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
Commentary: Saudi First foreign policy comes back to bite Trump US alignment with Riyadh’s worldview is under scrutiny after the disappearance of journalist and regime critic Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia
Palestine cracks down on torture, seeks sentencing options After joining international conventions and treaties, Palestinian authorities are developing new means of preventing torture, while Gaza Strip lawmakers are about to pass a law providing for alternatives to prison for lesser offenses. Palestine
Hamas, Fatah exchange arrests before Abbas' UN speech Hamas and Fatah engaged in reciprocal arrest campaigns of each other's supporters in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, though the Palestinian Authority denies its arrests were political in nature. Palestine
Diyarbakir book fair returns after 4-year hiatus Diyarbakir’s book fair, one of the main cultural events of the region, had been stopped due to security reasons in 2015. Now that it is back, thousands of residents from Diyarbakir and region came to pick up a book or two. Turkey
Iranian civic rights activists challenge authorities with hunger strikes Iranian authorities are increasingly challenged by a wave of hunger strikes conducted by civic rather than political activists. Iran
Intimidation, persecution of Iranian lawyers won’t halt dissent Iran's lawyers face tight restrictions and countless obstacles from the government, especially those who dare to work security and political cases. Iran
Turkish court keeps former NASA scientist in prison NASA scientist Serkan Golge, in jail on coup-plot charges, lost an initial appeal to a Turkish court. His wife believes he is a captive in Ankara’s feud with Washington, which has flexed diplomatic and economic muscle to free another jailed American. Turkey
Ankara oddly quiet on China's alleged torture of Uighurs The Turkish public used to speak out loudly and often against suppressive Chinese policies against Uighur Turks, but now the media, the public and the government are keeping mum. Turkey
Jailed Palestinian writer pens story for children of prisoners Behind bars since the age of 25, 57-year-old Palestinian writer Walid Daqqa sends out a message of hope in a book for children of parents caught in prison or the wider occupied territories. Palestine
Can this Egyptian actor's photo in bed with another man send him to prison? Egyptian actor Khaled Abol Naga posted an artistic photo of himself in bed with another man, and he may now face a ban from the Cinematic Syndicate and time in prison. Egypt
Is 'The Wedding' new beginning for LGBTQ cinema in Egypt? Film director Sam Abbas' "The Wedding," which tells the story of a gay man forced into a heterosexual marriage, will be screened privately and by invitation only in the Middle East, making the already controversial movie even more controversial. Egypt
UN war crimes report threatens US support for Yemen war A UN report alleging that the anti-Houthi coalition may have carried out war crimes could further erode support for US bomb sales and military support. Saudi Arabia
