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
Cairo attempts to quell anger following spate of protests In the wake of protests, the Egyptian government OKs some small price reductions and may allow a little greater press freedom. Egypt
Iran's influence seen in transfer of Iraqi war hero The recent transfer of a widely popular commander is thought to be an Iranian-backed effort to discredit Iraq's Counterterrorism Service, which is seeking to maintain its independence and military capability. Iraq
Egypt’s opposition threatens to freeze political activities over crackdown Some Egyptian political parties, reacting to recent arrests made to curtail protests, have threatened to cease political activity to express opposition to the authorities' approach. Egypt
Hamas takes rare action in alleged nepotism case following public pressure After an outcry from the Palestinian public, Hamas fined the son of one of its leaders in a case of corruption within its own ranks. Palestine
Videos alleging corruption open public debate on Egyptian military’s economic empire An Egyptian construction contractor's viral videos call for an uprising in Egypt, alleging corruption among the military and authorities. Egypt
Palestinian school to produce anti-corruption experts The Palestinian Anti-Corruption Academy plans to launch next year to train Palestinians with skills to curb corruption. Palestine
Egypt's expansion of no-bid contracts raises ethical issues The Egyptian government issued a decision allowing the disposal of state-owned lands through direct agreement without putting them up for public bidding, which some critics say invites corruption. Egypt
Is hard-line Ayatollah Larijani facing the beginning of his end? Iran's powerful Larijani family has made many enemies over the years, a legacy that might be catching up with at least one member, Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani. Iran
Abbas starts austerity measures by sacking his advisers Several reasons pushed President Mahmoud Abbas to suddenly end the services of his advisers, most notably his intention to downsize the number of his many advisers amid the crippling financial crisis hitting the PA. Palestine
Iran judiciary chief defends internal corruption probe Iran’s judiciary has embarked on an anti-corruption probe that has involved members of the former judiciary team. Iran
Can Iran combat corruption in petroleum sector? Iran is showing a greater transparency about corruption, perhaps in part because of the problems caused by sanctions, but has a long way to defeat this scourge. Iran
Corrupt economy fuels Algerian revolt The North African country’s rentier model is collapsing. Algeria
