Iran’s Larijani in Qatar, meets Hamas leadership: What to know Qatar and Oman have played a vital role in mediating between Iran and the United States to avoid military confrontation that would spill over to the rest of the region. Iran
Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
US troops pull out of Shaddadi base in Syria: What to know The base has been a hub for American troops between the central city of Hasakah and the strategic Khabur River Valley, once the gateway to the Islamic State's oil-producing heartland. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
Putin’s thin red lines in Syria rattle Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still has limited options in the wake of Syria's retaking of a key town in Idlib province. Syria
What is role of Haraket Hezbollah al-Nujaba in uniting PMU? The assassinations of Soleimani and Muhandis are changing the relative weights of Iraqi factions under the umbrella of the Iran-led "axis of resistance"; Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba is playing a greater role in bridging gaps between rival Shiite actors. Iraq
Killers target activists performing logistics for Iraqi protests Iraqi protester activists — and journalists covering the protests — are being killed in greater numbers by unidentified armed groups in an apparent attempt to curtail the demonstrations. Iraq
Nasrallah calls for regional action against US military The head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, called for expelling US troops from the region in response to the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, adding that US military assets will be targeted. Lebanon
US Embassy attack backfires on Iran-backed militias in Iraq The attack against the US Embassy in Baghdad by Iranian militias inside Iraq received no support from the Iraqi public and sparked much criticism against Iran, which led the militias to end the attack before achieving any of their goals. Iraq
Pro-Iranian militias behind US Embassy attack in Baghdad The attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad by Iran-backed militias has escalated the tension between Iran and the United States. Iraq
Reshuffle of HTS-linked government fails to bring hope in Idlib It appears that the new cabinet of an Idlib-based opposition government connected to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will not earn the trust of the public, which continues to suffer under tough economic and humanitarian conditions. Syria
Militias abduct Iraqi activists in attempt to stifle protests Hundreds of Iraqi activists have been abducted by unidentified forces trying to put an end to the ongoing protests. Iraq
Is Netanyahu planning a preemptive attack against Hezbollah? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a preemptive attack against Iranian proxy Hezbollah, perhaps before the March elections. Israel
Disagreements among PMU leaders stir up conflict between factions Popular Mobilization Units factions are divided over how to deal with protests, as some take stances against the demonstrations while others offer protection to protesters. Iraq
Report: China, Russia worried about militants' return from Syria Beijing and Moscow are concerned that citizens who left to fight with jihadi groups in Syria could stoke radicalization at home following their return. Syria
Amid rising protests, PMU prevents confrontation with US The Popular Mobilization Units try to distance themselves from the current confrontation between Iran and US in order to preserve PMU interests in Iraq. Iraq
