How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
Lebanon-Israel negotiations to continue even as Iran talks stall Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also said that Lebanon will lead the negotiations and that no other party will take part, emphasizing that this track is separate from any other talks. Lebanon
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks loom, can Syria help in curbing Hezbollah? In the post-Assad landscape, Damascus is seeking to reshape its role — not as Lebanon’s power broker but as a reluctant neighbor aiming to curb Hezbollah while steering clear of deeper entanglement. By Danny Makki In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture
Analysis Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Interview Minister warns aid cuts to Lebanon risk empowering Hezbollah Haneen Sayyed Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs
US drone strike kills al-Qaeda affiliate in northwest Syria The rare drone strike in Idlib province was aimed to disrupt Huras al-Din's ability to stage terror attacks outside Syria, according to the Pentagon. Syria
Why are Turkey’s allies fighting each other in Syria? Turkey’s handling of recent clashes between allied groups in Syria has called its intention into question, with some arguing that the jihadi outfit controlling Idlib has gained a foothold in Afrin by using a Turkish-linked group as a Trojan horse. Syria
Israel says Middle East air defense partnership already in action Israel's defense minister said he hopes US President Joe Biden's trip to the region will further the joint defense cooperation. Legacy: Gulf
Congress wants Pentagon to bolster Arab, Israeli air defenses against Iran The Abraham Accords could enable Israel to share missile defense technology with Arab Gulf countries in a joint defensive architecture against Iran. Israel
Jihadi group in Syria’s Idlib seeks control of NGOs Hayat Tahrir al-Sham continues to restrict humanitarian organizations operating in its areas of control in northwestern Syria. Syria
Pentagon inquiry finds no fault in 2019 Syria strike that killed civilians Internal investigation blamed Syrian Kurdish forces for failing to mention the presence of civilians when calling in US airstrike. United States
Pentagon: Iran-backed militias, PKK coordinated vs. Turkish troops in Iraq Turkey’s targeting of veteran PKK cadres in Iraq has pushed the Kurdish guerrillas to collaborate with an unlikely partner, a new Pentagon report suggests. Iraq
Iran confirms Taliban diplomats stationed in Tehran Embassy Tehran said the move to allow Taliban-appointed diplomats was not a step toward recognizing the current establishment in neighboring Afghanistan. Iran
Turkey steps up attacks on Syria’s Kurds amid Iraq operation Ankara is using the cover of Ukraine’s war to weaken the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and associated groups in the region. Syria
Four US soldiers injured by rocket attack in Syria The barrage suggests Iran's proxies will continue to harass US forces in the region, whether or not the sides return to the 2015 nuclear deal. Syria
Analysis The Takeaway: Trump's revenge as Biden deal with Iran stymied by IRGC sanctions Russia backs Syrian attacks on opposition; Turkish inflation soars as result of Ukraine war; Iran-linked mob attacks Kurdish party offices in Iraq; new generation runs for election in Lebanon; Egypt rallies Africa climate consensus. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn
Taliban releases Afghan-American Naval reservist held in Afghanistan US citizen Safi Rauf and his brother Anees Khalil were released to Qatar before traveling home to the United States. Qatar
