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
Electricity law connects Bedouin homes to Israel’s power grid Approved yesterday by the Knesset, the new electricity law will enable connecting Bedouin homes constructed without permits to the country’s power and water grids. Israel
US man charged with gathering files on opponents of Egyptian government The Justice Department said Pierre Girgis used his connections with local law enforcement collect information about US-based critics of the Egyptian government. News Brief
Iraqi court certifies election results Many Iran-backed militias rejected the results of the October election in which they performed poorly. News Brief
Government critic elected to lead Union of Turkish Bar Associations Defeating a pro-government incumbent, Ankara Bar Association Chair Erinc Sagkan was elected head of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations on Sunday, pledging to strengthen the rule of law and independence in Turkey’s legal profession. Turkey
Sweeping legal reforms aim to maintain UAE's competitive edge The new amendments will add more flexibility to a wide range of economic sectors and industries, reaffirming the UAE’s standing as a leading business hub. Legacy: Gulf
Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. Iraq
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
Legal ambiguity becomes the norm in Erdogan’s Turkey Recent comments by top Turkish officials promoting disregard for some laws has activists, opposition figures and journalists concerned that they alone will be the ones subject to restrictions and regulations, with AKP supporters given leeway. Turkey
US freezes aid to Sudan in response to military takeover The Biden administration urged Sudan’s military to reinstate the civilian-led government, threatening an end to much-needed assistance. Sudan
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. North Africa
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. Jordan
