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
Advocates call for greater focus on democratic rights in Turkey ahead of European summit As European leaders prepare to review EU-Turkey relations in a summit this week, advocates urged greater links between future cooperation and improvements in basic rights and the rule of law in Turkey. Turkey
Saudi agents who killed Khashoggi received training in the US: NYT The New York Times reports that four members of the Saudi team that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi received training under a contract approved by the State Department. Legacy: Gulf
Protests erupt after Tunisia police beat, strip, drag young boy during arrest Angry protesters took to the streets in Tunisia after security forces brutally attacked a boy and dragged him after he was stripped naked, renewing controversy over civil liberty violations and mistreatment of prisoners in the country. Tunisia
Photo appears to show UAE Princess Latifa in Madrid amid house arrest claims Princess Latifa has alleged in secret video recordings that her family is holding her captive and she fears for her safety. United Arab Emirates
Hamas leader says Marwan Barghouti a priority for next prisoner swap with Israel Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh promises the wife of prominent Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti that her husband will be a priority for the next swap deal with Israel. Palestine
Egyptian police search citizens in Cairo ahead of June 30 anniversary The Egyptian security forces are deployed in Cairo’s streets and main squares, amid calls for protests by Egyptian whistleblower and former army contractor Mohamed Ali. Egypt
Palestinians trapped in Gaza as Israel suspends postal services Passport paperwork is piling up in post offices, as Israel has prevented mail from entering or leaving the Gaza Strip since May 11, thus preventing many students, patients and those with foreign residencies from traveling. Palestine
Rise in Iraqi cancer cases may be linked to wars, environment The causes of the spike may be linked to Iraq's wars or environmental pollution, but the evidence is sketchy. Iraq
Egypt's top court upholds death sentences of 12 Brotherhood figures The defendants were part of a mass trial of supporters of former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
Migrants found dead off Yemen's Red Sea coast after boat capsizes The bodies were found near Ras Al-Ara, a coastal village in the southern Yemeni province that's known as a smuggling hub. Yemen
Residents of Alexandria district face eviction by Egyptian state Egyptian security forces are trying to expel residents of a vital area in Alexandria, claiming that their homes were randomly and illegally built. Egypt
UN expert calls on UAE to release prominent human rights defenders The five activists are accused of trying to overthrow the Emirati government, but the United Nations says they should have never been detained in the first place. United Arab Emirates
