Coup fears grow as Tunisian president shores up power President Kais Saied is facing a growing wave of opposition from civil society and political actors as he takes new powers and attempts to transform the political system. Stephen Quillen | North Africa | Sep 29, 2021 Demonstrators chant slogans during a protest in Tunisia's capital Tunis on Sept. 26, against President Kais Saied's recent steps to tighten his grip on power.
Jordanian appeals court upholds verdicts in royal sedition trial Former royal court chief Bassem Awadallah, who also is a US citizen, and Sharif Hassan bin Zaid, a minor member of the royal family, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly trying to destabilize the kingdom. Al-Monitor Staff | Jordan | Sep 9, 2021
Islamic State 'Beatles' member pleads guilty in US hostage-taking case British-born Alexanda Kotey was part of an Islamic State cell that the US government has linked to the hostage-taking and deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Al-Monitor Staff | U.S. | Sep 3, 2021
Member of IS 'Beatles' expected to plead guilty in US courtroom Alexanda Kotey, a member of the brutal Islamic State cell linked to the kidnapping and killing of Westerners, is expected to plead guilty to one or more of the charges against him. Al-Monitor Staff | U.S. | Sep 2, 2021
Jihadi group in Syria’s Idlib faces criticism over unfair trials, death sentences Hayat Tahrir al-Sham issued death sentences against two young men who have been detained in the organization’s prisons on charges of collaborating with the US-led international coalition. Khaled al-Khateb | Syria | Aug 25, 2021
Sudan to hand over Bashir to International Criminal Court In a move welcomed by the international community, the transitional government of Sudan agreed to hand over Omar al-Bashir and his aides to the ICC in The Hague. Baher al-Kady | News Brief | Aug 19, 2021
Senate advances repeal of 2002 Iraq war authorization Biden administration officials are in discussions with lawmakers about revising the 2001 authorization for use of military force. Jared Szuba | Washington Pulse | Aug 5, 2021
Syrian man in Netherlands convicted of war crimes for soldier's execution A court sentenced Ahmad al Khedr to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2012 execution of a regime soldier, which was captured on film. Al-Monitor Staff | Syria | Jul 16, 2021
Israel's top court upholds Jewish nation-state law The 2018 law, which enshrines national self-determination as a unique right of the Jewish people, was denounced by critics who say it discriminates against Israel's Arab population. Al-Monitor Staff | Israel | Jul 9, 2021
Meet Iran's US-sanctioned new judiciary chief Fears are growing among rights activists that the appointment of Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei may usher in a new reign of terror for Iran's already stifled civil society. Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 2, 2021
Intel: House to vote to repeal 2002 Iraq war authorization Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) has bipartisan support and a nod of approval from the White House. Al-Monitor Staff | U.S. | Jun 11, 2021
Rep. Omar clarifies comments on 'atrocities' by the US, Israel, Hamas and the Taliban The Democratic representative said that domestic courts are insufficient to prosecute crimes against humanity, but her reference prompted criticism from some of her Democratic House colleagues. Adam Lucente | U.S. | Jun 10, 2021
Israeli court postpones ruling on East Jerusalem evictions The Jerusalem court delayed ruling on whether two Palestinians families must vacate their homes in favor of Israeli settlers in the Silwan neighborhood. Al-Monitor Staff | Israel | May 27, 2021
Mobster’s claims turn spotlight to new cocaine route via Turkey A spree of rattling allegations by a Turkish mobster has brought into focus the increase in cocaine trafficking in Turkey and its domestic and international ramifications. Fehim Tastekin | Turkey | May 26, 2021
Intel: US lifts Iran-related sanctions, says no connection to nuclear deal Elizabeth Hagedorn | Iran | Oct 8, 2021
"The eighteen days of the revolution were the best days of my life," says Egyptian novelist Alaa Al Aswany
Demonstrators chant slogans during a protest in Tunisia's capital Tunis on Sept. 26, against President Kais Saied's recent steps to tighten his grip on power.
