In a first, ICC convicts Sudanese militia leader of Darfur war crimes Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman was found guilty of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. Sudan
Supreme Court clears path for Turkey’s Halkbank trial over Iran sanctions The Turkish president personally raised the Halkbank case with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as Ankara pushes for a settlement to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. Turkey
Lebanon seizes $1.5M in cocaine at Beirut airport: What to know The country has recently stepped up its fight against drug trafficking, seizing large amounts of cocaine at ports and airports and targeting Captagon production. Lebanon
Analysis How far will China, Russia go in shielding Iran from UN sanctions? Iran is lobbying states to resist enforcement of UN sanctions — looking particularly to China and Russia to blunt the impact, even as questions remain about the limits of their willingness to act. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iraqi court certifies election results Many Iran-backed militias rejected the results of the October election in which they performed poorly. News Brief
Government critic elected to lead Union of Turkish Bar Associations Defeating a pro-government incumbent, Ankara Bar Association Chair Erinc Sagkan was elected head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations on Sunday, pledging to strengthen the rule of law and independence in Turkey’s legal profession. Turkey
Sweeping legal reforms aim to maintain UAE's competitive edge The new amendments will add more flexibility to a wide range of economic sectors and industries, reaffirming the UAE’s standing as a leading business hub. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. Iraq
Ex-Netanyahu aide testifies former boss obsessed with public image Nir Hefetz, a former aide and confidant to Benjamin Netanyahu, testified Monday in a long-running corruption case against the ex-Israeli prime minister. Israel
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
Legal ambiguity becomes the norm in Erdogan’s Turkey Recent comments by top Turkish officials promoting disregard for some laws has activists, opposition figures and journalists concerned that they alone will be the ones subject to restrictions and regulations, with AKP supporters given leeway. Turkey
US freezes aid to Sudan in response to military takeover The Biden administration urged Sudan’s military to reinstate the civilian-led government, threatening an end to much-needed assistance. Sudan
Coup fears grow as Tunisian president shores up power President Kais Saied is facing a growing wave of opposition from civil society and political actors as he takes new powers and attempts to transform the political system. North Africa
Jordanian appeals court upholds verdicts in royal sedition trial Former royal court chief Bassem Awadallah, who also is a US citizen, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a minor member of the royal family, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly trying to destabilize the kingdom. Jordan
Islamic State 'Beatles' member pleads guilty in US hostage-taking case British-born Alexanda Kotey was part of an Islamic State cell that the US government has linked to the hostage-taking and deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. United States
Member of IS 'Beatles' expected to plead guilty in US courtroom Alexanda Kotey, a member of the brutal Islamic State cell linked to the kidnapping and killing of Westerners, is expected to plead guilty to one or more of the charges against him. United States
