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
What Iraq's rival Shiite forces want The Shiite political parties are split into two rival camps, the Sadrists and the Coordination Framework, which is far less than unified. Iraq
World Bank blames Lebanon for 'deliberate' economic crisis The World Bank accused Lebanon’s elites of conducting “Ponzi finance” and deliberately pursuing harmful fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the Beirut port has caught fire again. Lebanon
Abandoned Ankara theme park subject of lawsuits, political controversy The opposition mayor says the Wonderland Eurasia theme park, or Ankapark, cost $801 million as he files criminal complaint. Turkey
Airport wars flare up in Turkey amid claims of Gulf acquisition A row over the fate of Istanbul’s iconic Ataturk Airport has escalated in Turkey amid opposition claims that a plan to demolish the facility is designed to gratify Gulf investors interested in operating the city’s newer airport. Turkey
Netanyahu’s defense team scores points Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be happy with his week: His rival Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is deep in coalition trouble, and his own trial offers him some small legal victories. Israel
Iran parliament speaker in hot water over family's trip to Turkey Under tightening livelihood strains and constantly being told to pursue modesty and exercise austerity, the Iranian public saw the trip as a sign of brazen hypocrisy among some senior officials whose private lives are characterized by extravagance. Iran
Despite government efforts, corruption still threatens Iraqis Efforts to crack down on corruption in Iraq have resulted in improvement but much remains to be done, especially among forces tasked with protecting the population. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Iraqi judges in crosshairs of drug dealers with powerful connections Iraq has seen systematic assassinations of judges since 2003, most of whom were handling investigations into drugs and corruption cases involving influential figures and parties. Iraq
Analysis Netanyahu rallies supporters for Pegasus protests Supporters of opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu rallied last night in Tel Aviv, claiming that the Pegasus affair is part of a conspiracy against their leader. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Iran's IRGC confirms leaked audio of former head discussing corruption The IRGC has confirmed the audio of the former commander speaking about corruption. Iran
Netanyahu refers to Pegasus revelations as 'black day' Allegations that the police used the Pegasus software to illegally spy on politicians, activists and journalists raise more concerns about privacy, civil liberties and democracy. Israel
Netanyahu exploits Pegasus affair in Israel With the Pegasus affair growing in Israel, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on trial for breach of trust and bribery, says his opponents used the spyware against him. Israel
