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
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
Iraq unveils massive anti-corruption project Iraq has lost $150 billion to corruption since 2003, according to Iraqi President Barham Salih. Iraq
Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics Erdogan risks a major political setback unless he manages to contain an unprecedented scandal sparked by a mobster claiming close links with government figures. Turkey
How an exiled mafia boss became the center of Turkish politics An ultranationalist mafia boss, Sedat Peker, who had connections with the ruling elite for decades, now wages war against top officials with his camera and tripod from abroad. Turkey
Khamenei calls for more younger people in Iran's next administration Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the next administration in Iran could utilize “revolutionary and pious youth.” Iran
Qatar orders arrest of finance minister in corruption probe A statement from Qatar's attorney general said Ali Shareef Al Emadi is suspected of misuse of public funds and abuse of power. Qatar
The cost of Turkey’s grey passport scandal Turkey’s service passport scandal may be more costly than imagined. On the domestic front, the case is one more sign that organized crime fuels corruption. In the international arena, Turkey is expected to encounter more embarrassment and court cases for smugglers. Turkey
Key Sunni politician’s arrest for corruption raises questions The arrest of a prominent Sunni party chief shortly after relations between him and the parliament speaker soured has led some to claim political motives are playing a role in the government’s anti-corruption efforts. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption. Iran
Cocaine video scandal deals blow to Turkey's ruling party A video that emerged of a member of Turkey's ruling AKP doing cocaine has stirred controversy, but it remains to be seen if the damage will be lasting. Turkey
