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
Israel arrests Jordanian MP accused of smuggling weapons to West Bank Jordanian parliamentarian Imad al-Adwan was arrested by Israeli police at the Alenby Bridge crossing point on Saturday on suspicion of smuggling weapons and gold into the West Bank, Jordanian news outlets reported. Israel
Who is May Golan, Israel's self-styled 'racist' considered for NY consul general? The Likud party confirmed Minister without portfolio May Golan, known for her strong support of the judicial overhaul, was proposed the much-coveted position of consul general in New York. Israel
US repatriates Algerian prisoner from Guantanamo Said bin Brahim bin Umran Bakush was first detained in Pakistan in 2002. Washington Pulse
Timeline: Kais Saied's crackdown in Tunisia, from suspending parliament to arresting Ghannouchi Tunisian President Kais Saied has been steadily consolidating power since 2021 when he dismissed parliament in a move widely described as a coup. He is now cracking down further on his Islamist political opponents. Tunisia
Breaking | Last Updated: April 14, 2023, 8:33 pm Moody’s downgrades Israel’s credit outlook Despite calls by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, Moody's has changed Israel's credit outlook from "positive" to "stable." Israel
Moldova court doubles prison sentence of pro-Russia politician hiding in Israel A Moldovan appeals court has upheld the conviction of Israeli-Moldovan Ilan Shor and doubled his sentence for fraud and breach of trust. Israel
Israel’s Netanyahu falls in polls, could abandon judicial overhaul Pressured by security threats, bad polls and criticism from the White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tries saving whatever is left to save of his status. Israel
South Africa to appeal UAE ruling against extradition of Gupta brothers The UAE said on April 7 that South Africa's extradition request did not meet legal documentation standards and that the two brothers wanted for money laundering and fraud would be released from custody. Legacy: Gulf
US, UK target Israeli-Russian oligarch Abramovich enablers with more sanctions The Western allies announced new sanctions against financial fixers for Roman Abramovich and fellow Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, for their financial support of and close ties to President Vladimir Putin. Israel
Israel's Ben-Gvir's push for a National Guard could give him own militia Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's plans for a National Guard under his command has its origins in the 2021 communal violence between Jews and Arabs, but the security establishment is not on board. Israel
Three Assad advisers indicted in France for Syria war crimes Sending a strong signal to the Assad regime, a French court decided to indict three senior intelligence advisers for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Syria
Israeli Supreme Court rules against eviction of east Jerusalem family Israel's top court has ended a 32-year battle, ruling that the Jewish National Fund cannot evict the Palestinian Sumarin family from their home in the Silwan neighborhood of Jerusalem. Israel
