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
Turkey sinks on corruption index as activists point to public tender system Transparency International says there has been a “significant decline” in Turkey’s tackling of graft over the last decade. Turkey
Could Netanyahu opt for plea bargain? Despite declarations made in the past by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a plea bargain, it seems that such a deal might now be on the table. Israel
Global crime index paints gloomy portrait of Turkey A recent report by Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime indicates that organized crime may not always have a confrontational relationship with the state, and Turkey is a case in point. Turkey
Bennett begins to echo Netanyahu on Iran Despite his declared intentions, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett seems to be using tension with the Biden administration on Iran to his advantage. Israel
Patronage marginalizes qualified Turkish diplomats Increase of unqualified personnel and self-serving political appointees has harmed Ankara’s ability to conduct international affairs, experts say. Turkey
Omicron variant sickens Israeli coalition With two cases of the Omicron variant detected in Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is confronted with an array of political problems. Israel
Iran's new administration faces accusations of nepotism The issue has even caused dissatisfaction among members of President Ebrahim Raisi's own hardliner camp Iran
Ex-Netanyahu aide testifies former boss obsessed with public image Nir Hefetz, a former aide and confidant to Benjamin Netanyahu, testified Monday in a long-running corruption case against the ex-Israeli prime minister. Israel
Israeli court delays key testimony in Netanyahu corruption trial Nir Hefetz, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, is the prosecution's star witness in Case 4000. Israel
US sanctions 2 Lebanese businessmen, lawmaker The Treasury Department accused Jihad al-Arab, Dany Khoury and Jamil Sayyed of profiting from "the pervasive corruption and cronyism in Lebanon." News Brief
Erdogan-linked foundation faces fresh barrage of accusations of nepotism, abuse A whistleblower has made claims that, in addition to hundreds of job hirings made at TUGVA's request, the organization was also allocated over 1,000 government-owned buildings to use as dormitories for its members. Turkey
The Takeaway: Business As Usual: US-Egypt alliance finds its center Also: Bennett meets Sisi; Egypt announces vaccine factory; Saudi Arabia mulls Taliban ties; Syrian jihadi group announces "moral police" in Idlib; NGOs slam Palestinian Authority on human rights; a new Al-Monitor podcast; and more … all in about 1,500 words. Egypt
