Ex-Iraqi MP Ahmed Alwani found dead in Lebanon: What to know Ahmed al-Alwani was a prominent leader of anti-government protests by Iraqi Sunnis in 2013, and was released from prison last year. Iraq
Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms. Iran
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Syrians outraged by luxurious lifestyle of Turkish-backed rebel leaders Videos of Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army leaders and members showing off their luxurious lifestyle have sparked controversy in the opposition-held areas in northwestern Syria, where inhabitants live in poverty. Syria
Democratic lawmakers urge Blinken to press Israel on demolition plans Fifty members of Congress called attention to the looming displacement of 38 families and the potential demolition of their homes in the Palestinian village of al-Walaja. Israel
In Nowruz address, Khamenei says production ‘key’ to solving Iran's economic problems Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that domestic production would resolve the country’s economic problems. Iran
Turkish court keeps philanthropist in prison ahead of final verdict in April Renowned philanthropist and peace advocate Osman Kavala's detention is extended after his case was adjourned. Turkey
Death of influential rabbi marks turning point for Israeli ultra-Orthodox Both ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis were drawn to Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, whose Torah scholarship brought him influence he never sought. Israel
Israelis taken aback by Zelenskyy’s use of Holocaust-victim rhetoric Israeli politicians criticize ongoing use by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and by other Ukrainian leaders of Holocaust terminology, and of them comparing the war to the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. Israel
Palestinian female candidates struggle to change political, social attitudes Despite efforts to encourage women to both vote and run in local elections in the West Bank, candidates say much work remains to be done. Palestine
Zelenskyy evokes Holocaust, asks Knesset for weapons, sanctions In a scathing video-screened speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy likened the war in his country to World War II and to the Nazi persecution, asking Israel to help Ukraine with weapons and with immediate economic sanctions against Russia. Israel
Russia not sending Syrians to Ukraine just yet, top US general says US CENTCOM has seen no sign of widespread recruitment of Syrians to fight in Ukraine. Syria
Sudan’s military leader turns to UAE to shore up authority Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan made his first official visit to Abu Dhabi mainly a search for economic assistance, but the dubious outcome of his trip has sparked controversy at home. Egypt
Islamic State takes advantage of Ukraine war to increase attacks The Islamic State has recently intensified its activity against the Syrian government forces and its allies, setting up a number of ambushes in the Syrian desert and killing dozens. Syria
Russian war delays major industrial zone in Egypt A Russian industrial zone in Egypt faces setbacks due to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Egypt