Ankara open to US mediation role in Turkey-Greece row with conditions: Source A Turkish source told Al-Monitor that Ankara could be receptive to the idea of the US playing a role in easing tensions with Greece. Turkey
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US pressure prompted Israel-Lebanon talks to avert war with Hezbollah According to an Israeli security source, US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ visit was perceived in Israel as a warning that President Donald Trump will not accept Israel launching a large military campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel
Analysis As it prepares for Hezbollah’s retaliation, Israel anticipates limited fighting in Lebanon After Israel killed Hezbollah military commander Ali Tabatabai, the militant group faces demands for retaliation from its base. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Trump pursues Israeli-Syrian security pact with Sharaa, larger US military footprint By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Feature Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Would-be Syrian refugees flown back from Belarus despite visas Belarus has given Syrians two options: cross the border into Poland or be deported. Syria
Sudan-Ethiopia border dispute deepens internal chaos for both The Ethiopia-Sudan border conflict has hit the headlines once again, with their armed forces renewing bloody clashes at a time when the two countries are going through unprecedented internal turmoil. Egypt
Rebel groups take sides on Sudan coup Rebel leaders who integrated into the transitional bodies through the civilian side after the 2020 Juba Peace Agreements have allied with the military, but some defiance remains. North Africa
Iraqi forces arrest Syrians accused of trying to sneak across border An Iraqi military body said a group of Syrian citizens were caught attempting to illegally cross into western Iraq. News Brief
Jordan to reopen border crossing with Syria Jordan closed the Jaber border crossing in August due to security concerns amid fighting in southern Syria. Jordan originally supported the Syrian opposition in the civil war but has moved closer to the government recently. News Brief
Algeria partly blames Israel in decision to cut ties with Morocco In explaining his country’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco, Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra also pointed a finger at Israel. Israel
Turkey offers to mediate disputes between Sudan, Ethiopia Erdogan also said he stands behind a peaceful resolution to the violence in Tigray. Turkey
Two rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel Israel shelled areas of southern Lebanon in response, though it was unclear who fired the rockets. News Brief
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Tunisia
Turkish plan to reopen Cyprus ghost town strains rapprochement with Egypt Egypt slams the Turkish plan to reopen the town of Varosha in the eastern part of the island of Cyprus, at a time when talks to normalize ties between the two countries have stalled. Egypt
Explainer: The conflict between Turkey and Cyprus over the Varosha ghost town Turkey is supporting the development of a former tourist resort in Northern Cyprus, prompting condemnation from the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, the United States and others. Turkey
Iran presses for visa waiver from Iraq Iranian authorities continue to pressure the Iraqi government into waiving its travel visa between the two countries. Iraq
