Erdogan’s political fate may be determined by Turkey’s Kurds | CNN

Erdogan’s political fate may be determined by Turkey’s Kurds | CNN

Editor’s Note: A version of this story first appeared in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Sign up here. Abu Dhabi, UAE CNN  —  Turkey’s persecuted pro-Kurdish party has emerged as a kingmaker in the country’s upcoming election, playing a decisive role that may just tip … Read more

‘Historic moment’: Politicians of South Asian descent set to lead Scotland, Britain and Ireland with Yousaf victory | CNN

‘Historic moment’: Politicians of South Asian descent set to lead Scotland, Britain and Ireland with Yousaf victory | CNN

CNN  —  When Humza Yousaf took his oath of allegiance in Scottish parliament in 2016, he wore a gold embroidered sherwani – a traditional South Asian jacket – and a kilt. “I, Humza Yousaf, swear with honesty and a true heart,” he proudly said in Urdu, “that I will always be faithful and bear true … Read more

A threat to democracy or much-needed reform? Israel’s judicial overhaul explained | CNN

A threat to democracy or much-needed reform? Israel’s judicial overhaul explained | CNN

Jerusalem CNN  —  For months hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been taking to the streets across the country to regularly protest far-reaching changes to the Israel’s legal system some say threaten the country’s democratic foundations. At its core, the judicial overhaul would give the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, and therefore the parties in power, … Read more

Israel passes law shielding Netanyahu from being removed amid protests over judicial changes | CNN

Israel passes law shielding Netanyahu from being removed amid protests over judicial changes | CNN

CNN  —  Benjamin Netanyahu resisted calls to drop his controversial overhaul of Israel’s judiciary in a fiery televised address Thursday, hours after his government passed a law that was condemned by critics as an effort to protect his position. Israeli opposition politicians earlier condemned the new law, which would limit the ways a sitting prime … Read more

Boris Johnson faces high-stakes ‘Partygate’ grilling by UK lawmakers | CNN

Boris Johnson faces high-stakes ‘Partygate’ grilling by UK lawmakers | CNN

London CNN  —  Boris Johnson will on Wednesday hit back at claims he deliberately misled parliament while serving as British prime minister. The former UK leader will give evidence to a parliamentary committee that is investigating Johnson’s claim that Covid-19 rules and guidelines were followed “at all times” during his time in 10 Downing Street. … Read more

Netanyahu government makes first climbdown on plan to weaken Israel’s judiciary | CNN

Netanyahu government makes first climbdown on plan to weaken Israel’s judiciary | CNN

Jerusalem CNN  —  The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a change Monday to a key part of its controversial plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, marking its first climbdown in the face of massive public protests and international pressure, including from US President Joe Biden. Opposition leaders inside and outside the … Read more

Protests across Israel as Netanyahu’s government introduces bill to weaken courts | CNN

Protests across Israel as Netanyahu’s government introduces bill to weaken courts | CNN

Jerusalem CNN  —  Tens of thousands of protesters blocked roads in cities across Israel during demonstrations Monday, hours before the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced a controversial judicial overhaul bill. Demonstrators in Jerusalem turned the streets around the Supreme Court and Knesset into a sea of Israeli flags, which organizers were handing out … Read more

Landmark national security trial of Hong Kong democracy activists begins. Here’s what you need to know | CNN

Landmark national security trial of Hong Kong democracy activists begins. Here’s what you need to know | CNN

Hong Kong CNN  —  Some were seasoned politicians and veteran protest leaders. Others were academics, unionists and health care workers. They hailed from different generations and held a range of political views, but were brought together by what they say was a shared commitment to Hong Kong’s democratic future. Now, the “Hong Kong 47,” as … Read more

South African President Ramaphosa will not be impeached over cash-in sofa scandal | CNN

South African President Ramaphosa will not be impeached over cash-in sofa scandal | CNN

Johannesburg CNN  —  South African President Ramaphosa survived a move to start impeachment proceedings against him in a vote in parliament on Tuesday. The move was widely expected, after the top leadership ruling African National Congress (ANC) called on their parliamentary caucus to block the investigation. One by one, MPs were asked to articulate their … Read more

European Parliament vice president expelled by party amid corruption probe involving Gulf nation | CNN

European Parliament vice president expelled by party amid corruption probe involving Gulf nation | CNN

CNN  —  Eva Kaili, one of the European Parliament’s vice presidents, has been expelled by her political party in Greece amid a corruption probe. The Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), one of Greece’s main opposition parties, said in a statement Friday: “Following the latest developments and the investigation by Belgian authorities into corruption of European officials, … Read more