Analysis After Trump’s pardon letter to Herzog, 4 scenarios emerge for Netanyahu’s trial President Donald Trump again asked Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been on trial for over five years. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
French cement giant Lafarge on trial for ‘funding terrorism’ in Syria: What to know The French company is accused of funneling millions of dollars via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria to jihadi groups and intermediaries to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria. Syria
Morocco arrests 400+ as youth protesters demand government steps down The group leading the protests, known as GenZ 212, posted a list of demands on social media Friday, including the dismissal of the current government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Morocco
5 years after Lebanon's port explosion: Can Beirut find accountability? Not one official has been held accountable five years after the deadly port blast that killed over 220 people and destroyed much of Beirut. Lebanon
Analysis Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know United Arab Emirates
Calling of witnesses in Netanyahu's trail fixed for January 2021 The Jerusalem District Court decided that the next phase in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trail will take place in January 2021, with witnesses called to the court three times a week. Originals
Tunisia PM's resignation sparks new political crisis Prior to stepping down, Elyes Fakhfakh was under investigation for conflict of interest violations. Tunisia
Can Iraqi government control corruption at border outlets? Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government has set its sights on controlling corruption that could ease the impact of the financial crisis in the country, while prioritizing the border outlets. Originals
Iran seeks answers in death of fugitive judge The Iranian judiciary seeks answers after a fugitive judge fell from a hotel window in Bucharest. Iran
Jordan government takes on tax evasion, abuse of public office Jordanians have welcomed the government’s latest push to prosecute officials and businessmen accused of tax evasion and money laundering, but wonder if the effort will be sustainable. Jordan
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
Netanyahu thwarts risk of submarine scandal resurfacing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently managed to distance himself from any risks of being implicated in the submarine scandal. Israel
Benny Gantz trapped over Netanyahu’s trial Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Blue and White party did not realize in time that the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also hurt them. Israel
Iran’s judiciary sentences couple to death over corruption The long arm of the Iranian law has reached the “sultan of cars” and his wife, last in a line of market manipulators sent to the gallows. Iran
Netanyahu asks to be excused from showing up at corruption trial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose new government was sworn in Sunday, is trying to avoid having to appear before the court at the start of his corruption trial Sunday. Israel
Iran expert says corruption 'No. 1 national security threat in Iran' Al-Monitor contributor Bijan Khajehpour discusses impact of coronavirus on Iran’s economy. United States
Netanyahu, Gantz must return to Cairo 2016 Blue and White leader Benny Gantz should agree to a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not just to fight the coronavirus, but to resume the Cairo talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
