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
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
EU urged to sanction Israeli cyberfirm NSO Group Dozens of human rights groups called on the European Union to place the controversial cybersurveillance firm on its global sanctions list. Israel
US State Department phones reportedly hacked with Israeli-made spyware The apparent hack targeted US diplomats based in Uganda or officials whose work focused on the country. Israel
Hard-won women's rights at stake in wake of Sudan coup Militarization of civilian spaces, strongly contested by Sudanese women, has resulted in dozens of assaults, arrests and killings, and threatens their presence, movements and lives. Egypt
British F1 driver Hamilton not 'comfortable' in Saudi Arabia Lewis Hamilton cited the kingdom's human rights record and 'pretty terrifying' LGBTQ laws before it hosts its first Grand Prix race. Saudi Arabia
US 'concerned' over conviction of prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat avoided jail time but was ordered to pay a fine for "insulting" the country's National Election Authority. News Brief
Idlib’s children become breadwinners amidst rising poverty Worsening living conditions and soaring poverty rates in Idlib force more and more children to drop out of school and start working to help their families meet their basic needs. Syria
Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property. Qatar
Iran executes man jailed for murder as minor Arman Abdolali was sentenced to death after what Amnesty International said was a "grossly unfair trial" that relied on "torture-tainted confessions" he later withdrew. Iran
Israeli ministers take stand against settler violence Left-wing members of the government held a conference at the Knesset dedicated to what they consider a significant increase in violence by West Bank settlers. Israel
Khashoggi's fiancee urges Justin Beiber to cancel Saudi performance Hatice Cengiz called on the Canadian pop star to choose "justice and freedom over money." Saudi Arabia
Jews of Syrian origin return to visit Damascus The Syrian government has allowed some Jews of Syrian origin, residing in New York, to visit Damascus. Syria
