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
Amid ongoing unrest, Iraq refuses to receive IS detainees from Syria Though Iraq previously said it would receive and prosecute foreign Islamic State fighters from Syria, it has now rescinded its offer. Iraq
Life sentence for killing rapist: When will Egypt's judiciary side with women? Small steps are being taken to change the mindset within Egypt’s judicial system when it comes to female victims of sexual harassment and rape. Egypt
Through Fatima's eyes: Jordanians take to streets against domestic violence The blinding of Fatima, a mother of three, by her abusive husband has disgusted and outraged Jordanians because of the lack of protection available for women experiencing domestic violence. Jordan
Hard-line Iranian cleric slams Rouhani over preelection 'uproar' A partisan battle is raging between Iran's political elites in the runup to the country's parliamentary polls. Iran
Turkish government fears compensation claims for Armenian genocide A resolution passed by the US House of Representatives recognizing the 1915 Armenian genocide has stirred up Turkish concerns of Armenian demands for compensation. Turkey
Turkey resurrects deadly Article 301 against dissent Prosecutors have renewed their use of an infamous article of Turkish law to punish the "crime" of denigrating the Turkish nation. Turkey
Congress puts heat on Saudis for helping fugitives flee country Congress is cracking down on Saudi Arabia for allegedly helping its citizens escape the US criminal justice system. Saudi Arabia
Critics say Turkish government’s judicial reform package falls short Members of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party introduced the first package of its Judicial Reform Strategy, but critics say the provisions fall short of the government's stated aims. Turkey
Is Sisi overstepping the judiciary? President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has appointed a new public prosecutor, without referring to the Supreme Judicial Council, as per constitutional amendments recently approved, which raised the anger of the country's judiciary. Egypt
Brotherhood detainees feel their leaders abandoned them A group of Muslim Brotherhood detainees have signed a letter from inside prison, asking the authorities to pardon them as they are ready to quit political work after feeling abandoned by the group’s leadership. Egypt
Will Jordanian prisoners in Israel complete sentences at home? Questions arise as to whether Israel will send Jordanian prisoners to complete their prison sentences in their country, in an attempt to avoid releasing them in a possible prisoner exchange. Palestine
Israeli society, ultra-Orthodox torn over gender separation The issue of gender separation is not only an area of disagreement between the ultra-Orthodox and secular society in Israel, it is also a raging debate within ultra-Orthodox society itself. Israel
