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
Feature Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Under US pressure, can Lebanon disarm Hezbollah without Iran's green light? By Dario Sabaghi
Exclusive Syria's Kurds say Trump aid cuts are feeding radicalism in ISIS camps By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Somalia eyes fresh external support amid fears of al-Shabab takeover Mogadishu’s counterinsurgency effort appears to be faltering as African peacekeepers prepare to leave, fanning fears of an Afghanistan-like collapse. By Cagatay Cebe In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism
As Lebanon braces, four scenarios for Hezbollah's confrontation with Israel As US officials press their leverage to prevent an Israeli war inside Lebanon, fears of a miscalculation have grown in the last few weeks as both Hezbollah and the Israeli military intensify their clashes. Lebanon
Lebanon holds airport tours to dispel weapons report amid Israel-Hezbollah tension Lebanon has responded to a report that Hezbollah is moving weapons through its international airport with a tour for foreign diplomats and journalists. Lebanon
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
US Navy rescues 24 crew members after Houthi attack, 1 lost at sea Two cargo ships are at risk of sinking in the Red Sea, abandoned by their crews after Houthi missile strikes triggered US airstrikes on radar sites controlled by the Yemeni rebels. Yemen
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
Attack on US Embassy in Lebanon, Syrian gunman wounded Investigations are ongoing into the shooting incident, which comes amid intensified cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon
Palestinian presidency criticizes Iran's Khamenei publicly: What we know Iran has long backed Hamas and threw its support behind the group following its assault on southern Israel last October. Palestine
What we know on Houthis' latest Ghadr anti-ship Iranian ballistic missile Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Wednesday that the Yemeni militant group has obtained the technology to manufacture anti-ship ballistic missiles. Iran
