In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad, brother to death for war crimes Ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother Maher al-Assad were both sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes along with several other defendants. Syria
Iran hangs 2 over alleged Mossad ties as executions mount: What to know Rights groups have warned that Iran may step up executions with the resumption of the war in the region. Iran
'Obliterated entire families': Amnesty calls for investigating Israeli strikes in Lebanon as war crimes Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes in Lebanon by wiping out entire families and killing children. Lebanon
Analysis Lawmakers call for probe as arms purchasers target US-based dissidents Democratic lawmakers are seeking a congressional watchdog study on how the State Department is tracking extraterritorial harassment by countries that benefit from US security assistance or arms, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Biden administration plans to sell F-15 fighter jets to Egypt The proposed sale has been in the works for years and is bound to raise opposition on Capitol Hill. United States
US concerned after Moroccan court upholds journalist’s sentence The State Department said it was "concerned with the judicial process" that led to Omar Radi's six-year sentence. Morocco
Biden urged to put strings on Tunisia aid amid democratic backslide A letter from some 50 activists, academics and former diplomats calls for the Biden administration to condition certain assistance to Tunisia on steps toward democratic governance. Tunisia
Infighting between Islamist, Turkish-backed armed groups continues in north Syria Infighting between Turkish-backed factions in north Syria continues despite pleas by civilians, with most recently dozens of members of the civilian police resigning in response to a shootout with the military police that left two of its members wounded. Syria
Rights group adds lobbying help to spotlight Egypt, Saudi abuses Political prisoner advocacy group Freedom Initiative is deploying Washington lobbyists to amplify its message on the Hill. United States
Explainer: the Phil Mickelson-Saudi Arabia golf controversy Golfer Phil Mickelson called Saudis “scary” in a recently surfaced interview. The fallout exposed a riff in the golf community over a Saudi-funded league that aims to compete with the PGA Tour, which has been criticized for its treatment of players. Legacy: Gulf
US voices concern after Tunisia's Saied disbands judicial watchdog State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the US was "deeply concerned" by Tunisian President Kais Saied's move to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council. Tunisia
Council of Europe starts disciplinary process for Turkey over Kavala Rights groups are calling for Osman Kavala's immediate release, while Ankara calls the Council of Europe’s decision to start the lengthy process “malicious” and “politically motivated.” Turkey
FBI admits to obtaining Israeli-made Pegasus spyware The FBI said it bought the controversial spyware tool for “product testing and evaluation only” and never deployed it. Israel
Turkey sinks on corruption index as activists point to public tender system Transparency International says there has been a “significant decline” in Turkey’s tackling of graft over the last decade. Turkey
Iran urged to release rights defender Narges Mohmmadi Narges Mohmmadi was sentenced to eight years in prison following a five-minute trial. Iran
