Netanyahu is backed into a corner. Here’s what he may do next | CNN

Netanyahu is backed into a corner. Here’s what he may do next | 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  —  When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his decision to delay a controversial plan to weaken the country’s judiciary on Monday, he … Read more

Taliban arrests prominent girls’ education activist as repressive clampdown continues | CNN

Taliban arrests prominent girls’ education activist as repressive clampdown continues | CNN

CNN  —  A prominent activist for girls’ education in Afghanistan was arrested by the Taliban on Monday, according to an official, the latest step in its repressive clampdown on the rights of Afghan women. Matiullah Wesa, 30, is well known for his activism and is the founder of PenPath1, a non-governmental group that travels to … 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

Lebanon reverses decision on Daylight Saving, amid confusion on two different timezones | CNN

Lebanon reverses decision on Daylight Saving, amid confusion on two different timezones | CNN

CNN  —  Lebanon’s government has walked back a controversial decision to delay winter clock changes by a month, after last week’s announcement by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati sparked exasperation and confusion in a country already gripped by economic crisis. Mikati’s plan to postpone Daylight Saving until April 20 (following the Muslim holy month of … 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

Strong earthquake strikes Afghanistan, with tremors felt in Pakistan and India | CNN

Strong earthquake strikes Afghanistan, with tremors felt in Pakistan and India | CNN

CNN  —  A strong earthquake struck northeast Afghanistan on Tuesday, with tremors felt in cities in Pakistan and India. The 6.5-magnitude earthquake, 40 kilometers southeast of the town of Jurm, was 187.6 km deep, the United States Geological Survey reported. At least seven people including two children have been injured in the towns of Khyber, … 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

At least 4 Palestinians killed in IDF operation in Jenin | CNN

At least 4 Palestinians killed in IDF operation in Jenin | CNN

CNN  —  At least four Palestinians were killed on Thursday and 23 others injured after an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry. At least five of the injured are in critical condition, the health ministry added. In a statement the Israeli security … Read more

Pakistan on edge after Khan’s supporters clash with police trying to arrest former leader | CNN

Pakistan on edge after Khan’s supporters clash with police trying to arrest former leader | CNN

Islamabad, Pakistan CNN  —  Pakistani police were locked in a standoff Wednesday with supporters of Imran Khan after a night of violent clashes outside the former prime minister’s home in the eastern city of Lahore as officers attempt to arrest the opposition leader for failing to appear in court on corruption charges. Footage shared by … Read more