Courts and the law

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus, on June 4, 2025.

Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during the American Compass New World Gala at the National Building Museum on June 3, 2025 in Washington.

Rubio announces sanctions on ICC judges over US, Israel probes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the four judges of engaging in the court's "illegitimate and baseless actions."

An Egyptian Bedouin walks with his camel on Feb. 24, 2000, outside the walls of Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula, some 400 kilometers southeast of Cairo.

Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know

Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity.

Travelers from the Middle East arrive at the International Arrivals section at Los Angeles International Airport on June 29, 2017.

Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations

Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017.

Latest News

Turkish prosecutors probe main opposition leader Ozel, oust mayors

Ozgur Ozel, head of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), gestures toward supporters during a rally in support of arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in Ankara, April 23, 2025.

Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short

Kurdish youths holds a poster of jailed PKK militant group leader Abdullah Ocalan during Newroz celebrations, on March 21, 2025, in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Turkey detains 45 in Istanbul corruption probe, bans Imamoglu's image

KEMAL ASLAN/AFP via Getty Images

Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day as environmental groups blame Netanyahu

ORI AVIRAM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

People carry a banner during a march demanding truth and justice for Kurdish activists, Paris, Jan. 11, 2025.

27 Kurdish civilians, activists arrested in Iran following protests

After protests over the death sentences of Kurdish political prisoners, Iranian authorities arrested at least 27 people across the Kurdistan region.

TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court in Tel Aviv for his hearing on corruption charges on December 10, 2024. Netanyahu, the first sitting prime minister of Israel to face a criminal trial, testified for the first time when his corruption case resumed on December 10 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Why did Netanyahu agree to Gaza deal, and what are next steps?

The last hurdle before Israel makes the hostage deal official is the Supreme Court.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

ICJ

Who is Julia Sebutinde, pro-Israel judge in line for ICJ presidency?

The International Court of Justice’s vice president, Julia Sebutinde, seems likely to fill the shoes of outgoing head Nawaf Salam.

Nawaf Salam

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.

Sara Netanyahu arrives for her husband Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol on July 24, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Why is Sara Netanyahu still in Miami as Israel PM faces health, other crises?

Despite the testimony of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at court and his hospitalization for surgery, Sara Netanyahu is still in Miami.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

People walk past a guard tower outside the fencing of Camp 5 at the US Military's Prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Jan, 26, 2017.

Analysis

After 23 years, 15 detainees left, will US close Guantanamo detention camp?

Only 15 detainees remain in Guantanamo. With so few inmates left, could the infamous prison close?

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

French former president Nicolas Sarkozy (C) and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy arrive to vote for the first round of parliamentary elections in Paris, on June 30, 2024. A divided France is voting in high-stakes parliamentary elections that could see the anti-immigrant and eurosceptic party of Marine Le Pen sweep to power in a historic first. The candidates formally ended their frantic campaigns at midnight June 28, with political activity banned until the first round of voting. (Photo by ARNAUD FINISTRE / AFP

France’s Sarkozy stands trial on alleged Libya funding: What we know

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy denies allegations that he received 50 million euros to fund his 2007 election campaign from late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Alessio Romenzi, Sergio Splendore and Cecilia Sala are seen on stage during the “Gli orrori della guerra: storie dal fronte” event as part of the Terni Influencer & Creator Festival 2024, on April 13, 2024, in Terni, Italy.

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala: What to know

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was arrested on Dec. 19, just six days after arriving in Tehran where she had conducted a series of interviews for her podcast series.

This image released by police on Dec. 30, 2024, shows a car allegedly set on fire by Alexander Granovsky, a civilian recruited by "foreign elements."

Israeli arrested on suspicion of spying, arson for Iran: What we know

The Israeli is suspected of spying for Iran, torching vehicles and taking pictures in the neighborhood of National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz.

Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images

Sednaya, Syria’s most notorious prison, finally exposed: What we know

After the fall of Damascus, detainees have poured out of an infamous Syrian prison, yet some claim more detainees are trapped in cells deep underground.

STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey ends probe into Meta over Threads data sharing

Turkey's Competition Board has ended its investigation on Meta after the company agreed to new data-sharing terms for Threads.

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) artillery unit, using a self-propelled artillery howitzer, fires towards Gaza near the border on December 11, 2023 in Southern Israel. It has been more than two months since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that left more than 1,200 killed and 240 kidnapped, of which 138 are still being held hostage, which has prompted Israel's retaliatory air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Fearing war crimes claims, Israel warns 30 soldiers not to travel abroad: What we know

The Israeli military is warning officers and soldiers that courts abroad could open investigations into them for serving in Gaza.