Exclusive Ankara’s direct talks with Syrian Kurds began last year in Europe, continue in Turkey The talks are part of a sweeping effort to end Turkey’s decades-long war with the PKK and reshape Ankara’s relationship with Kurdish-led forces in Syria. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran’s FM vows 'noninterference' in Lebanon during Beirut visit: What to know The Iranian visit to Lebanon comes as talks of disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is gaining momentum. Lebanon
PLO officials in Lebanon as push to disarm Palestinian camps gains steam The effort to disarm Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon’s refugee camps will require outside support, according to one expert, as pressure to disarm Hezbollah grows. Lebanon
US Syria envoy Barrack says troop drawdown to continue, support for Kurds to remain Trump’s ambassador to Ankara told a Turkish TV news outlet that American troops will eventually draw down to a single base in Syria, but that Washington is unlikely to abandon the Kurdish-led forces. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Sudan’s new PM dissolves government but military control remains firm By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Israel confirms assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was targeted in an Israeli strike earlier this month, though Israel’s leadership had not confirmed his death until now. Israel
Israel strikes Yemen airport, claims Houthis' last plane destroyed In response to several missile attacks by the Houthis, the Israeli military struck Yemen's international airport in Sanaa on Wednesday morning. Israel
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness." Syria
What we know about Elias Rodriguez, suspect in attack on Israeli Embassy staff in DC The 30-year-old man from Chicago is suspected of killing Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. United States
3 killed in attack on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria: Monitor Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently sheltering at the Hmeimim air base. Syria
Mahmoud Abbas declares from Lebanon ‘era of weapons outside state' over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Lebanon for a high-level visit that will focus on the spread of weapons inside Palestinian camps and ways to remove them. Lebanon
Analysis First in 8 years: Abbas visits Lebanon amid push to disarm Palestinian camps Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is en route to Beirut, where authorities have intensified pressure on Hamas operatives. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Rubio warns Syria’s government could collapse in weeks, triggering civil war The top US diplomat made the case for sanctions relief and renewed engagement with the transitional government in Damascus to prevent "full-scale civil war." Syria
Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration. Turkey
Why US is offering $10M reward for info on Hezbollah in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay Hezbollah maintains a presence in South America’s tri-border area as well as in friendly Venezuela. Lebanon
