Bashar al-Assad’s uncle sentenced to four years in French prison for money laundering A French court convicted Rifaat al-Assad, 82, of misappropriating Syrian public funds to expand his holdings in Europe. Syria
Inspired by US protests, Ethiopian-born Israeli ministers battle against police brutality Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata and Deputy Public Security Minister Gadi Yevarkan, both of Ethiopian origin, are reinforcing their battle against police brutality. Israel
Iranian official criticizes Instagram for 'immorality' The remarks by the head of the Islamic Development Organization follow last month's arrest of a popular Instagram star. Iran
Turkey mum as Syrian Kurds take 'historical step' in unity talks Syria's rival Kurdish groups have announced their initial agreement on a Kurdish unity plan following US-mediated talks that began in April. Syria
Iran rocked by three honor killings in one month A push for urgent legal reforms and greater public awareness is gaining momentum in Iran after the country reported three gruesome honor killings in less than a month. Iran
Turkey hammers Kurdish rebel targets in Iraq Turkey has sent in special forces to fight the Kurdistan Workers Party in Iraq’s north, putting its soldiers on the ground in the third foreign country this year. Iraq
Blue and White lawmakers said to support staged annexation Blue and White Knesset members are reportedly pushing for a staged annexation plan that begins with two settlement blocs. Palestine
Intel: Pompeo speaks with Iraq’s new foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraq’s new Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein by phone on Tuesday. Iraq
Oman’s state-owned entities change hands As the newly-formed Oman Investment Authority takes over most of the Gulf country’s public assets, questions arise as to whether this is streamlining the administration, economic reform or power consolidation? Oman
More world leaders take stand against Netanyahu’s annexation plan Jordan's King Abdullah and leaders of the European Union are now focusing their anti-annexation efforts on the American administration. Palestine
Is Turkey already done with executive presidency? Restoring the parliamentary system makes a nifty slogan for the Turkish opposition, but the panacea for the clogged political establishment is more demanding. Turkey
Intel: Assad, wife named in new Syria sanctions The US State Department has warned more sanctions are coming in the weeks and months ahead as part of the Caesar Act. Syria
Iraq's plans to cut salaries face strong backlash The Iraqi government's decision to reduce government employees’ salaries has caused a major uproar among the political forces. Iraq
Will Israel learn from its past leaders when it comes to annexation? The July 1 deadline is too short a period for a learning curve and Israel’s leaders will wait until the last minute to decide whether to go for a small or large annexation — or none. Originals
Egypt to develop citadel as new hub of Historic Cairo As Egypt gears up to welcome tourists next month, the country’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and Sovereign Wealth Fund signed a contract to develop Cairo’s historical area of Bab al-Azab, where the imposing Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel is located. Egypt
Turkey, Italy conduct joint submarine drill in the Mediterranean Other Mediterranean states have criticized Turkish actions in the sea recently. Turkey
