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
Turkish court begins retrial of philanthropist Osman Kavala Businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, who has remained in prison without a conviction since 2017, was denied release on Friday. Turkey
Egyptian government committee offers its approach to human rights Amid increasing scrutiny of its human rights practices and skepticism by activists, an Egyptian government committee offers its own approach Egypt
Erdogan’s midnight decrees give Turkey nightmares The overnight decrees increasingly governing Turkey have become a source of livid satire and agony for millions of Turks. Turkey
UN rights experts call on Iran to release jailed filmmaker The experts said Iran's denial of adequate medical care to Mohammad Nourizad may amount to torture. Iran
Egypt confirms $4.75 bn fighter jet deal with France Human rights groups slammed the deal, which is backed by French government loans. Egypt
Blinken cautions Turkey against future S-400 purchases Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that President Joe Biden's recent recognition of the Armenian genocide should not have come as a surprise. Turkey
CENTCOM chief warns children risk radicalization at Syrian al-Hol camp Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie said radicalization would remain a problem unless countries repatriate and reintegrate the children of suspected Islamic State fighters. Syria
Turkish-Armenian lawmaker threatened over genocide remarks A criminal complaint was filed against Turkish lawmaker Umit Ozdag after he threatened Garo Paylan, an Armenian deputy with the Peoples’ Democratic Party, over remarks regarding the Armenian genocide. Turkey
TikTok girl's detention brings Egyptian human rights into spotlight The continued detention of Haneen Hossam, a TikTok influencer, on a new charge of "human trafficking" has raised concern among rights advocates, bringing Egypt's human rights under scrutiny once again. Egypt
Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of 'apartheid' The leading international human rights watchdog cited Israel's treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza vis-a-vis Jewish Israelis. The Israeli government dismissed the report. News Brief
Iran sentences British-Iranian aid worker to another year in jail Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe had just competed her five-year sentence when she was summoned to court on a new propaganda charge. Iran
Biden calls Erdogan ahead of expected Armenian genocide labeling The White House readout of the call between the two leaders did not mention the Armenian genocide. News Brief