Armed Militias and Extremist Groups

Interview

NATO deepens engagement with Iraq as US prepares to withdraw

In an exclusive Al-Monitor interview, Lucas Schreurs, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, explains the scope of his outfit's mandate.

Commander of NATO Mission Iraq

Lucas Schreurs

WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon

The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue.

Israel

US F-15s arrive in Middle East as Israel preps Iran retaliation

A new squadron of US F-15s arrived at an undisclosed base in the region this week as Washington works to stop Israel from escalating the fighting in a counterattack on Iran.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

UN inquiry accuses Israel of crimes against humanity in destroying Gaza’s hospitals

Israel’s government did not cooperate with the investigation, which accused Israel of the international crime of “extermination” for widespread and systematic attacks on Gaza’s health care infrastructure and medical personnel.

Palestine

What's behind Hezbollah's Naim Qassem openness to Lebanon-Israel cease-fire

For the first time since Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon began Sept. 30, Hezbollah has indicated openness to a cease-fire separate from a deal in Gaza.

Lebanon

Analysis

Israel-UAE trade to hit $3.3B in 2024 as wars in Lebanon, Gaza continue

Despite a growing Arab public backlash against economic ties with Israel, and politically strained ties between the UAE and Israel since the Gaza war, bilateral trade has continued across the technology, tourism and agriculture sectors.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

How an Israeli retaliation on Iran could impact Gulf energy flow

Energy facilities along the east and west of the Arabian Peninsula brace for possible Israeli attacks against Iran and its proxies.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

What's behind attack on UAE ambassador in Sudan?

The UAE's role in Sudan is coming under greater scrutiny as the battle for power between rival groups SAF and RSF drags on into its 17th month.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Even with killing of Nasrallah, Hezbollah nowhere near defeated

Removing savvy and charismatic militant chieftains is a necessary, but not sufficient, counterterrorism measure. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in October 2019, nearly five years ago, and the Islamic State, though attenuated, demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and evolve.

By Colin P. Clarke

In Pittsburgh, US, reporting on counterterrorism, militancy

US boosts defense posture as Blinken urges diplomacy between Israel, Lebanon

The White House is calling for a prioritization of diplomacy despite reports that Israel could be readying for a ground operation in Lebanon.

Lebanon

Israel kept Pentagon in the dark about Beirut strikes, Austin says

The White House ordered the US military to adjust force posture in the Middle East ‘as necessary’ after Israel defied Washington in a bid to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, risking war with Iran.

United States

US, Iraq announce end of defeat-ISIS coalition, but troops may stay

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s need for a domestic political win has sent Pentagon officials back to the drawing board to find ways to keep the lid on ISIS in neighboring Syria.

Iraq