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Researcher’s Smuggling Arrest Casts Light on Dispute Over Chinese Students

As some lawmakers press U.S. universities to curtail ties with China, a postdoctoral student’s prosecution raises questions about how big the danger actually is.
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Israeli Airstrike on Refugee Camp in Lebanon Kills at Least 13, Officials Say

It was one of the deadliest Israeli strikes on Lebanon since a cease-fire with Hezbollah went into effect about a year ago.

© Ali Hankir/Reuters

Members of the Lebanese Army gathered on Tuesday at the entrance of the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp after an Israeli strike.
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Algeria Pardons Writer Boualem Sansal at Germany’s Request

Boualem Sansal, an Algerian-French writer, was arrested on accusations of undermining national security during a visit to his homeland a year ago and sentenced to five years in prison.

© Farouk Batiche/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Boualem Sansal’s case has inflamed tensions between Algeria and France, where he acquired citizenship.
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Key Netanyahu Minister Steps Down From Israel’s Government

Ron Dermer, a longtime ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an influential figure in the Israeli government throughout the war in Gaza, resigned as minister of strategic affairs.

© Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, during a visit to the White House, in July.
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Saudi Ex-Intelligence Official Seeks American Help Spilling U.S. Secrets

Saad Aljabri, feuding with the de facto Saudi ruler, wants former U.S. officials to help him fend off Saudi corruption claims.

© Agence France-Presse via Aljabri Family

Saad Aljabri, a former Saudi intelligence official, in an undated photograph released by the Aljabri family in 2020.
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U.N. Security Council Removes Syria’s President From Sanctions List

The decision comes days before the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Shara, is expected in Washington for the first time since he came to power.

© Mauro Pimentel/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria is expected to visit Washington next week.
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Remains of the Last American Hostage Held in Gaza Returned to Israel

Israeli officials told Itay Chen’s family last year that he was probably killed on Oct. 7, 2023, but relatives put off mourning until his body had come home.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Ruby Chen commemorating his son Itay Chen at a candlelight vigil on the steps of the U.S. Capitol last year.
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