Culture Turkey egg donor scam allegedly sold clients on promise of blond babies An investigation triggered by a husband’s tip has led to at least 45 arrests in an alleged network that sold Turkish donor eggs to foreign clients seeking Scandinavian ancestry. Turkey
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
Explainer PKK pulls out of Metina in northern Iraq amid Turkey peace process The withdrawal comes as the peace process between Turkey and the militant group gains momentum alongside increasing security cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkey
Erdogan aide named suspect in Turkey financial scandal Former AKP deputy chairwoman Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya is facing allegations of being linked to a market manipulation scandal. Turkey
Belgium looking into Iran's request for prisoner swap Belgium and Iran seemingly advance toward a prisoner exchange deal, though Brussels is warning that contrary to Tehran’s statements this could take time. Iran
Germany scrambles to stop Iran from executing dual citizen After a top Iranian court upheld the death sentence of dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, German Foreign Minister Annalean Baerbock says Berlin is making every possible effort to stop the execution. Iran
EU slaps Captagon sanctions on relatives of Syria's Assad The European Union adopted new restrictive measures today against Syrian individuals and entities accused of trafficking narcotics and supporting the oppressive Syrian government. Syria
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
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
