Culture FIFA rejects Egypt, Iran objections, allows Pride flags at World Cup match The Egyptian and Iranian football bodies previously raised objections over the match to FIFA. Iran
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
Turkey detains 233 ahead of NATO summit, including LGBTQ+ activist Yildiz Tar The operation included alleged militant suspects as well as LGBTQ+ and leftist activists, raising concerns over the scope of the crackdown. Turkey
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
Interview As Sudan war drags on, US-Iran conflict compounds humanitarian crisis in Darfur Janti Soeripto President and CEO of Save the Children US
Egyptian-Americans launch human rights push ahead of Sisi re-election Trump helped free NGO worker Aya Hijazi from prison. Now she’s leading the charge against his Egypt policy. Egypt
New Italian government brings uncertainty for Libya After the March 4 elections in Italy, a new government could be formed with new policies on migration and Libya. Libya
Iraq orders execution of foreign women for IS involvement Iraq is issuing death penalty and life sentences against foreign women found guilty of involvement with the Islamic State — and hundreds await trials. Iraq
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
