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
Incitement and the poet: Dareen Tatour's legal victory The Israeli Supreme Court recently declined to review a district court ruling that a poem by Dareen Tatour did not constitute incitement. Palestine
Kuwait asks Saudi Arabia to release Palestinian detainees Kuwait is negotiating to secure the release of dozens of Hamas members who have spent months in Saudi Arabian prisons with no explanation provided. Saudi Arabia
Congress loosens pressure on Egypt just as new anti-Sisi protests emerge Key senators have abandoned efforts to cut Egyptian military aid just as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government clamps down on new protests. Egypt
Moroccan sex 'outlaws' protest criminalization of sex outside marriage Following a Moroccan journalist's arrest for an alleged abortion and extramarital sex, thousands have signed an online petition to end the state's criminalization of sex outside marriage. Morocco
‘I just want to be me’: Being transgender in Lebanon Despite the negativity surrounding the transgender community in Lebanon, social media influencer Gigi tries to use her online fame as a means to help other transgender individuals to express themselves. Lebanon
Saudi-led coalition kills own fighters in prison airstrike Many of those killed by Saudi-backed forces in an assault on a Houthi-run detention facility in Yemen were prisoners loyal to the Saudi-led alliance. Saudi Arabia
US waives human rights rules to send military aid to Egypt The State Department has authorized the release of $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt despite human rights concerns from US lawmakers, Al-Monitor has learned. Egypt
Brotherhood detainees feel their leaders abandoned them A group of Muslim Brotherhood detainees have signed a letter from inside prison, asking the authorities to pardon them as they are ready to quit political work after feeling abandoned by the group’s leadership. Egypt
Egypt's new NGO law: Better, or ‘repackaged’ tyranny? A law governing Egypt's civil society groups underwent numerous amendments before going into effect this month, but is still generating heated debate over its supposed benefits. Egypt
Why UN fears exposing Israel The United Nations did not include Israel in its "list of shame" of states committing grave violations against children, despite the figures and statistics released in its special report pointing to the contrary. Palestine
Why Egypt matters — maybe more than ever The US-Egyptian partnership deepens in Sinai, but human rights issues won’t go away. Palestine
Iraq’s ever-increasing enforced disappearances The number of forcibly disappeared persons in Iraq remains significant, amid no serious measures from the Iraqi government to address the issue. Iraq
