahu fired Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and is pushing for the sacking of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir Over 35,000 Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship since the government enforced amendments to its citizenship law in September of last year. Kuwait
Public backlash as Iran closes $3.7B corruption case, largest in its history With only two former ministers receiving lenient sentences, the $3.7 billion embezzlement scheme has reignited national debates on systemic corruption amid an increasingly dire economic climate. Iran
Nawaf Salam secures enough votes to be Lebanon's next prime minister The ICJ president is not a Hezbollah favorite, but has secured the backing of more than 70 parliamentarians to be Lebanon's next prime minister. Lebanon
Analysis Why is Sara Netanyahu still in Miami as Israel PM faces health, other crises? By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Analysis With Gulen dead, Turkey sees chance to weaken group, improve US ties By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Iran expands spy network in Israel, recruiting Jews and Arabs for attacks By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israeli court delays key testimony in Netanyahu corruption trial Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, is the prosecution's star witness in Case 4000. Israel
US sanctions 2 Lebanese businessmen, lawmaker The Treasury Department accused Jihad al-Arab, Dany Khoury and Jamil Sayyed of profiting from "the pervasive corruption and cronyism in Lebanon." News Brief
Erdogan-linked foundation faces fresh barrage of accusations of nepotism, abuse A whistleblower has made claims that, in addition to hundreds of job hirings made at TUGVA's request, the organization was also allocated over 1,000 government-owned buildings to use as dormitories for its members. Turkey
The Takeaway: Business As Usual: US-Egypt alliance finds its center Also: Bennett meets Sisi; Egypt announces vaccine factory; Saudi Arabia mulls Taliban ties; Syrian jihadi group announces "moral police" in Idlib; NGOs slam Palestinian Authority on human rights; a new Al-Monitor podcast; and more … all in about 1,500 words. Egypt
Palestinian NGOs begin campaign against political corruption The deterioration of democratic policies in the Palestinian leadership has led a coalition of nongovernmental organizations to call what is happening in Palestine "political corruption." Palestine
French court upholds conviction of Assad's uncle in money laundering case A French court last year sentenced Rifaat al-Assad to four years in prison and ordered the forfeiture of his French real estate assets. Syria
Netanyahu asked to return state gifts he received as Israeli PM The prime minister's office has reportedly requested that Benjamin Netanyahu return 42 gifts from President Barack Obama, President Vladimir Putin and other foreign leaders that he received during his 12-year tenure. Israel
Turkey's 'babyfaced' fraud suspect in jail after three years on run Mehmet Aydin, wanted since early 2018, is back in Turkey to face an online fraud case that has raised questions about how he remained free for so long in South America. Turkey
Turkish-Danish hospital deal might be more than meets the eye A Turkish company known as a presidential favorite is ceding its lucrative hospital operation business, a move observers believe is driven not only by financial hardship but also apprehension over Erdogan’s political future. Turkey
Another Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad The most recent killing is likely meant to undercut Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's efforts to curb militias outside the control of the state. Iraq
Arrest warrant issued for exiled mobster who promises to 'ruin' Turkish officials Turkish prosecutors issued an arrest warrant Thursday for exiled mobster Sedat Peker, whose video exposes have implicated high-level officials and left ruling party insiders struggling to respond. Turkey
Erdogan swats aside mobster, stands behind interior minister President Recep Tayyip Erdogan backs his interior minister, who has been facing allegations made by a Turkish mobster living abroad, and says he will not call early elections. Turkey
