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
Qatar orders arrest of finance minister in corruption probe A statement from Qatar's attorney general said Ali Shareef Al Emadi is suspected of misuse of public funds and abuse of power. Qatar
The cost of Turkey’s grey passport scandal Turkey’s service passport scandal may be more costly than imagined. On the domestic front, the case is one more sign that organized crime fuels corruption. In the international arena, Turkey is expected to encounter more embarrassment and court cases for smugglers. Turkey
Key Sunni politician’s arrest for corruption raises questions The arrest of a prominent Sunni party chief shortly after relations between him and the parliament speaker soured has led some to claim political motives are playing a role in the government’s anti-corruption efforts. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption. Iran
Cocaine video scandal deals blow to Turkey's ruling party A video that emerged of a member of Turkey's ruling AKP doing cocaine has stirred controversy, but it remains to be seen if the damage will be lasting. Turkey
Lebanon's Salameh threatens to sue Bloomberg over sanctions report Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the United States is considering sanctions on Lebanon’s central bank chief, Riad Salameh. Business
Libyan interim government formation stumbles on bribery allegations Before even taking office, Libya’s interim government could soon be hit with a bribery scandal as the UN experts panel prepares to publish its findings. Libya
Rights group accuses Palestinian Authority of vaccine corruption The Ramallah-based Independent Commission for Human Rights said the Palestinian Authority is giving out vaccine doses based on personal relationships and not medical need. Palestine
Netanyahu’s fate to be determined by COVID-19, not corruption trial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears failure in dealing with Israel's coronavirus pandemic even more than his corruption trial. Israel
Iraqi port revenue surges as anti-corruption move bears fruit Iraq’s key Umm Qasr Port has been positively affected by measures to reduce corruption, leading to a massive revenue increase in 2020 despite fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans for the massive, nearby Faw Port and an electronic system being put in place may also serve to shore up state coffers and reduce those of “outlaw” groups. Iraq
Egyptian man in Cairo's Tahrir Square sets himself on fire The incident took place at the rallying point for Egypt's 2011 revolution. Egypt
Demands for payment from tribes, militias stalling investment in Iraq Economic projects in Iraq are facing major setbacks due to ongoing payment demands from tribes and armed groups. Iraq
