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
US to boost Egyptian air defenses despite congressional anger The Trump administration plans to provide Egypt with excess military equipment even as members of Congress seek sanctions against the country over the death of a US citizen. Egypt
Congress pushes Trump to sanction Egypt over jailed US citizen’s death Congress is pushing President Donald Trump to sanction Egyptian officials after Mustafa Kassem, a US citizen, died after six years in prison. Egypt
How will America’s Caesar Act impact Lebanon? The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which the US president signed into law recently, sends a clear message to the Syrian government’s political and economic backers in Lebanon, but analysts say its impact may be less forceful. Originals
Iran condemns UN human rights resolution Iran has rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling on it to stop abusing human rights, arguing that it is based on double standards. Iran
Moroccan YouTubers forced to silence A day after Mohammed Sekkaki recorded a witty rant against the king and uploaded it to YouTube, Moroccan police raided his home and arrested him. Morocco
UAE hires its second former Samantha Power aide to defend itself at UN The UAE has tapped a former aide to Barack Obama’s UN ambassador as the country faces blistering criticism at the world body. United Arab Emirates
Hard-line paper asks for answers on those killed in Iran protests The silence of Iranian officials regarding the number of those killed in the November protests has concerned even hard-line media. Iran
Lebanon parliament consultations postponed amid popular anger Lebanon's parliament consultations were postponed as police wielded batons and tear gas against protesters in downtown Beirut. Lebanon
White House whips Senate allies to block Armenian genocide resolution The White House has so far succeeded in keeping the Senate from passing a resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide, but the Trump administration is slowly running out of options. Turkey
Iraqi protesters' deaths could lead to international court Fed up with Iraqi authorities' lack of response so far, some activists are considering an international case against former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and others for their alleged roles in killing Iraqi demonstrators. Iraq
Riyadh agreement neglects Yemen’s 'manmade' humanitarian crisis Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened against Houthis in Yemen in 2015, both warring sides have deliberately targeted medical facilities, while few if any projects are being carried out to revive the health care system in a country where millions are suffering. Saudi Arabia
