The appeal raises an important question: Can war criminals be exempt from prosecution on the grounds that committing war crimes is part of their official duty?

• Hague to Hear Case for War Crimes After 2014 Bombing of Palestinian Home in Gaza (Morning Star)

With most neighboring countries denying women visas and no help come from the U.S., refugees now fear travel through Iran may "damage their prospects for resettlement in Europe or the United States":

• To Help U.S. Allies Flee Afghanistan, These Advocates Turned to Iran (Washington Post)

Despite fear of the Taliban's return to power, some Kabul residents "acknowledge grudgingly that the capital has already become safer in just the past month" from roaming bands of thieves and relentless crime":

• Taliban Official Says Strict Punishment and Executions Will Return (NPR)

"As long as Britain and other states continue to superficially endorse a two-state solution, Israel will become entrenched as a full-blown apartheid state with international blessing":

• Britain Is Ensuring the Death of a Palestinian State (Declassified UK)

Abbas told the U.N. that he would end recognition of Israel "if it refused to withdraw from the territories Palestinians want for a future state":

• Abbas Gives Israel ‘One Year’ to Leave Palestinian Territory (Aljazeera)

Iran's new FM says U.S. violations of the nuclear treaty started under Obama:

• Rebuking Biden, Iran’s Chief Diplomat Demands More Sanctions Relief (NY Times)

"How can it be that you’ve allowed this woman to come speak with me?” A German law equates the Muslim headscarf with Nazi tattoos:

• Muslim Women Struggle with Germany’s ‘Hijab Ban’ in Workplaces (Aljazeera)