Analysis On eve of Palestinian local elections, competition in short supply With many races unopposed and rivals excluded, the vote underscores a calibrated effort to contain dissent and prioritize stability. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Two Iranians face US court in sanctions, arms trafficking cases: What to know The cases come as the United States pairs tighter sanctions with stepped-up enforcement targeting Iran’s global networks amid the war. Iran
Bahrain orders citizenship review as Iran war-linked crackdown escalates: What to know The move comes as Bahrain steps up arrests and tightens security measures amid the war, with authorities targeting alleged Iran-linked dissenters and considering additional citizenship revocations. Bahrain
Kuwait detains American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin: What to know Kuwaiti authorities have been cracking down on alleged violators of the country's media law during the Iran war. Kuwait
Pentagon pushes to accelerate ISIS detainee repatriations from Syria Uncertainty about Syria’s long-term stability and the the US military’s future presence in the country have increased urgency among some Pentagon officials to further reduce the population of nearly 30,000 suspected ISIS-associated detainees in the camps. Syria
Meet David Zini, Israel's controversial next Shin Bet chief The Grunis Committee cleared his nomination despite controversies over Zini's past statements, national-religious background, and closeness to the prime minister. Israel
Syria holds first post‑Assad parliamentary vote: What to know Syria’s first post-Assad parliamentary elections — with seats chosen by local committees rather than a public vote — spark backlash as the government postpones voting in Druze- and Kurdish-majority regions. Syria
Turkish state takes over Haberturk TV, 120 other firms in fraud probe The move effectively increases Turkish authorities’ control further over Turkey’s mainstream media. Turkey
Turkish police storm CHP's Istanbul office as clashes erupt with lawmakers Scuffles have erupted inside and outside the CHP’s Istanbul headquarters following last week’s dismissal of the party’s provincial head and 10 people have been detained. Turkey
World's largest illegal sports streaming site shut down after Egypt arrests Streameast, believed to be the world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, was taken down in August during a sting operation conducted by Egyptian authorities in collaboration with a US anti-piracy group. Egypt
Turkey: CHP Istanbul head ousted as court escalates pressure on Ozel The court’s ruling has raised further challenges to the leadership of CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel, who led the party to victory in last year’s local elections. Turkey
Turkey detains top execs of defense firm Assan in military espionage probe The company’s 10 subsidiaries have been placed under the control of Turkey's state-run Savings Deposit Insurance Fund. Turkey
Australia expels Iran envoy, accuses Tehran of directing antisemitic attacks: What to know Iran was responsible for the arson attack against a kosher cafe in Sydney as well as the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, according to Australian intelligence services. Iran
Turkey’s parliamentary body on solving Kurdish issue bars Kurdish language speech Two Kurdish women invited to address the parliamentary committee were told they could not speak Kurdish during the session. Turkey
US sanctions 4 ICC officials over Israel case The sanctions against four of the court's officials come as Israel prepares for a military offensive in Gaza City. Israel
Turkey blocks Instagram account of leading LGBTQ+ group Kaos GL The ban targeting the group, a leading LGBTQ+ organization, follows earlier bans affecting its website and X account. Turkey
