Israel tightens election safeguards as public distrust surges: What to know Israelis have lost trust in the government and in its ability or willingness to conduct free and fair elections. Israel
In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
US sanctions International Criminal Court president, top lawyer The sanctions come a month after Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to dismantle the court "brick by brick." United States
Explainer Who benefits from Lebanon’s amnesty law and why it is controversial The law, initially intended to ease prison overcrowding, could see the release of Islamists accused of killing soldiers and allow Lebanese exiled to Israel return to the country. Lebanon
Analysis How Turkey's PKK amnesty law entwines Kurds' hopes with Erdogan's ambitions By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egypt’s presidency clashes with religious institutions over verbal divorce Calls for new legislation in Egypt to annul verbal divorce, namely by President Abel Fattah al-Sisi, raise the ire of Al-Azhar and other religious institutions already at odds with the president. Egypt
Netanyahu’s Likud vs. Israel’s judicial system For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin the time has come for a last, decisive duel against the High Court. Israel
Residents of this Egyptian village forced to leave their homes Forced evacuation and a security campaign targeted the residents of Sayadeen village in Alexandria governorate in northern Egypt. Egypt
Israeli-Arab society torn over LGBTQ legislation The vote over a bill banning gay "conversion therapy" stirred a real conflict within Israeli-Arab politics and society. Israel
Egypt seeks extradition of Sisi's 'pain in Spain' Madrid is looking into the case of Egyptian construction contractor Mohamed Ali at the Egyptian authorities' official request that the Spanish authorities extradite him for fraud offenses. Egypt
Israeli top model Bar Refaeli found guilty in tax evasion case The international supermodel is a controversial person in Israel due to her avoidance of mandatory military service, as well as the trial. Israel
Turkey sentences Germany-based journalist to prison in absentia Deniz Yucel was convicted of "incitement to hatred" and spreading "terror propaganda." Turkey
Four years on, former AKP insiders reflect on Turkey's failed coup Former members and supporters of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party discuss the four-year anniversary of the 2016 failed coup and say that the rule of law and democratic principles have been weakened in the country. Turkey
Iran says Romania has not shared details of death of fugitive judge Iran says that Romanian officials have not shared any information about the death in their country of fugitive judge Gholamreza Mansouri. Iran
Turkish NBA player's father acquitted of terrorism charges in Turkey Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is an outspoken critic of the Turkish government, which has led to trouble for his family back home. Turkey
Intel: Bolton says Trump sought to drop charges against Turkish bank at Erdogan’s behest President Donald Trump allegedly sought to convince the Justice Department to drop charges against Turkey’s Halkbank at the request of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, The Wall Street Journal reported in an overview of former national security adviser John Bolton’s tell-all book. Turkey
Bashar al-Assad’s uncle sentenced to four years in French prison for money laundering A French court convicted Rifaat al-Assad, 82, of misappropriating Syrian public funds to expand his holdings in Europe. Syria
