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
Egypt parts ways with top lobbyist days after '60 Minutes' debacle Cairo and the Glover Park Group have ended a relationship that began after the 2013 coup. Egypt
Turkish lawyers focus of 2019 Day of the Endangered Lawyer The Day of the Endangered Lawyer is focusing on Turkey, where lawyers from all ideological and social backgrounds are trying to practice their profession under alarmingly increasing pressures. Originals
Israel kicks out international monitoring force in Hebron Palestinians are asking the UN to intercede in Israel's decision to end the mandate of a peacekeeping force in Hebron, a decision they fear will lead to increased settlement activity in the West Bank city. Palestine
Egypt’s activists fear new law on mounting cameras in public spaces Egypt’s parliament approved a bill forcing shop and restaurant owners to install surveillance cameras under the pretext of preventing terrorist activities. Egypt
Tunisians cautiously optimistic as truth commission delivers final report After five years of investigating cases of corruption and human rights abuses under former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission is concluding its mandate, though many say there is still much more to do. Tunisia
Iran union leader's story of torture prompts investigation Iranian authorities have promised to probe torture claims by a union leader who was detained following worker protests at a crisis-hit factory. Iran
Hunger strike by Kurdish inmates spreads across Turkish prisons A hunger strike by Kurdish prisoners, initiated by a female parliamentarian to protest restrictions on visits to jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, may have dramatic consequences if Ankara sticks to its indifference, lawyers and activists warn. Turkey
Imprisoned Iranian activist slams jailers, US 'concerns' An Iranian political prisoner has rejected US concerns for human rights — including his own imprisonment — noting the double standards in their application. Iran
House Democrats slash aid to Egypt Congress is poised the drastically slash Egyptian military aid for the first time as Democrats assume control of the House. Egypt
Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women Feminists in Iraq are speaking out against the merger of the parliamentary committees on human rights with that on women, family and childhood, saying the latter was already overextended and insufficient to effect female advancement. Iraq
Egypt hopes US PR firm can brighten its dismal image To attract investments, Egypt is counting on a US public relations firm to improve its international reputation. Egypt
Is Egypt's judiciary going soft on NGOs? The acquittal verdict of 43 nongovernmental organization workers and the launch of community dialogues on amending a law curbing NGOs pave the way for a new chapter between the regime and NGOs in Egypt. Egypt
