Iran fires TV director over 'Death to Khamenei' blunder: What to know Iranian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on journalists who covered the recent anti-regime protests. Iran
Iran arrests Oscar-nominated writer, civil rights figures in expanding crackdown Iranian authorities arrested three prominent activists over the weekend, including Oscar-nominated screenwriter and journalist Mehdi Mahmoudian as arrests surge across Iran. Iran
European Union adds IRGC to terror list, expands sanctions As the extent of the killing of protests is gradually revealed, the European Union has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran
Feature ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds With Syrian government forces taking over nearby al-Hol and security breaking down, families of ISIS fighters at Roj Camp live in fear and uncertainty. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Bruised, not broken: Iran’s regime shows no deep structural cracks — yet By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
UN demands release of UN expert from ‘illegal detention’ in Tunisia UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is being detained in Tunisia, was charged with treason and espionage and could face the death sentence if found guilty, prompting the UN to call for his release. Tunisia
Lebanese LGBT salon brings out beauty in everyone Out, Lebanon's first beauty salon catering to members of the LGBT community, was founded as a place where patrons can feel at home, not simply tolerated. Lebanon
Syrian government, opposition swap 18 more prisoners Small exchanges of prisoners between the Syrian government and opposition continue in Aleppo province, showing some progress but indicating more cooperation is needed. Syria
Human rights group documents Hamas abuses Arrests in the Gaza Strip point at Hamas' harsh treatment of protesters and its civil rights violations. Palestine
Turkish Constitutional Court caught red-handed The European Court of Human Rights has just struck a massive blow to Turkey's Constitutional Court, which is the target of criticisms that it does little to protect human rights. Turkey
Human rights report traces Tunisia's bloody past, demands plan for justice Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission has given the government one year to develop an action plan to create a truly just and free democratic state. Tunisia
Gays in Tunisia still suffer under archaic laws A new report on Tunisia's sodomy law highlights how members of the LGBTQ community who turn to police for protection can instead be subjected to abuse and violence. Tunisia
Egypt targets artists in ongoing crackdown on dissent Two Egyptian actors who decry human rights violations in Egypt before US Congress members are vilified at home, as is an Egyptian singer. Egypt
Israeli guards crack down as Palestinian prisoners rebel Palestinians reject new measures taken against them in Israeli prisons, most notably the installation of electronic jamming devices suspected of causing cancer. Palestine
Could Egypt turn into police state with new law proposal? In a move described by human rights activists as further restriction on people’s freedom, the Egyptian government agreed to a proposal to force landlords to report their tenants' information to the police. Egypt
The social toll of Turkey’s emergency rule Turkey’s state of emergency ended last year, but its victims continue to suffer, with many entertaining suicidal thoughts or aspiring to leave the country, according to a recent survey. Turkey
Can books be used for punishment? The sentencing of a veteran Iranian dissident to a jail term and to copy three books by hand has brought the phenomenon of “alternative sentences” to the fore. Iran
