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
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
Jordan government takes on tax evasion, abuse of public office Jordanians have welcomed the government’s latest push to prosecute officials and businessmen accused of tax evasion and money laundering, but wonder if the effort will be sustainable. Jordan
Bashar al-Assad’s uncle sentenced to four years in French prison for money laundering A French court convicted Rifaat al-Assad, 82, of misappropriating Syrian public funds to expand his holdings in Europe. Syria
Netanyahu thwarts risk of submarine scandal resurfacing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently managed to distance himself from any risks of being implicated in the submarine scandal. Israel
Benny Gantz trapped over Netanyahu’s trial Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Blue and White party did not realize in time that the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also hurt them. Israel