Fearing fallout, Iran calls for cohesion amid shaky Afghanistan-Pakistan truce The Islamic Republic is particularly concerned about the presence of the Islamic State-Khorasan branch in Afghanistan. Iran
US military says Hamas must 'immediately' halt violence as crackdown targets rivals The US wants Egyptian and Qatari mediators to rein in Hamas amid skirmishes with rivals and evidence of extrajudicial killings in Gaza. Israel
Hamas targets opponents in violent bid to rebuild authority in Gaza Hamas is targeting what it describes as Israel collaborators and outlaws as part of a display of power following the ceasefire. Palestine
Analysis Gaza deal stalls over deceased hostages after Trump’s euphoric Israel visit — is Netanyahu relieved? Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined US President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh conference on ending the war and rebuilding Gaza. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Netanyahu gamble appears to pay off as Israelis cheer Gaza retreat, planned hostage release By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Erdogan's 'soldiers' and their threat to dissent After a controversial decree introducing judicial immunity for citizens involved in the suppression of terrorist acts, many in Turkey are concerned that it will be used to shield pro-government vigilantes. Turkey
Is Islamic State back in Kirkuk? Using reactivated sleeper cells and new tactics in Kirkuk, the Islamic State shows it's back in action even as it is about to lose all its territory in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Hama rebels struggle to hold ground as regime, IS attack Opposition forces in Idlib and Hama are struggling to maintain some of their last positions, against which the Syrian regime and the Islamic State are escalating their attacks. Syria
Iraqi forces hunt down IS remnants in Hamrin Mountains After the declaration of victory against the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces are still hunting small groups of IS fighters in the remote areas. Iraq
In retreat, IS takes advantage of Libya's political divide Rival forces in Libya are fighting an Islamic State insurgency after the group suffered major blows across the country. Libya
Sufi sites in Libya under attack Sufis and other religious minorities in Libya are under constant threat of attack by extremist Salafists. Libya
Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence. Iraq
Hezbollah, Iran, Hamas seek new strategy for resistance Hamas is moving closer to Iran and Hezbollah, as the "axis of resistance" shifts priorities now that the Syrian war is winding down. Palestine
Iran calls Haley's missile claim 'ridiculous' Iranian officials view UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s speech accusing Tehran of sending missiles to the Houthis in Yemen as politically motivated. Saudi Arabia
Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power. Saudi Arabia
Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran? Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger. Palestine
FSA opens new business crossing in northern Syria A Syrian rebel faction opened a business road crossing in the Aleppo countryside to collect funds for the local civilians and military. Syria
