Sweden summons Iranian ambassador over dual national sentence The Iranian-Swedish national was arrested during Iran’s June war with Israel for allegedly spying on Israel’s behalf. Iran
Analysis Militant merger in Iran’s Baluchistan signals new threat to Tehran The group’s outreach to broader ethnic communities reflects a strategic bid for wider legitimacy and a role in the wider struggle against the Islamic Republic. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Culture World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes. Iran
Feature A year since Assad’s fall, Aleppo trial tests Syria’s transitional justice Syria recently launched its first open trial on the deadly sectarian violence in March, but questions about judicial independence and political influence make the upcoming hearings a major test of accountability in post-Assad Syria as the first anniversary of Assad’s fall approaches. By Alessandra Bajec
Hard-won women's rights at stake in wake of Sudan coup Militarization of civilian spaces, strongly contested by Sudanese women, has resulted in dozens of assaults, arrests and killings, and threatens their presence, movements and lives. Egypt
British F1 driver Hamilton not 'comfortable' in Saudi Arabia Lewis Hamilton cited the kingdom's human rights record and 'pretty terrifying' LGBTQ laws before it hosts its first Grand Prix race. Saudi Arabia
US 'concerned' over conviction of prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat avoided jail time but was ordered to pay a fine for "insulting" the country's National Election Authority. News Brief
Idlib’s children become breadwinners amidst rising poverty Worsening living conditions and soaring poverty rates in Idlib force more and more children to drop out of school and start working to help their families meet their basic needs. Syria
Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property. Qatar
Iran executes man jailed for murder as minor Arman Abdolali was sentenced to death after what Amnesty International said was a "grossly unfair trial" that relied on "torture-tainted confessions" he later withdrew. Iran
Israeli ministers take stand against settler violence Left-wing members of the government held a conference at the Knesset dedicated to what they consider a significant increase in violence by West Bank settlers. Israel
Khashoggi's fiancee urges Justin Beiber to cancel Saudi performance Hatice Cengiz called on the Canadian pop star to choose "justice and freedom over money." Saudi Arabia
Jews of Syrian origin return to visit Damascus The Syrian government has allowed some Jews of Syrian origin, residing in New York, to visit Damascus. Syria
Israeli tourists released from Turkish prison Two Israeli tourists held for eight days in Turkey have returned home in a private jet today and Israel’s president called Turkey's to thank him personally. Israel
Egypt’s treatment of refugees in question as Cairo deports Eritreans Eight Eritreans were expelled in October after being in detention for two years without due legal process or access to the UNHCR; another 12 are thought to be at imminent risk. Egypt
Human rights organizations call on Hamas to halt death sentences against Israeli agents, drug dealers The military judiciary in the Gaza Strip announced this month new death sentences against collaborators with Israel and drug dealers, amid calls by human rights organizations to stop these illegal and nonhumanitarian sentences. Palestine
