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
Death of political critic sparks outcry from Palestinian activists Although the Palestinian government has ordered an investigation, some have questioned whether it will be serious and if anyone will be held responsible. Palestine
John Bolton joins newly launched Turkish Democracy Project The group describes its mission as “encouraging Turkey to adopt more democratic policies and responding to the steady erosion of Turkey’s democratic institutions.” News Brief
Egypt arrests TikTok influencer over 'human trafficking' A Cairo court sentenced university student Haneen Hossam to 10 years in prison and fined her 200,000 Egyptian pounds. Egypt
Advocates call for greater focus on democratic rights in Turkey ahead of European summit As European leaders prepare to review EU-Turkey relations in a summit this week, advocates urged greater links between future cooperation and improvements in basic rights and the rule of law in Turkey. Turkey
Saudi agents who killed Khashoggi received training in the US: NYT The New York Times reports that four members of the Saudi team that killed journalist Jamal Khashoggi received training under a contract approved by the State Department. Legacy: Gulf
Protests erupt after Tunisia police beat, strip, drag young boy during arrest Angry protesters took to the streets in Tunisia after security forces brutally attacked a boy and dragged him after he was stripped naked, renewing controversy over civil liberty violations and mistreatment of prisoners in the country. Tunisia
Photo appears to show UAE Princess Latifa in Madrid amid house arrest claims Princess Latifa has alleged in secret video recordings that her family is holding her captive and she fears for her safety. United Arab Emirates
Hamas leader says Marwan Barghouti a priority for next prisoner swap with Israel Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh promises the wife of prominent Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti that her husband will be a priority for the next swap deal with Israel. Palestine
Egyptian police search citizens in Cairo ahead of June 30 anniversary The Egyptian security forces are deployed in Cairo’s streets and main squares, amid calls for protests by Egyptian whistleblower and former army contractor Mohamed Ali. Egypt
Palestinians trapped in Gaza as Israel suspends postal services Passport paperwork is piling up in post offices, as Israel has prevented mail from entering or leaving the Gaza Strip since May 11, thus preventing many students, patients and those with foreign residencies from traveling. Palestine
Rise in Iraqi cancer cases may be linked to wars, environment The causes of the spike may be linked to Iraq's wars or environmental pollution, but the evidence is sketchy. Iraq
Egypt's top court upholds death sentences of 12 Brotherhood figures The defendants were part of a mass trial of supporters of former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt
