Analysis As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture? South Africa has expelled the Israeli charge d'affaires, deepening the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Rifaat al-Assad, perpetrator of Syria's 1982 Hama massacre, dies at 88 Known for his role in the 1982 Hama massacre, the late member of Syria’s former ruling family oversaw the killing of tens of thousands of civilians. Syria
Iran blackout enters 12th day as filtered internet reveals crackdown Nearly 4,000 people have been killed in the protests in Iran, as videos emerging amid limited access to internet show the scale of the crackdown launched by security forces. Iran
IRGC to Majlis: Who are central players in Iran's regime? Iran’s political system concentrates ultimate authority in the supreme leader and a network of loyal institutions. Iran
Europe’s top court moves to fast-track Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala's case: What to know Turkey
Analysis Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Sudan outlaws female genital mutilation Sudan's criminalization of the practice done to a majority of young girls won praise and may reflect some change in attitudes. North Africa
Instead of attacking, Israel now ignores ICC With the coronavirus spreading, Israel’s political echelon paid no attention to the announcement by ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda about charging Israel for war crimes. Palestine
Gantz, Netanyahu trample Basic Law with mind-boggling hutzpah In negotiating a unity government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz are making a mockery of Israel's parliamentary system and Basic Laws. Israel
Netanyahu puts settlers before Israel, again Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blew up coalition talks following right-wing attacks against him for letting Blue and White control the committee that appoints Supreme Court justices. Israel
Trial of detained Saudi women's activist postponed in Riyadh A court hearing for Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul is delayed for a week. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan may be the world's most 'insulted' leader Lawyers for the Turkish president have sued more than 17,000 people for what they describe as insults to the president, with more than 5,000 convicted. Turkey
How an Iranian director defied ‘repression’ and won Golden Bear The Golden Bear-winning Iranian movie “There Is No Evil” revolves around the power to say no, the very same concept that has characterized the filmmaker’s overall mission. Iran
Turkey's re-arrest of philanthropist signals alarm in Europe Osman Kavala was re-arrested after his acquittal despite the European Court of Human Rights' call for Turkey to immediately release the philanthropist. Turkey
Controversial new law could make Iraq's early elections late Iraq's parliament passed a new elections law in December in response to massive protests, but the law hasn't been sent to the president for his approval. Iraq
High court rules Cairo University can restrict use of full veils An Egyptian court approved a decision to bar teachers from wearing the niqab in Cairo University lecture halls, raising mixed reactions. Egypt
Egyptian readers mourn ALEF bookstores The ALEF bookstore chain, beloved for its wide selection of books and engaging salespeople, has closed its doors after accusations of links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Will Carlos Ghosn be safe from prosecution in Lebanon? Lebanese businessman Carlos Ghosn escaped from house arrest in Tokyo and headed to Lebanon, where the judiciary is now weighing whether his past visit to Israel could be considered an act of normalization. Lebanon
