Culture In Syria, detention of Hassan Akkad raises alarm about free expression under Sharaa Akkad, a British-Syrian filmmaker, was detained Wednesday night after his campaign questioning the whereabouts of funds allegedly pledged for relief, reconstruction and community initiatives across Syria. Syria
Amnesty International accuses Israel of state-led ethnic cleansing in West Bank In a new report, Amnesty International said that the escalating forced displacement and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank is part of a state-led campaign to control the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Interview As Sudan war drags on, US-Iran conflict compounds humanitarian crisis in Darfur Save the Children US President and CEO Janti Soeripto said delivering aid in Sudan remains extremely difficult, with supply trucks often delayed for weeks or months even after entering the country. Janti Soeripto President and CEO of Save the Children US
Israel's Netanyahu suing New York Times over column on Palestinian rape Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof's accusations of systematic sexual abuse and rape of Palestinian prisoners, calling the claims a "blood libel." United States
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
The 'enforced disappearance' of Egypt’s secular youth While Egypt’s National Security Agency targets perceived Muslim Brotherhood supporters, secular activists are also becoming major targets. Egypt
How the occupation seeped into Israel's judicial system Case 4000 has exposed the use of detention by Israeli police and court officers in Israel to pressure suspects into breaking, a tactic typically used by the Shin Bet on Palestinians in the occupied territories. Palestine
How Israel treats Palestinian detainees Israel often detains Palestinians and keeps them in custody for several days or weeks without meeting a lawyer. Palestine
Life sentences for Turkish journalists chill others awaiting verdicts A court jailed three prominent journalists last week to life imprisonment, stoking fears that others in prison for their work may also see harsh penalties. Turkey
As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy. Tunisia
Iraqi journalists face attacks by politicians' bodyguards As attacks on journalists are on the rise in Iraq, part of the problem lies with politicians' bodyguards who are also assaulting journalists. Iraq
Libyan slave trade feeds on endless supply of migrants Heavy migration from sub-Saharan Africa combined with rampant lawlessness and poverty in the northwestern and southern regions make the smuggling business irresistible to some Libyans. Libya
No safety in exile as Turkish dissidents attacked abroad Relentless social media harassment of Turkish dissidents abroad has now transformed into death threats and physical assault. Turkey
Israeli arrests of Palestinian children rise after Trump’s Jerusalem announcement One month after the United States announced its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the arrest of Palestinian children by Israeli police has risen. Palestine
Egypt's progressive parties unite to push for reforms A new liberal political alliance hopes to open up Egypt's government to fresh ideas, candidates and human rights efforts. Egypt
Egypt’s government works to boost human rights image The Egyptian government decided to establish human rights departments in all ministries and governorates in a bid to restore its human rights record following international criticism. Egypt
Iran unrest could complicate Trump decision on sanctions waivers US President Donald Trump has voiced his support for Iran's protests, but the unrest could further complicate his decision on whether to waive nuclear sanctions next month. United States
