Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps Some Israelis worry the US president might force them to accept an unsatisfactory agreement driven by his inability to secure a tangible achievement in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war As US President Trump makes contradictory statements regarding his intentions toward Iran and the ongoing negotiations, Israel is preparing for the possibility of resuming military operations. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks loom, can Syria help in curbing Hezbollah? By Danny Makki In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture
Intel: US reaches out to Egypt over Israel-Palestine violence The Egyptians may talk Hamas off the ledge, but both the Israeli prime minister and the Palestinian militants may stand to politically benefit from a prolonged conflict. Palestine
US Senator, White House push for Yemen peace in regional tour As the Houthi rebels struggle to take Marib, Senator Chris Murphy says the time for peace is now. Yemen
Jerusalem violence reignites tension between Gaza, Israel Palestinian factions in Gaza resumed rocket attacks against Israel amid ongoing violence in Jerusalem. Palestine
US sanctions 7 over Hezbollah finances The sanctions indicate continued US pressure on the Lebanese organization under US President Joe Biden. Lebanon
Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. Iraq
Erdogan’s reset with Egypt and the Gulf won’t be smooth The Turkish president wants a change in relations, but his efforts are seen as the result of a failed regional strategy and poor ties with the Biden administration. Turkey
Member of Boogaloo movement expresses 'regret' for attempting to help Hamas Two members of the anti-US government Boogaloo movement have pleaded guilty to attempting to support the Palestinian military organization Hamas. News Brief
Iraqi authorities nab Islamic State 'governor' of Fallujah Abu Ali al-Jumaili's arrest comes as Kurdish-led forces captured another IS official across the border in Syria. Iraq
US soldier faces criminal charges over firefight with Syrian regime Sgt. 1st Class Robert Nicoson is accused of recklessly endangering his own men by allegedly bringing them into close contact with Syrian pro-regime forces. Syria
Turkey broadens pay phone probes to nab Gulenist soldiers A fresh judicial probe targeting hundreds of suspected Gulenist soldiers shows that purges in the Turkish military are far from drawing to an end. Turkey
What killing of Chadian president means for Egypt The killing of Chadian President Idriss Deby causes Egyptian security concerns. Egypt
Baghdad airport hit in latest Iraq rocket strike, no injuries The strike follows a drone attack on a coalition site at Erbil Air Base last week. Iraq
