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
Jailed US pastor finally appears in Turkish court American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who has become a political football between the United States and Turkey, finally got a chance this week to address a Turkish court. Turkey
Is freedom of expression at stake in Tunisia? There are growing concerns in Tunisia over the declining freedom of expression, Tunisian authorities' crackdown on bloggers and the Nidaa Tunis draft law on electronic defamation. Tunisia
Parliament votes to disband Tunisia's truth commission The Tunisian Truth and Dignity Commission vows to continue its efforts to help victims of human rights violations, despite parliament's efforts to dissolve the group. Tunisia
The struggle of Egypt's transgender community Many transgender Egyptians still run into society’s conservative wall, despite some tolerance by the younger generation. Egypt
Humiliated Netanyahu scapegoats pro-democracy NGO Frantic to extract himself from his immigration failure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accusing a US-based nongovernmental organization called the New Israel Fund of sabotaging an agreement with Rwanda. Israel
Iran-Iraq War continues to claim lives The vast number of anti-personnel mines planted during the Iran-Iraq War continue to maim and kill on both sides of the border, but Iran refuses to engage states and organizations with experience in de-mining. Iraq
Congress links Egypt aid to Cairo’s ties with North Korea US President Donald Trump today signed into law a $1.3 trillion spending bill that places new restrictions on military assistance to Egypt ahead of next week’s presidential election. Egypt
Jordan protests escalate as lawyers boycott court Members of the Jordanian Bar Association are refusing to appear in the military-run State Security Court in defense of protesters arrested while demonstrating against the government's decision to lift bread subsidies. Jordan
IDF demands 'excessive' transparency from rights groups The Civil Administration in the West Bank has increased the information it requires from peace groups that organize face-to-face encounters between Palestinians and Israelis, and some activists say the new demands go much too far. Palestine
Egyptian-Americans launch human rights push ahead of Sisi re-election Trump helped free NGO worker Aya Hijazi from prison. Now she’s leading the charge against his Egypt policy. Egypt
New Italian government brings uncertainty for Libya After the March 4 elections in Italy, a new government could be formed with new policies on migration and Libya. Libya
Iraq orders execution of foreign women for IS involvement Iraq is issuing death penalty and life sentences against foreign women found guilty of involvement with the Islamic State — and hundreds await trials. Iraq
