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
Mounting deaths in Iran protests as internet blackout drags on As protests entered a 12th day, the government's deadly crackdown under severe internet disruptions appeared to have failed to soothe the boiling anger. Iran
Turkish celebrities, including jailed Kurdish politician, cut hair for Mahsa Amini Women activists, celebrities and jailed Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas cut their hair in solidarity with Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Kurdish woman who died in detention by Iran’s morality police. Turkey
Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila quits after years of harassment over sexual orientation Mashrou’ Leila, whose main singer identifies as queer, announced it was disbanding, after facing accusations, harassment and threats over their songs. Lebanon
Queer singer tries to create space for discussion in Turkey As the government ramps up its anti-LGBTQ stance, Mabel Matiz, one of Turkey’s most popular queer artists, says he will continue to write songs that inspire public conversation on taboos. Turkey
Health of Turkey’s plastic waste workers under threat as European imports grow A report by Human Rights Watch finds Turkish authorities are not enforcing a law to protect vulnerable workers and local residents from toxic fumes. Turkey
Iranian government confirms three deaths in hijab protest Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in New York for the UN General Assembly meetings, called Mahsa Amini's family in an attempt to stem the reaction to her death in police custody. Iran
Thousands gather in Istanbul for anti-LGBTQ rally Organizers say they are rallying for family values, while rights groups protest the rally as a hate crime. Turkey
US releases some military aid to Egypt amid human rights concerns The administration is providing Egypt with $170 million in military assistance that Congress had made contingent on the country improving its rights record. Egypt
Analysis Democrats push Biden to restrict Egypt’s military aid over rights abuses Egypt’s annual military assistance is shaping up to be another test of the administration’s ability to balance human rights considerations with American strategic interests. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Egypt's journalism crackdown continues despite 'national dialogue' The Egyptian authorities' crackdown on Mada Masr has been criticized by civil society groups. Egypt
Iran revokes death penalties handed to three protesters The executions were reduced to jail terms in a controversial case that had drawn a furious public backlash. Iran
Fires engulf displacement camps in northern Syria during heat wave Northern Syria is experiencing a heat wave, which is taking a heavy toll on camps for displaced persons who face chronic diseases, wildfires and water scarcity. Syria
