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
Culture Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government. Syria
Rubio announces sanctions on ICC judges over US, Israel probes Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the four judges of engaging in the court's "illegitimate and baseless actions." Israel
Egypt, Greece pledge to protect Mount Sinai monastery after court ruling: What to know Greece and Egypt have launched a diplomatic effort to reaffirm the status of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in Christianity. Egypt
Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
Turkish prosecutors probe main opposition leader Ozel, oust mayors The probes, following Ozel's criticism of the judiciary, come amid five additional district mayors' dismissal from their duties. Turkey
Turkey unveils prison reform bill, but Kurds say it falls short The proposed changes would expand conditional release for some inmates but fail to meet demands of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party amid peace efforts. Turkey
Turkey detains 45 in Istanbul corruption probe, bans Imamoglu's image Turkey's main opposition leader criticized the detentions of new individuals including key aides of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Turkey
Jerusalem wildfires rage for second day as environmental groups blame Netanyahu According to Israeli environmental groups, the government has repeatedly ignored calls to prepare for the threat of fires and to take more decisive action on climate change goals. Israel
Turkey convicts Swedish journalist of insulting Erdogan with terror trial next Joakim Medin will remain behind bars awaiting prosecution on terror-related charges that press freedom groups say aim to silence the free press. Turkey
Turkey detains 52 in second wave of arrests in Imamoglu probe The main opposition links the detention of more Istanbul municipality employees to the Canal Istanbul project. Turkey
France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria. Algeria
Over 200 arrested in Turkey, Europe in international drug bust: What to know Of the suspects, 225 were apprehended in Turkey and nine others were apprehended in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Belgium. Turkey
