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
Raisi reasserts Iran's regional policy in swearing-in ceremony The new head of state reiterated Iran's controversial regional policy, even as it has been at the very core of tensions between the Islamic Republic's hard-line establishment and the West. Iran
Violence down in Syria’s al-Hol camp but conditions remain 'horrifying' The Islamic State has been smuggling boys out of displacement camps to train in the Syrian desert. Iraq
Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support. Syria
Will Erdogan’s Afghan gambit pay off in Washington? The general impression is that Ankara’s commitment to protect Kabul airport is only aimed at winning favor with Washington. Turkey
US sanctions on Turkey-backed Syria faction offer solace to Kurdish victims It remains to be seen what practical and immediate effect Wednesday's sanctions will have. Syria
Libyan militia leader sanctioned for war crimes killed in shootout The International Criminal Court is investigating allegations and evidence that Mohammed al-Kani's militia carried out crimes against humanity. Libya
Iraq's military disputes militia claim about drone attack The Imam Ali Division militia claimed two drones attacked one of its storage facilities near Najaf. Iraq
Militias call for revenge against Sunni town over suicide attacks in Baghdad The suicide attack on the Shiite-dominated Sadr City district of Baghdad on July 19 that killed at least 35 people has led some pro-Iran militias to demand vengeance against Sunnis near Baghdad. Iraq
Iranian forces in Syria establish new prison in Raqqa Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is redeploying and building new bases and prisons in its areas of control in northeastern Syria after coming under repeated Israeli and US airstrikes. Syria
Turkish-backed rebels leave trail of abuse, criminality in Syria’s Afrin The serene topography of the Syrian enclave of Afrin belies the power vacuum and violence now afflicting many of the territories under the control of Turkish-backed forces in the war-torn country’s northeast. Syria
Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Syrian jihadi groups crack down on rivals in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is tightening the noose on the jihadi Jundallah group and asking it to join it or leave Idlib, in what observers described as an attempt on the part of HTS to get rid of non-Syrian fighters. Syria
