Nine bodies unearthed in Latakia mass grave, one of dozens found in post-Assad Syria As part of the efforts by new Syrian authorities to bring justice to victims of the Assad regime, dozens of mass graves containing thousands of bodies — believed to be victims of former regime forces — have been discovered across Syria. Syria
Iraq begins exhuming ISIS mass grave at Al-Khasfa thought to hold 3,000+ victims In 2024, Human Rights Watch said that hundreds of thousands of victims remain buried in mass graves across Iraq, including those killed under former President Saddam Hussein. Iraq
UN: Syria's March violence saw ‘likely’ war crimes by Damascus, Assad remnants The United Nations noted deliberate targeting of Alawite civilians in its report on the killings along the Syrian coast and called on the government to expand its efforts in taking steps toward accountability. Syria
Iran border clash kills 3 militants, police officer in Baluchistan: What to know Iranian forces have prioritized targeting Jaish al-Adl and other groups in the southeast, and are seeking cooperation with Pakistan on the issue. Iran
Analysis Emboldened by Suwayda fallout, Syria’s Kurds hold their ground with Damascus By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Third coalition arises in Iraq to vie for Sunni leadership Former Iraqi Vice President Osama al-Nujaifi has formed a new Sunni coalition in Iraq, but the "alliance" seems to indicate further division in Sunni political ranks. Iraq
Iraqi decision to remove Shabak PMU from Ninevah Plains stirs conflict A dispute over the presence of Popular Mobilization Units in the Ninevah Plains raises concerns about the recurrence of conflict in the area. Iraq
What really matters to Israeli Arab voters The problem that most concerns Israel's Palestinian citizens is personal safety, an issue on which the Blue and White could make significant positive contributions and in doing so attract Arab voters, potentially breaking the prevailing electoral deadlock with the right. Israel
Iraqi Mandaeans fear extinction The Mandaean community in Iraq is dwindling to such low numbers that its members fear extinction. Iraq
Three princes compete for Yazidi leadership to succeed late prince Following the appointment of a new Yazidi emir, two other Yazidi leaders announced themselves as new emirs. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Basra church restored, but few Christians left to worship there Basra's Virgin Mary Chaldean Church has reopened after a $228,000 renovation, but the Christians still in the city are dwindling. Iraq
Jordan's Baha'is struggle for basic civil rights Jordan does not recognize the Baha'i faith as a religion, which has created difficulties for adherents in regard to marriage, inheritance and overall civil rights. Jordan
Is positive sentiment toward Israel on the rise in Iraq? After an Iraqi ambassador made seemingly friendly comments about Israel, Iraqi politicians have made it known that Iraq will not stand for normalization. Iraq
Syrian Turkmen groups return from Turkey to support opposition Turkey has encouraged Syrian Turkmen organizations to move to Syrian areas controlled by anti-regime militias. Syria
Shin Bet warns Israelis against all Bedouins Israel’s Bedouin community is outraged at a Shin Bet statement hinting at Bedouin involvement in terrorism. Palestine
Iraq's diversity institute combats religious stereotypes and hate speech A new Iraqi institute aims to change the country's discourse toward minorities through educational curricula designed by religious minorities. Iraq
Nubians offered compensation for lost land Egypt is offering compensation to 11,700 Nubian citizens who have been displaced from their land for the sake of building the Aswan Dam. Egypt
