Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
US troops pull out of Shaddadi base in Syria: What to know The base has been a hub for American troops between the central city of Hasakah and the strategic Khabur River Valley, once the gateway to the Islamic State's oil-producing heartland. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
US says Sudan warring parties back withdrawal plan as donors pledge $700M in aid State Department senior adviser Massad Boulos announced Tuesday that a "comprehensive peace plan" has been approved by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though it still needs to be approved by Sudan's warring parties. Sudan
Uzbek fighters complicate makeover campaign by jihadi group in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant jihad group in Idlib, is seeking distance from the actions of Uzbek foreign fighters. Syria
Hamas welcomes Taliban’s triumph in Afghanistan Hamas published an official statement in which it congratulated its victory and praised its performance. Palestine
IRGC says Afghanistan exit a ‘lesson’ not to rely on US An official from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says the US exit from Afghanistan is a lesson for regional leaders. Iran
Ankara mulls ambitious but risky engagement with Taliban The Turkish government is eyeing a more independent — and riskier — role in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s blitz takeover of Kabul sidelined the United States earlier than expected. Turkey
Electrical towers again become targets in Iraq Iraq's transmission towers are increasingly the target of bombings. Iraq
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
Gulf states call for calm in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the only three countries to recognize the Taliban the last time the Islamist group ruled Afghanistan. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Islamic State suspects use Turkey’s remorse law to get off the hook Taking advantage of the Turkish judicial system and the political climate besieging it, Islamic State suspects often receive sentence reductions under repentance provisions, even if they feign regret. Turkey
Pentagon rushes more reinforcements to Kabul airport as panic disrupts evacuations US troops regained control of the runway Monday afternoon after masses of Afghans rushed onto the tarmac hoping to escape. United States
More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
Militant clashes kill nine Egyptian soldiers in Sinai Egypt's military said nine soldiers were killed in counterterror operations. Egypt
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
