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
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. Turkey
Ramadan series revives debate on verbal divorce, marital rape in Egypt One of the most watched Ramadan series renews the debate on verbal divorce and marital rape in Egypt. Culture
Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics Erdogan risks a major political setback unless he manages to contain an unprecedented scandal sparked by a mobster claiming close links with government figures. Turkey
How an exiled mafia boss became the center of Turkish politics An ultranationalist mafia boss, Sedat Peker, who had connections with the ruling elite for decades, now wages war against top officials with his camera and tripod from abroad. Turkey
Crypto fever grips Turkey despite risks, new regulations Turkish citizens are increasingly investing in cryptocurrencies to shelter savings from the volatile Turkish lira and possibly make profits on the side, a trend that has led to both increased risks and increased government regulations. Turkey
European countries urge Israel to halt planned settlement expansion Five foreign ministries call on Israel to scuttle plans to build more West Bank settlements. Israel
Member of Boogaloo movement expresses 'regret' for attempting to help Hamas Two members of the anti-US government Boogaloo movement have pleaded guilty to attempting to support the Palestinian military organization Hamas. News Brief
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
Turkey broadens pay phone probes to nab Gulenist soldiers A fresh judicial probe targeting hundreds of suspected Gulenist soldiers shows that purges in the Turkish military are far from drawing to an end. Turkey
Will Turkey’s third largest party survive closure case? The fate of Turkey’s main Kurdish political movement remains in limbo even though the Constitutional Court last week rejected an indictment seeking the closure of the party. Turkey
Tribes in east Syria resort to their own judiciary over lack of trust in official courts Tribes in the northeastern Syrian province of Hasakah agreed to set up a tribal judiciary system as an alternative to the official judiciary affiliated with the Kurdish-led authorities running the area. Syria
US offers up to $10M reward for information on Hezbollah operative The United States is seeking information on the whereabouts of Salim Jamil Ayyash, who is wanted for the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. News Brief
