Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war As US President Trump makes contradictory statements regarding his intentions toward Iran and the ongoing negotiations, Israel is preparing for the possibility of resuming military operations. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
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
Analysis As Lebanon-Israel talks loom, can Syria help in curbing Hezbollah? 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
Intel: US concerned over Iran, Turkey, UAE-supplied drones in Ethiopia war Ethiopia's government has rejected calls for a cease-fire after routing Tigray rebels with the help of high-tech foreign drones. The Horn of Africa
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. Syria
Israel focused on Syria as well as Iran A report by the Washington Post has attributed two attacks to Israel in the past year and a half against Syrian military facilities linked to its past chemical weapons program. Israel
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
Turkey strikes Yazidi militia in Iraq The Sinjar Resistance Units is a member of the Popular Mobilization Units, making it officially part of the Iraqi security forces. Iraq
Saudi Arabia seeks support as Yemen war heats up again The kingdom is asking allies to resupply its Patriot missile munitions as Riyadh and Yemen's Houthis trade bombardments. Yemen
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile over Riyadh Yemen’s war is heating up again with new Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa, Marib and Hodeida. Saudi Arabia
Islamic State targets peshmerga in Iraq’s disputed Diyala and Makhmour A recent string of attacks on Iraq’s Kurdistan Region peshmerga forces have raised concern over how effective long-discussed coordination with the central government is in the country’s flashpoint disputed territories. Iraq
Investigation finds militias involved in Iraqi post-election violence A special committee implicates militias in causing violent clashes on Nov. 5 Iraq
UN urges Sudan’s people to support reinstated prime minister Sudan could face even darker days ahead if protesters don't accept the junta's concession, the UN chief said. The Horn of Africa
Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. Iraq
How Mosul’s liberators became occupiers Civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul complain about the power of the militias who freed them from the clutches of the Islamic terror group IS, but turned to occupier later on. Iraq
