Turkey sentences journalist over 4 years in jail for threatening Erdogan Prominent Turkish journalist Fatih Altayli was sentenced to over four years in prison in a trial government critics say aimed at silencing one of Turkey's most influential journalists and intended to intimidate journalists nationwide. Turkey
Saudi Arabia lifts travel ban on US citizen Saad Almadi Almadi's release comes during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington. Saudi Arabia
Fed up with Netanyahu, more Israelis seek European passports The number of Israelis seeking European passports has increased considerably in a trend that has continued even after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement. Israel
Israeli settlers arrested after injuring 4 Palestinians in West Bank rampage: What to know The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that October saw the highest monthly number of Israeli settler attacks since it began tracking the incidents in 2006. Palestine
Iran: 3 women journalists go on trial as rulers continue with crackdown Repression of journalists has worsened since widespread protests began in Iran last year, and the government is also restricting use of VPNs. Iran
Turkey TV series paints dark picture of jailed activist Osman Kavala A new series on Turkey’s new streaming service Tabii presents a brazen caricature of Osman Kavala, the philanthropist and human rights activist serving a life sentence. Turkey
Turkey Islamist group calls for art expo's closure for 'blasphemy,' LGBTQ 'propaganda' Islamist media and AKP members attacked Istanbul Municipality’s inaugural exhibition of top Turkish artists at Feshane, a recently renovated 19th-century factory. Turkey
European Parliament committee calls to prosecute Israel for war crimes The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament hopes to get the plenum to approve a resolution encouraging the International Court to charge Israel with war crimes. Israel
Bayern Munich, Qatar Airways end sponsorship deal after fan pressure Fans of the German soccer champions have long-criticized the deal over concerns of Qatar's alleged human rights violations. Qatar
In a snub, US does not invite Israel’s Ben-Gvir, Smotrich to July 4 reception The Biden administration has made its preferences clear by excluding far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from its Independence Day reception in Jerusalem. Israel
Analysis Saudi-France business ties flourish as Macron woos MBS Trade between the two countries came to $12 billion in 2022, a growth of 47% compared with 2021. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Interview Oman FM says US, Iran 'close' on prisoner deal Oman's foreign minister told Al-Monitor that the two sides are ironing out the details on a deal to release the prisoners. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi Foreign Minister of Oman
Egyptian man executed one year after brutal killing of Nayera Ashraf The killing sent shockwaves across the country, prompting calls to carry out the death sentence. Egypt
'LGBTQ toilet' sparks fury in Turkey amid Pride week crackdown Pride parades have been formally banned in major cities since 2014, and police violence to disperse and prevent Pride marches is sanctioned by the Interior Ministry. Turkey
Blinken heads to Saudi Arabia with Israel ties on agenda Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s much-anticipated visit to the kingdom comes after years of strain over the price of oil and human rights. Saudi Arabia
IAEA chief rebuffs Israeli criticism, says Iran meets 'fraction' of commitments IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that Iran made positive steps in enabling the inspection of its nuclear sites but is still a long way from fulfilling the March 4 agreement commitments. Iran
