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. Syria
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Rise in antisemitism in US, Europe preceded Washington shooting: What to know In the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, the number and severity of antisemitic incidents continue to rise. Israel
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Canada foils Iranian plot to kill Jewish human rights leader: What we know The target of the alleged assassination plot, Irwin Cotler, is a fierce critic of the Iranian regime and a staunch supporter of Israel. Iran
Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey. Turkey
Despite deteriorating human rights record, Egypt hopes for US support under Harris or Trump Cairo hopes that whichever form it takes, the new US administration will continue backing its positions and policies in the Middle East and Horn of Africa. Egypt
What's behind attack on UAE ambassador in Sudan? The UAE's role in Sudan is coming under greater scrutiny as the battle for power between rival groups SAF and RSF drags on into its 17th month. United Arab Emirates
India tells Iran’s Khamenei to 'look at own record' over comments on Muslims suffering India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei’s remarks on the treatment of Muslims. Iran
Analysis Two years on, Iran may have stifled Mahsa Amini unrest, but dissidence remains With unprecedented repression and disinformation campaigns, the Iranian government appears to have largely suppressed the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement sparked by Mahsa Amini's death, but a resurgence of the unrest maybe a matter of when, not if. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Amal Clooney joins Europe's legal battle to free Turkey's Osman Kavala The Clooney Foundation for Justice, co-founded by international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, has intervened in the case of jailed Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala. Turkey
Analysis US lawmakers warn of Israeli inaction after another American killed in West Bank The deaths of several US citizens at the hands of Israeli troops raise questions over Israel’s willingness to investigate and prosecute its own. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
In first under Biden, Egypt to receive full military aid tied to human rights For each of the last three years, the administration withheld a portion of Egypt’s military assistance over continued human rights abuses. Egypt
What's behind the UAE's visa amnesty scheme? As part of the United Arab Emirates' large-scale amnesty scheme, migrants in the country illegally who have secured jobs can apply for fresh visas, while others will be allowed to leave without facing penalties. United Arab Emirates
Over 20,000 killed in Sudan's war, says UN health chief The World Health Organization's director-general said Sudan is suffering through of a "perfect storm of crises," including conflict, famine conditions and a recent cholera outbreak. Sudan
Bahrain king pardons 457 prisoners: What we know Bahrain’s human rights record has been widely criticized, despite recent pardons, and the latest move follows efforts to repair relations with Iran. Bahrain
