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
Corruption continues to threaten Iraq’s stability Despite the prime minister's efforts, corruption remains a big driver of Iraq’s instability. Iraq
Anti-Netanyahu groups stage ‘neighborhood protests’ Following restrictions on demonstrations, anti-Netanyahu groups are now staging “neighborhood protests’’ across the country. Israel
Iraqi government steps up fight against corruption The arrest of six senior officials on corruption charges shows that serious steps are taken in the fight against corruption, amid calls that the government speeds up its reform program. Iraq
Intel: New Iraqi committee hopes to weed out corruption, 'exceptional crimes' The committee, reporting directly to Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, follows a string of assassinations in Basra against anti-corruption activists. Iraq
Iranian hard-liner under fire after opening Pandora’s box of corruption Allegations of deep-rooted corruption raised by a top hard-line politician against some of Iran’s most powerful institutions have sparked intense infighting and are further blurring the political stage ahead of the next presidential race. Iran
Iranian official reveals claims of corruption at highest levels Accusations of corruption have led to speculation that a former Iranian official under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration may seek the presidency. Iran
Could fraud allegations shatter Iranian parliament speaker's dream for presidency? Fresh fraud allegations leveled against Iran’s powerful parliament speaker could mar his expected bid for the presidency next year, while exposing widening rifts within the conservative camp. Iran
Should Netanyahu worry over violent protests against him? As political and public energy that has welled up against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the last few years is about to burst the floodgates, some worry he could be the target of an assassination attempt. Israel
Calling of witnesses in Netanyahu's trail fixed for January 2021 The Jerusalem District Court decided that the next phase in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trail will take place in January 2021, with witnesses called to the court three times a week. Originals
Tunisia PM's resignation sparks new political crisis Prior to stepping down, Elyes Fakhfakh was under investigation for conflict of interest violations. Tunisia
Can Iraqi government control corruption at border outlets? Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government has set its sights on controlling corruption that could ease the impact of the financial crisis in the country, while prioritizing the border outlets. Originals
Iran seeks answers in death of fugitive judge The Iranian judiciary seeks answers after a fugitive judge fell from a hotel window in Bucharest. Iran
