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
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
Patronage marginalizes qualified Turkish diplomats Increase of unqualified personnel and self-serving political appointees has harmed Ankara’s ability to conduct international affairs, experts say. Turkey
