Former Assad official sentenced to 60 years in US for torture Samir Ousman Alsheikh was convicted by a jury in March of three counts of torture, one count of conspiracy to commit torture, visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. Syria
Turkey's Erdogan to run for 'final' third term in 2028, adviser says If Turkey's parliament votes to move the next election up during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s second term, he could constitutionally run for third. Turkey
After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
Top European court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Turkey
Protests in Turkey as Imamoglu, key Erdogan rival, is arrested As the detention of Istanbul's mayor and the arrest of more than 100 raise alarms over an escalating crackdown on opposition, internet access across Turkey has slowed and protests are banned in Istanbul. Turkey
Turkish university revokes Imamoglu's degree, jeopardizing presidential bid The decision came days before the primary to be held on Sunday, when the Istanbul mayor was highly likely to be chosen as the presidential candidate of Turkey's main opposition party. Turkey
Hearing delayed after Lebanese doctor with US visa deported: What to know A Lebanese citizen is the latest in a string of detentions, visa revocations and deportations conducted by the Trump administration. United States
Analysis What Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE arrest means for green card holders, free speech Mahmoud Khalil’s case sets the stage for a major legal battle in the US, which could have repercussions for the rights of green card holders, free speech and political activism. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence After more than a week of uncertainty amid violent clashes and Israeli strikes, Syria's interim president has signed a constitutional declaration. Syria
Sudan brings genocide case against UAE at International Court of Justice Sudan accuses the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide over its alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, which has been found to have committed atrocities against the Masalit ethnic group in Sudan's West Darfur state. Sudan
Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir Over 35,000 Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship since the government enforced amendments to its citizenship law in September of last year. Kuwait
Germany arrests Russian suspect over alleged plan to attack Israeli Embassy On Thursday, a Russian national suspected of planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy was arrested by German authorities, and in a separate incident on Friday, a stabbing occurred at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin. Israel
After raid, Israel puts Jerusalem bookshop owners under house arrest: What to know Israeli police raided the Educational Bookshop on Sunday and arrested its owners on charges of “disturbing public order,” a move met with outcry by diplomats. Israel
Interview Amid Israel's rightward shift, left struggles for relevance In a special interview with Al-Monitor, Yair Golan, leader of center-left party the Democrats, insists that the Palestinian Authority must play a pivotal role in the future administration of Gaza. Yair Golan Chair of the Democrats Party
Syria suspends constitution, declares Ahmed al-Sharaa transitional president Syria's de facto leadership previously said that new elections could take up to four years and that it could also take several years to draft a new constitution. Syria
Senate blocks ICC sanctions bill after Israel arrest warrants Democrats in the Senate voted on Tuesday to block a bill to place US sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which in November issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. United States
