Analysis Iran’s execution drive intensifies as war provides cover for repression Iran has recently executed more protesters, raising fresh questions about how it is using wartime narratives and global inattention to reshape its approach toward dissent and instill societal fear. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Kuwait strips 415 more of citizenship as crackdown continues: What to know Kuwait is seeking to attract wealthy foreigners to reside in the country while escalating its crackdown on citizenships it says were obtained fraudulently. Kuwait
Exclusive Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel If the Trump administration moves forward with the transfer, dozens of groups are urging lawmakers to seek a joint resolution of disapproval. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
West Bank settlers attack Israeli activists as Netanyahu claims 'hoax' On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attention surrounding settler violence was a “tremendous hoax.” Israel
Syrian activists tell stories of displacement over lost decade Displacement and exile have become a common narrative for Syrians since 2011. Syria
Turkish court approves release of two jailed Bogazici students Berke Gok and Perit Ozen were among 14 students arrested in October 2021 for protesting the government-appointed rector at Istanbul’s Bogazici University. Turkey
Ethiopia detaining Tigrayans deported from Saudi Arabia, rights group says Human Rights Watch urged Ethiopia to release the arbitrarily detained Tigrayans and called on Saudi Arabia to stop its deportations. Saudi Arabia
Child rape and security forces’ behavior spark outcry in Iraq Violent crimes perpetrated against Iraqi women and girls has led to outrage and renewed calls for women to have greater representation and decision-making opportunities in the country, as all-male government formation talks continue. Iraq
Egypt sentences blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah to five years in prison Lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer and blogger Mohamed “Oxygen” Ibrahim were also each sentenced to four years in the same case for spreading false news and undermining state security. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Democratic lawmakers urge sanctions on Israel's NSO Group The congressional letter also called for sanctions on three other foreign surveillance firms. News Brief
European court orders Turkey to pay damages to journalist jailed over coup The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey should pay $18,000 to political commentator and former lawmaker Nazli Ilicak for violating her rights. News Brief
Would-be Syrian refugees flown back from Belarus despite visas Belarus has given Syrians two options: cross the border into Poland or be deported. Syria
Al-Azhar rhetoric alarms LGBTQ community Al-Azhar has in recent days stepped up its anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, following anti-gay comments by a prominent retired soccer star. Egypt
Kurdish politician's plight highlights Turkey's indifference to critically ill inmates Aysel Tugluk, who defended PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan in his trial decades ago, is now suffering from advanced dementia behind bars, despite widespread calls for her release. Turkey
Intel: US announces Iran, Syria sanctions ahead of democracy summit The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Iranian and Syrian targets in the run-up to the administration’s virtual gathering of the world's democracies. United States
