Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been stalling on the implementation of the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, but at the end of the day, Trump has much more leverage over Netanyahu. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US bombs ISIS targets in Syria in retaliation for Palmyra insider attack The Islamic State has not claimed direct credit for the ambush by a member of Syria's domestic security forces that killed three American personnel in Palmyra last week. Syria
Second Lebanon-Israel meeting agrees to strengthen Lebanese army: What to know The second round of civilian-led talks between Israel and Lebanon focused on the economic track while also addressing the removal of Hezbollah's weapons. Lebanon
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Top UN officials urge Sudan coup leaders to reverse course New arrests have been reported as the United Nations holds an emergency session on the coup in Khartoum. Sudan
Intel: Saudi Arabia, UAE publicly reject Sudan’s coup Washington is trying to bring its Middle Eastern allies into line with international efforts to revive the transition to democracy in Khartoum. Sudan
Militants get death sentences for killing two Iraqi journalists The Iraqi criminal court sentenced two militiamen affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah to death for assassinating two journalists in Basra in January 2020. Iraq
Militias protest after losses in Iraqi election The results of Iraq's Oct. 10 parliamentary elections came as a shock to political parties affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Units, as they lost more than half of their seats in parliament. Iraq
Sudan coup leader fires ambassadors who opposed takeover Several Sudanese ambassadors abroad vowed to resist Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's military junta in Khartoum. Sudan
US base in Syria hit in suspected drone attack The remote Tanf outpost has been quiet for years, but Iran's pinprick provocations may once again be targeting the base, which plays a key role in Washington’s effort to obstruct Tehran's influence. Syria
US to give $67 million to Lebanon’s military as violence erupts in Beirut The Lebanese army deployed in the streets of the capital after at least six people were shot dead during violent protests. Lebanon
Egypt looks to expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Sudan Egypt is seeking greater cooperation with Sudan’s transitional authorities to track down terrorist elements, including Islamic State and those affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood . Egypt
Hezbollah leader meets with Iran FM, calls Tehran ‘loyal ally’ The Iranian foreign minister visited Lebanon this week and pledged the Islamic Republic would continue sending fuel to crisis-stricken Lebanon. News Brief
UN seeks to diffuse tensions on Israel-Lebanon border Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in August, prompting retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military on Lebanon. News Brief
Sudan security forces resist calls for civilian control Civilian leaders are pressuring military and security commanders to surrender their influence in politics and the economy, yet vested interests make them unlikely to oblige. Egypt
CENTCOM commander acknowledges he did not try to stop Taliban from entering Kabul “If someone actually made a decision, that would’ve been me,” Gen. Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie told House lawmakers during a hearing today. Congress
