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
Iran’s Rouhani dismisses outcry over journalist’s execution Iran hanged journalist and blogger Ruhollah Zam on Saturday after a court found him guilty of "corruption on earth." Iran
Egypt's Sisi readies for chillier reception in Washington Experts say mixed signals on the part of President Sisi suggest nervousness about the incoming Biden administration. Egypt
Amnesty blasts Airbnb for settlement listings as company goes public The London-based rights group called on Airbnb to unlist around 200 rental properties in the West Bank. Israel
Saudi court hands Saudi-American doctor Walid al-Fitaihi 6-year sentence The Harvard-trained doctor is reported to have been sentenced over tweeting his support for the 2011 Arab Spring protests and for obtaining US citizenship. Saudi Arabia
France won’t condition weapons sales to Egypt on human rights, Macron says French President Emmanuel Macron also said he spoke "frankly" about human rights with his Egyptian counterpart. Egypt
Iranian-Swedish scientist's execution on hold for 'next few days' Amnesty International said Ahmadreza Djalali's execution has been halted for now, but his fate is unclear. The rights group, Sweden and the UN are protesting Iran's treatment of him. Iran
Egypt releases human rights workers after international outcry Gasser Abdel-Razek, Mohamed Basheer and Karim Ennarah left Tora Prison on Thursday, their organization confirmed. Egypt
Egypt carried out ‘execution spree’ in past two months, Amnesty International says The rights group confirmed 57 executions in October and November alone, nearly double the number of prisoners killed in all of 2019. Egypt
Swedish-Iranian academic faces 'imminent' execution in Iran Rights groups are urging Iranian authorities to halt their planned execution of Ahmadreza Djalali. Iran
Iran to execute Iran-Swedish scientist Amnesty International said the charges against Ahmadreza Djalali are unfounded and Sweden spoke to Iran about his case. Originals
Women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul to stand trial in Saudi Arabia Loujain al-Hathloul will appear in a Saudi court Wednesday more than two years after she was first detained in a crackdown on human rights defenders. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian rights group's director held in solitary confinement, lawyers say Gasser Abdel-Razek and two of his colleagues were arrested in what experts say is a renewed crackdown on human rights defenders. Egypt
