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
Turkey hands pop star Gulsen jail sentence over religious schools joke The sentence is widely seen as the epitome of the culture wars that the country has witnessed under Erdogan. Turkey
Palestinian Khader Adnan dies in Israeli jail after 87-day hunger strike Rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip after Palestinian Khader Adnan died on hunger strike in Israel's Nitzan prison. Israel
Culture In a shift, Saudi Arabia to 'welcome' LGBTQ tourists The Saudi Tourism Authority said that authorities do not ask for personal details in this regard. The position follows social changes the kingdom is undergoing, though it is difficult to determine the exact status of LGBTQ people in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt frees long-held Al Jazeera journalist amid thaw with Qatar The release of Hisham Abdelaziz comes as Egypt and Qatar are working to normalize their relations after years of tension, even as Cairo continues its crackdown on journalists. Egypt
Belgium looking into Iran's request for prisoner swap Belgium and Iran seemingly advance toward a prisoner exchange deal, though Brussels is warning that contrary to Tehran’s statements this could take time. Iran
Germany scrambles to stop Iran from executing dual citizen After a top Iranian court upheld the death sentence of dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, German Foreign Minister Annalean Baerbock says Berlin is making every possible effort to stop the execution. Iran
Lebanon deports dozens of Syrian refugees amid spike in racist rhetoric The deportation of more than 50 Syrians to the war-torn country comes amid growing anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon. Lebanon
Who is May Golan, Israel's self-styled 'racist' considered for NY consul general? The Likud party confirmed Minister without portfolio May Golan, known for her strong support of the judicial overhaul, was proposed the much-coveted position of consul general in New York. Israel
US warns of 'troubling escalation' in Tunisia after Ghannouchi arrest The State Department expressed alarm over the stifling of political activity under Tunisia's increasingly authoritarian president, Kais Saied. Tunisia
Three Assad advisers indicted in France for Syria war crimes Sending a strong signal to the Assad regime, a French court decided to indict three senior intelligence advisers for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Syria
In Morocco, YouTube is one tool to attack LGBTQ, vulnerable communities After a Moroccan content creator targeted the transgender community, the damaging videos were left on YouTube for two weeks before being removed. North Africa
'Police beating' of 14-year-old Kurd highlights claims of impunity in Turkey Kurdish teenager allegedly assaulted and humiliated by officers in Diyarbakir. Turkey
