Meet judge Tarek Bitar, rattling Lebanon's political class in Beirut blast probe The leading investigative judge into the Aug. 4 Beirut port blast has come back after a 13-month stall, rattling the political and judicial establishment. Lebanon
Finland lifts Turkey's arms embargo, is one step closer to NATO While Finland seems one step closer to NATO membership after Helsinki’s decision to resume defense sales to Turkey, Ankara’s anger at Sweden shows no signs of abating. Turkey
Lebanon's prosecutor retaliates, charges judge investigating Beirut port blast The latest charges made by Beirut port explosion Judge Tarek Bitar against Lebanon’s key political figures has angered many in the political elite who banned him from travel on Wednesday. Lebanon
Murder of former Grey Wolves leader divides Turkey’s nationalists Questions raised this week about the December shooting of Sinan Ates have placed Erdogan’s allied MHP party under the spotlight as elections loom. Turkey
Israel's president holds talks on Iran and Hamas hostages during EU visit In Brussels, Herzog was expected to raise the issue of two Israeli nationals — Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed — captured by Hamas Israel
US to provide $72 million in salaries for Lebanon’s cash-strapped army, police Washington's support for Lebanese military staff comes nearly two years after country's top general warned of desertions and his troops' inability to afford food. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Washington Post blasts Pompeo's 'vile falsehoods' on Jamal Khashoggi The former secretary of state called the slain Saudi columnist an “activist,” which led to condemnation from The Washington Post. Gulf
European ministers meet Palestinian PM, commit to support Palestinian elections Meeting in Brussels with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, European senior officials pledged to support holding Palestinian national elections soon and advancing Palestinian reform plans. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
South Korea’s Samsung to help Saudi Public Investment Fund with construction projects Saudi Aramco has also strengthened its ties to South Korean companies recently. Gulf
