Armed Militias and Extremist Groups

Can new US general advance Hezbollah disarmament in Lebanon?

The Pentagon has assigned a new general to oversee the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire as the Trump administration continues to pressure the Beirut government to hasten the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Over 100 reported dead in Sudan as RSF seizes strategic southern city

A medical organization said that the Rapid Support Forces' capture of Al-Nuhud has so far meant a death toll of over 100 people.

Sudan

Analysis

‘We can reach him’: Israel strikes Damascus in warning to Sharaa over Druze attacks

An Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus was intended to send President Ahmed al-Sharaa a message after armed attacks against Syria's Druze community.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

For Israel, al-Sheikh appointment as Palestinian VP signals continuity, pragmatism

The appointment of Hussein al-Sheikh as vice president of the Palestinian Authority is unlikely to bring dramatic changes to its policies on Israel.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Meet Omer Siddig, Sudan's new foreign minister, former ambassador to China

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has appointed veteran diplomat Omer Siddig as Sudan's new minister of foreign affairs, filling the role following the dismissal of his predecessor, Ali Youssif, in mid-April.

Sudan

Assad's tycoon cousin, Rami Makhlouf, forms militia on Syria's Alawite coast: What we know

Rami Makhlouf, cousin of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said on social media he is working with former commander Suhail al-Hassan following the massacres of Alawites on the coast.

Syria

Analysis

Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords

Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood: Here's what to know about the group

The Muslim Brotherhood, which calls for the Islamization of society, is popular throughout parts of the Arab world but has been banned by several countries in the region.

Jordan

Sudan: Over 40 dead, 400,000 displaced in RSF's siege on El Fasher

Over 40 people have been killed and approximately 450,000 displaced by the Rapid Support Forces' continued assault on El Fasher, with shelling targeting both civilian areas and refugee camps.

Sudan

Palestinian Islamic Jihad says Syria arrested 2 members: What we know

One of the US demands for sanctions relief on Syria is not engaging with Islamic Jihad, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

Syria

Feature

Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power

A reopened nightclub in Raqqa spotlights the uneasy balance Syria’s new Islamist-led government is striking between ideology and public life.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Under US pressure, can Lebanon disarm Hezbollah without Iran's green light?

The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament resurfaces amid US pressure, shifting regional dynamics, and Iran's decisive role.

By Dario Sabaghi