Syria opens trial of Wassim al-Assad, cousin of ousted president: What we know The trial follows another session in the case against Atef Najib, also a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian authorities continue prosecuting figures linked to the former regime and its remnants. Syria
Analysis As Trump admin drops Halkbank case, S-400 last big hurdle in US-Turkey ties The move eases a key source of friction with Turkey ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
With Hungary’s ICC U-turn, Israel loses a key European ally Hungary’s parliament voted to remain in the International Criminal Court, reversing a planned withdrawal and marking a shift in Budapest’s approach to Israel and the EU. Israel
Majority in Turkey rejects court ruling ousting CHP’s Ozel, poll shows A new poll shows a majority in Turkey rejects the court ruling that ousted main opposition leader Ozgur Ozel. Turkey
Analysis Iran tightens wartime crackdown across Kurdish, Baluch ethnic regions By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Turkey blocks multiple X accounts, cites 'terrorist crackdown' Turkey has mounted repeated attacks on the Kurdish-led region on the grounds that it is governed by terrorists. Turkey
UAE asks France for 'urgent' consular services to arrested citizen Telegram’s Durov Russian-born Pavel Durov has been a resident of the UAE since 2017 and a citizen of the Gulf state since 2021. United Arab Emirates
Analysis With new investment law, Saudi Arabia looks to reassure foreign investors Riyadh looks to incentivize investors to participate in the diversification of its economy, as its Vision 2030 deadline looms nearer. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Turkey: Arab Israeli killed, two others wounded in shooting in Istanbul Turkish authorities are looking for three suspects in the attack, which is believed to have stemmed from a financial dispute. Turkey
Brawl erupts at Turkey's parliament over jailed MP, 2 lawmakers injured The scuffle took place after lawmakers convened to discuss the status of a jailed opposition figure controversially stripped of his parliamentary immunity earlier this year. Turkey
Turkey arrests teen who live streamed knife attack on five elderly people The attack by an 18-year-old suspect on five members of the public rattled Turkey. Turkey
Iraqis protest proposed 'anti-women' amendment to personal status law Temporarily prevented from being read in parliament, an amendment to the country’s personal status law is seen as the “latest salvo” in a lengthy battle. Iraq
Analysis Sexual assault, torture among accusations against 9 Israeli soldiers who guarded Hamas militants The Israeli military prosecution says the nine were involved in attacking sexually and torturing a Gaza Hamas assailant imprisoned at the Sde Teiman detention facility. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey passes controversial stray dog bill amid fears of imminent mass culling Activists fear the bill will lead to massacres of the country's roughly 4 million stray dogs and government critics are concerned it will be used to coerce opposition-controlled municipalities. Turkey
Who is Faisal Taghi, alleged drug kingpin extradited from UAE to Netherlands? The UAE and the Netherlands have an extradition treaty, though another alleged drug trafficker sought by the European country was recently released from Emirati custody. United Arab Emirates
What’s behind UK's terrorism conviction of Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary? Choudary was previously imprisoned for his support of ISIS and has long campaigned for the imposition of Islamic law in the UK. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Turkey walks back controversial stray dogs bill amid fears of mass cullings The Turkish president’s ruling party will introduce a change to the draft bill to narrow down the conditions under which stray dogs will be euthanized. Turkey
