Iran executes 14th person since war over alleged Mossad ties: What to know Iran has carried out multiple executions since the outbreak of the war with the United States and Israel, as it intensifies a crackdown on individuals accused of spying for Israel. Iran
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
'Apartheid': Arab countries including UAE, Jordan decry new Israeli law A group of foreign ministers struck out at a new Israeli law requiring the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts. Palestine
Amid chatter of local uprisings, eyes turn to Iran's minorities: What to know Ethnic minorities in Iran, historically marginalized and repressed by Iran's central government, are gaining attention as potential political actors amid escalating US and Israeli strikes. Iran
France welcomes Iran's release of two detained citizens as four remain Benjamin Briere and Bernard Phelan are on their way home back to France, leaving four French nationals still held prisoner in Iran. Iran
Sweden-Iran ties strained even more after resolution to blacklist IRGC Following the execution of Iranian-Swedish dual national Habib Chaab, the Swedish parliament adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution calling to blacklist the IRGC. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
What is behind Iran’s execution spree as Tehran hangs 10 prisoners this week? The United Nations estimated that more than 200 people have been executed this year so far, as authorities battle internal protests. Iran
Islamic State women use children as 'sex tools,' Syrian Kurdish officials say Officials in northeast Syria tell Al-Monitor that women in Islamic State internment camps are forcing young boys to impregnate women as part of an alleged IS campaign to "go forth and multiply." Syria
Analysis Israel warns Hamas to stay out of Gaza conflict with Islamic Jihad Shortly after striking and killing three Islamic Jihad seniors, Israel sent Gaza-based Hamas warnings to stay out of the expected conflagration. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran executes two men accused of blasphemy for 'insulting Islam' Iranian authorities have executed at least 150 people this year alone, according to human rights organizations. Iran
Erdogan slams Turkey's LGBTQ community, weaponizes homophobia ahead of vote Homophobia and transphobia have unprecedentedly taken a prominent stage in the campaign period ahead of Turkey’s consequential elections. Turkey
Biden issues new Sudan executive order authorizing sanctions President Joe Biden paved the way for sanctions on members of Sudan’s warring factions but stopped short of imposing them. Sudan
Turkey hands pop star Gulsen jail sentence over religious schools joke The sentence is widely seen as the epitome of the culture wars that the country has witnessed under Erdogan. Turkey
Palestinian Khader Adnan dies in Israeli jail after 87-day hunger strike Rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip after Palestinian Khader Adnan died on hunger strike in Israel's Nitzan prison. Israel
Culture In a shift, Saudi Arabia to 'welcome' LGBTQ tourists The Saudi Tourism Authority said that authorities do not ask for personal details in this regard. The position follows social changes the kingdom is undergoing, though it is difficult to determine the exact status of LGBTQ people in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt frees long-held Al Jazeera journalist amid thaw with Qatar The release of Hisham Abdelaziz comes as Egypt and Qatar are working to normalize their relations after years of tension, even as Cairo continues its crackdown on journalists. Egypt
