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
Biden rebukes Netanyahu, says no invite to the White House in 'near term' In an open crisis with the Israeli government over the judicial overhaul, President Joe Biden nixes inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu anytime soon to the White House. Israel
Iraqis continue to protest controversial electoral law amendment An amendment was passed by the Iraqi parliament that critics say will benefit larger political parties at the expense of independents that emerged following the 2019 Tishreen protests. Tunisia
Analysis Winners, losers emerge after Israel’s Netanyahu suspends judicial overhaul Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the ultra-Orthodox parties and even the IDF are on the side of the losers now that the judicial overhaul has been postponed. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel's Netanyahu backs down, pauses judicial overhaul in face of protests Faced with tens of thousands of demonstrators across Israel enraged over his decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he is suspending the judicial reform plan. Israel
Israeli PM Netanyahu, under pressure from military brass, delays judicial overhaul The dramatic developments in Israel in the past 48 hours seemed to have pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to put a pause on the judicial changes. Israel
General strike in Israel, Netanyahu under pressure to freeze judicial overhaul Spontaneous rallies have been taking place across Israel since Sunday night, including some violent confrontations with police, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel
Israeli protests shake Netanyahu’s social media empire With so many top high-tech Israeli figures leading the anti-judicial overhaul movement, social media wizard Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reason to worry. Israel
UK's Sunak cancels appearance with Netanyahu as Israelis rally in London Amid protests in London against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul push, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a planned joint press conference. Israel
Analysis Avalanche of security chiefs warn Netanyahu: Israel on brink of the abyss Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems deaf to warnings by Israeli security chiefs that the growing rift within Israeli society could end up in a strategic disaster. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Netanyahu to continue judicial overhaul despite security warnings In a televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed ahead for Knesset approval next week of the next step in the controversial plan. Israel
'Day of paralysis' in Israel, as Knesset adopts anti-impeachment law Organizers of the anti-judicial overhaul plan are expecting half a million demonstrators today across Israel, rallying, blocking roads and marching through cities. Israel
Biden losing patience with Netanyahu over judicial overhaul, democratic values After statements by several senior US officials criticizing Israel’s judicial overhaul plan, it was President Joe Biden himself that scolded Benjamin Netanyahu and urged him to forge a compromise in Israel. Israel
