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Trusted news agencies tracing tendencies of democratisation and autocratisation globally
Trusted news agencies tracing tendencies of democratisation and autocratisation globally
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Loading news articles...
Israel's parliament has enshrined Torah study as a "fundamental value" — a move widely seen as shielding ultra-Orthodox men from military service. With wars ongoing and troops in short supply, the political gamble could reshape the October elections.
A luxury queer cruise heading to Jeddah. Saudi Arabia welcoming "visitors of all identities." But homosexuality remains a potential capital offence. As the 2034 Football World Cup approaches, the kingdom is sending two different messages — depending on who's listening.
Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet returned home from Spain — and was arrested at the airport. The veteran press freedom activist, once jailed for insulting the king, now faces fresh charges, and the country's uneasy relationship with critical journalism is back in the spotlight.
Israeli media outlets have reported that parliamentary elections will be held on Tuesday October 27. Former defence chief Eisenkot is seen as the main rival to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israeli elections usually lead to complex coalition manoeuvring.
Syria's transitional national parliament has convened for the first time since the ousting of the Assad dynasty that ran the country for half a century. The UN termed the event a "key milestone." It is expected to form a committee to draft a constitution and pass a budget.
US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has accused Israeli soldiers of siding with West Bank settlers when his vehicle was stopped and he was detained while on a fact-finding tour. US reporters with him recorded the incident.
Palestinian President Abbas wants to break the political deadlock by holding new elections. Parliamentary elections are planned for November and a presidential election for early 2027.
Algeria’s parliamentary election is about more than seats in a new assembly. Against the backdrop of notably low turnout, the vote brings together questions of participation, political competition and public mood, offering a revealing snapshot of the country at this moment.
Newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi has pledged a clean-up and launched a crackdown on corruption reaching to the highest levels. Commentators remain sceptical, saying that those detained are small fry.
After an anti-corruption raid which saw 47 people detained, Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi promises a wider crackdown. Widespread corruption remains a major issue in the Middle Eastern country.
Taliban representatives met EU officials in Brussels for the first time since the group seized power five years ago. The location was undisclosed, and EU and Belgian officials insisted the talks, mainly about deportations, did not constitute recognition.
Jordan has carried out executions for the first time in nearly a decade, hanging six men on Sunday. Officially recorded executions rose sharply last year as Iran increased executions. China is believed to make wide use of the death penalty, but figures are not available.
After months of uncertainty and diplomatic lobbying, German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann has been released and is back home in Germany. The fate of her Kurdish-Turkish colleague remains unclear.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested in January 2025 while passing through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. They were accused of spying -sentenced in February. They deny the charges and both are on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison.
