Culture FIFA rejects Egypt, Iran objections, allows Pride flags at World Cup match The Egyptian and Iranian football bodies previously raised objections over the match to FIFA. Iran
Syria opens trial of Wassim al-Assad, cousin of ousted president: What we know The trial follows another session in the case against Atef Najib, also a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian authorities continue prosecuting figures linked to the former regime and its remnants. Syria
Turkey detains 233 ahead of NATO summit, including LGBTQ+ activist Yildiz Tar The operation included alleged militant suspects as well as LGBTQ+ and leftist activists, raising concerns over the scope of the crackdown. Turkey
Culture In Syria, detention of Hassan Akkad raises alarm about free expression under Sharaa Akkad, a British-Syrian filmmaker, was detained Wednesday night after his campaign questioning the whereabouts of funds allegedly pledged for relief, reconstruction and community initiatives across Syria. Syria
Interview As Sudan war drags on, US-Iran conflict compounds humanitarian crisis in Darfur Janti Soeripto President and CEO of Save the Children US
Portraits of Lebanon’s domestic workers confront social prejudices Lebanese artist Chaza Charafeddine explores the dreams and discrimination of domestic workers by making them dress up as their heroes. Lebanon
Still no charges for Turkey's top philanthropist after year behind bars Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala has spent a year behind bars, but the judiciary has yet to explain why he's still in jail. Turkey
Egypt denies knowledge of Sisi critic's disappearance Another outspoken Egyptian has vanished after being convicted for peacefully stating his opinions. Egypt
Hamas, Palestinian Authority deny charges in HRW report A recent report by Human Rights Watch accuses authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of arbitrary arrests and torture — charges that both sides reject. Palestine
Egypt seizes 'fake news' book by economist critical of Sisi Egypt has released economic researcher Abdel Khalek Farouk but is investigating his new book, which says the country's economic crisis can be blamed at least in part on corruption and mismanagement of funds. Egypt
Congress calls out Pompeo over Egypt aid waiver Democratic senators warned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that a recent US waiver to allow military aid to Egypt could be seen as an “endorsement” of human rights abuses. Egypt
UN speech angers Israeli human rights activists Criticism of the controversial speech by B’Tselem director Hagai El-Ad at the UN Security Council cut across the political divide to include some of his colleagues at other Israeli human rights organizations. Palestine
Hebrew University defies Israel on banishment of boycott activists The decision by the Hebrew University to join US student Lara Alqasem in her petition against Israeli authorities reflects a growing trend in which various public organizations launch battles of principle against government policy. Palestine
After Brunson, Congress demands Egypt release US prisoner Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., says he won’t release $105 million in US military aid unless Cairo releases Egyptian-American Moustafa Kassem. Originals
Is Erdogan aiming to end Turkey’s dream of EU membership? Calling for a referendum on whether Ankara should end its bid for EU membership could shore up domestic political support for Erdogan ahead of crucial local elections in March 2019. Turkey
Commentary: Saudi First foreign policy comes back to bite Trump US alignment with Riyadh’s worldview is under scrutiny after the disappearance of journalist and regime critic Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Palestine cracks down on torture, seeks sentencing options After joining international conventions and treaties, Palestinian authorities are developing new means of preventing torture, while Gaza Strip lawmakers are about to pass a law providing for alternatives to prison for lesser offenses. Palestine
