'Apartheid': Arab countries including UAE, Jordan decry new Israeli law A group of foreign ministers struck out at a new Israeli law requiring the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts. Palestine
Amid chatter of local uprisings, eyes turn to Iran's minorities: What to know Ethnic minorities in Iran, historically marginalized and repressed by Iran's central government, are gaining attention as potential political actors amid escalating US and Israeli strikes. Iran
'No meaningful protection': Israel’s new Gaza aid rules raise data, security risks The guidelines expand Israeli authority to deny NGO registration in the Palestinian territories and visas for foreign aid workers as Gaza continues to reel from two years of war. Palestine
UN points to 'genocidal path' in RSF assault on Sudan’s El-Fasher A UN fact-finding mission says the scale and coordination of atrocities in Darfur mark a shift in its assessment of the paramilitary group’s campaign. Sudan
Feature ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Will Turkey's horrible human rights record extend to 2019? Turkey is closing out 2018 without taking a breather from its oppressive tactics for stifling dissent. Turkey
Despite protocol against death penalty, Gaza sentences six more to death A military court in the Gaza Strip sentenced six civilians to death over charges of collaborating with Israel, despite Palestine recently signing a UN protocol advocating the abolition of the death penalty. Palestine
Tunisian documentary smashes taboos with gay love story Nasreddine Shili’s hyperreal documentary takes a tender look at homosexuality, poverty and drug use in Tunis slums. Tunisia
Jordan moves to improve lives of Gazan refugees The Jordanian government issued a decision recently to allow Gazan refugees to buy and own property and vehicles, which was not welcomed by some who see this as a move aimed to permanently settle refugees in the kingdom. Jordan
Thai court extends detention of Bahraini soccer player Dissident Bahraini soccer player Hakeem al-Araibi says he would face torture if extradited to Bahrain. Saudi Arabia
Turkey issues arrest warrants for MBS associates Turkey sends a message to Saudi Arabia and the world about the Khashoggi murder. Saudi Arabia
Turkish appeals court upholds conviction of top Kurdish politician Two weeks after a European rights court calls for Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas' release from prison, a Turkish appeals court confirms his conviction. Turkey
New Egyptian panel will defend government, not human rights Numerous so-called human rights organizations in Egypt are working to shine up the regime's image, blasting any independent or global rights groups that dare to speak up about human rights violations in Egypt. Egypt
Congress amps up pressure to free Americans jailed in Egypt House lawmakers are demanding that the Donald Trump administration to take a firmer stance on Cairo’s human rights record. Egypt
EU, Turkey face off over jailed Kurdish politician Europe’s top human rights court ordered Turkey to free Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician held for two years for his speeches. In an interview before the ruling, he said the European Union is defending its own values by speaking out for him. Turkey
Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests Erdogan lashes out at opposition for questioning his take on who was behind the 2013 Gezi protests; various political parties discuss deals for March 2019 local elections. Turkey
Have relations between Turkey and Europe reached a turning point? The decision by the European Court of Human Rights on a jailed Kurdish leader might be marking a turning point in ties between Turkey and the European Union. Turkey
