Analysis From UNRWA to ICC, how Republican Congress would shift Middle East policy Bills to cut aid for Palestinians and expedite arms sales to Israel faced Democratic pushback, but they could now easily become law. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Analysis Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas' Deif Six months after International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan submitted his request to prosecute them, the world court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel
Shin Bet chief discusses Gaza truce in Turkey: What we know The Israeli official's travel to Turkey marks a dramatic development considering that Ankara has not played a part in these negotiations over the past year and Israel-Turkey relations have significantly deteriorated amid the Gaza war. Israel
Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is 'haram' Qatar’s human rights record is under scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup, particularly regarding the treatment of LGBTQ people and laborers. Gulf
Netanyahu’s new coalition makes Israeli LGBTQ community anxious Leaders of the LGBTQ communities are afraid that the religious partners of Prime Minister-to-be Benjamin Netanyahu will curtail the rights achieved after long battles and campaigns. Israel
Ahead of COP27, Democrats push Biden to confront Egypt on human rights A group of lawmakers want President Joe Biden to use the climate conference to press Egypt for improvements in its dire human rights record. Egypt
Turkey’s LGBTQ community alarmed over Erdogan’s ‘family’ vision Rights activists in Turkey fear a rise in homophobic discrimination and hate crimes as Erdogan vocally stigmatizes the LGBTQ community. Turkey
Iranian security forces intensify raids on girls' schools Parents outraged by latest actions to suppress protests, as students heckle government official. Iran
Palestinian man decapitated over sexual orientation in the West Bank Palestinians were shocked at the gruesome killing of a young Palestinian gay man, whose body was found decapitated near the city of Hebron in the West Bank. Palestine
UAE touts new domestic workers law The UAE, like other Gulf countries, has faced criticism for its treatment of foreign workers. United Arab Emirates
Iran protests put Turkish government in tight spot As their Western partners strongly react to the Iranian protests, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his administration remain curiously quiet. Turkey
Tehran strikes Kurdish opponents in Iraq as protests over Mahsa Amini’s death convulse Iran Iran ramps up its bombing campaign in northern Iraq in what Iraqi Kurds argue is an attempt to divert the world's attention from the killing of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Iraq
Mounting deaths in Iran protests as internet blackout drags on As protests entered a 12th day, the government's deadly crackdown under severe internet disruptions appeared to have failed to soothe the boiling anger. Iran
Turkish celebrities, including jailed Kurdish politician, cut hair for Mahsa Amini Women activists, celebrities and jailed Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas cut their hair in solidarity with Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Kurdish woman who died in detention by Iran’s morality police. Turkey
Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila quits after years of harassment over sexual orientation Mashrou’ Leila, whose main singer identifies as queer, announced it was disbanding, after facing accusations, harassment and threats over their songs. Lebanon
