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
Lebanon police clashes with retired soldiers trying to storm government HQ The Lebanese army is suffering from desertions and police have joined the wider public in protesting amid the ongoing crisis. Lebanon
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Legacy: Gulf
Pharmacies in Lebanon shut, as bankrupt government plans airport expansion Gas stations are also threatening to close as long as authorities continue to ignore the economic collapse, while protests resumed on Tuesday. Lebanon
Lebanon’s bank chief charged with corruption, snubs EU investigators Visiting Beirut, World Bank’s regional Vice President Ferid Belhaj has set three conditions to reconsider financing the country’s dilapidated electricity sector. Lebanon
Lebanon's pound hits new bottom, ahead of Riad Salameh interrogation A French judge arrived in Lebanon this week to question central bank head Riad Salameh over his alleged financial crimes. Lebanon
Lebanon’s bank chief Salameh in hot seat as French judge arrives in Beirut The French judge will question Riad Salameh over the central bank governor’s alleged involvement in financial crimes. Lebanon
UAE busts 4.5 million Captagon pills in food cans after smuggler arrest Amphetamine fenethylline, known by its brand name Captagon, has increasingly become the drug of choice among youth in Gulf Arab states. United Arab Emirates
Middle East corruption rankings: Syria most corrupt, UAE least, Turkey slipped Corruption remains rampant across the Middle East and North Africa, Transparency International reports, with the region’s average score in combating corruption hitting a new low of 38. Turkey
World Bank says debt increasing in Middle East countries Egypt, Iran and Turkey’s debt rose significantly last year. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi PM tries to assure skeptics of anti-corruption initiative The new Iraqi prime minister says there will be no tolerance for human rights abuses in battling corruption. Iraq
Will Iraq’s new anti-corruption campaign succeed? New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani started his government by announcing an anti-corruption program. Many great challenges, however, remain in his way. Iraq
Hamas cracks down on journalists, activists in Gaza Hamas police forces continue to raid the homes of activists in the Gaza Strip who expose the corruption of Hamas figures and members. Palestine
