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
Iraq reveals details on assassination attempt targeting PM In its first press conference, the special committee responsible for investigating the drone attack on the house of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi released new details and its first public report. Iraq
Ethiopia denies role in deadly Sudan border attack The disputed al-Fashaqa border region risks becoming a regional flashpoint as Ethiopia descends into civil war. Sudan
Iran-linked militia calls up thousands of volunteers to fight US forces An IRGC-linked armed faction in Iraq has urged men across the country to take up arms against any US forces remaining after Dec. 31, claiming to have received tens of thousands of "calls" from citizens willing to help. Iraq
France to probe whether Egypt used its intel to target civilians A report from investigative website Disclose said that intelligence from a joint covert military mission in Libya may have been used by Egypt to target and killing smugglers. Egypt
Sudanese ministers resign after prime minister pens deal with coup leaders Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was released from house arrest before he and coup leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan publicly announced a reconciliation deal. Sudan
HTS makes rival jihadis in Syria's Idlib take Sharia courses, give up weapons Hayat Tahrir al-Sham managed to eliminate the jihadist Jundallah organization, forcing its operatives to hand over their weapons and take Sharia courses. By Khaled al-Khateb
Sudan protesters vow escalation after 15 shot dead in Khartoum The UN human rights chief slammed the killings of Sudanese protesters and called on the military to reinstate the government following last month's coup. Sudan
Sadr calls for majority government, 'liquidation' of Iraqi militias Sadr calls for forming majority government as the Iraqi President Barham Salih hosted a meeting with the prime minister and the judiciary head to discuss the current political deadlock and present initiatives for it. Iraq
Sudan minister says coup reversal 'unrealistic' Sudan's finance minister has warned time is running out for deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to join the post-coup leadership. Sudan
Russia, Turkey condemn assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived a drone attack on his Baghdad residence. Iraq
Sudan coup leader says he will leave government after transition Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shows no sign, so far, of reversing course. Sudan
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
