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
Iraq's Falcon Intelligence Cell wants to root out corruption The head of the Falcon Intelligence Cell, Abu Ali al-Basri, spoke to Al-Monitor about the lingering Islamic State presence in the country and discussed his idea of setting up a similar team to fight corruption. Iraq
Power vacuum in Iraq leads to threats from pro-Iran faction Pro-Iran factions in Iraq worry that they could lose their political sway, having failed to keep one prime minister in power, then failing in their attempt to replace him, as they recognize the next candidate could be selected from outside their political circle with the support of Kurds, Sunnis and Shiite rivals. Iraq
Was the military funeral for Mubarak legal? Egypt honored former President Mubarak with a military funeral, sparking controversy about the legality of such a funeral given that Mubarak was stripped of all military honors after his conviction. Egypt
Mubarak’s death signals the end of an era in Egypt Egyptians were divided over the funeral held for former President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt
Netanyahu’s mudslinging strategy working, increases his popularity Strangely, the Fifth Dimension company scandal pops out just a week ahead of the elections, and to the great satisfaction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates. Israel
Intel: How indictment charges could spoil Netanyahu’s peace deal lovefest with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted on corruption charges Jan. 28, just before the premier was set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House for the unveiling of the long-awaited US peace plan. Israel
Tents become makeshift homes for protesters seeking change in Lebanon While some protesters living in tents are jobless and others have work, they are united in seeking a better future for their fellow Lebanese. Lebanon
Why risky Istanbul airport gets preferential treatment Turkish authorities are scrambling to prop up Istanbul’s new airport as the costly facility faces various strains that might result in major burdens on public finances. Turkey
Netanyahu’s election strategy: Play the victim, or hero? Associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believe that his campaign of being a victim of police and media persecution has run its course and that he should focus on presenting his achievements as an international leader. Israel
Israel's justice minister, the darling of Likud members The more he stirs controversy, the more Likud members hail Justice Minister Amir Ohana. Israel
Election 2020: Netanyahu's quest for immunity Unlike the campaigns for elections held in April and September, in the next election cycle the issue of immunity from criminal trial for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be squarely on the table for his opponents as well as himself to use. Israel
Iraq struggles with corruption as massive protests rage Iraq outlines the measures it is trying to take against corruption as criticism mounts against the government from within and without. Iraq
