Analysis Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Analysis Who are Yemen's Southern Giants Brigades leading the fight against the Houthis? The Giants Brigades have emerged as the Saudi-backed Yemeni government’s most formidable fighting force. By Giorgio Cafiero
Saudi envoy says allied Yemeni forces capture Bab el Mandeb strait from Houthis: What to know A Houthi spokesperson rejected claims that Saudi-backed forces had retaken territory along the Bab el Mandeb Strait, as fighting escalated with new attacks on the Riyadh airport. Yemen
Analysis US balances Houthi diplomacy with support for Saudi offensive Renewed fighting in Yemen is forcing the United States to balance support for Saudi Arabia with efforts to preserve its truce with the Houthis. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel calls up 9,000 reservists to Gaza as part of 'exceptional' mobilization Units from three brigades are readying plans for a ground incursion, pending approval by Israel's political leaders Palestine
Palestinian resistance in Gaza vows to not back down against Israel The Palestinian resistance factions in the Gaza Strip followed up on their pledge to attack Israel should it continue its violations against Palestinians in Jerusalem. Palestine
Hamas open to halting hostilities with Israel, Russia says Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has ruled out a cease-fire for now. News Brief
US sends diplomat to urge calm as Israel, Hamas fighting escalates Hady Amr, the top State Department official on Israeli-Palestinian affairs, will push for both sides to de-escalate. Israel
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