US approves $230M for Lebanon’s push to disarm Hezbollah New US funds for Beirut signal rare bipartisan approval for progress by Lebanon's security forces as they dismantle Hezbollah weapons caches, but significant risks remain as the militant faction resists full disarmament. United States
In first visit in 25 years, Syrian FM pushes sanctions relief in Washington Asaad al-Shibani’s visit to Washington comes as Syria seeks sanctions relief and engages in US-mediated talks with Israel on a security agreement. Syria
Turkey’s spy chief in Damascus as Israel, Syria weigh new security map Ibrahim Kalin’s visit comes as Israel presses Syria on a buffer zone plan and Turkey frets over Kurdish autonomy. Turkey
Armenia's Pashinyan drops Mount Ararat from border stamps in 'concession' to Turkey Armenia’s government will stop using Mount Ararat on border stamps starting in November, a move that has stirred outrage at home and fueled debate over Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s outreach to Turkey. Turkey
Sudan’s military council revives disputed area with Cairo Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of state in Sudan's transitional government, has brought up once again the disputed Halayeb border area with Egypt at a time when relations between the two countries are witnessing rapprochement following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir. Egypt
Israel retaliates after Hezbollah shoots at IDF from Lebanon Israel is worried that a security incident late Aug. 25 on the border fence with Lebanon means that Hezbollah intends to escalate tensions. Israel
Turkey holds joint military drills with Azerbaijan amid Armenia conflict Azerbaijan and Armenia, long at odds, have been fighting in the strategic Tavush-Tovuz border area; Turkey has threatened to intervene on the side of Azerbaijan. Turkey
Israel, Hezbollah playing war game, but avoid real conflagration Attempting to avoid further escalation with Hezbollah, the Israel Defense Forces are careful to showcase lots of fire and brimstone, but no casualties on either side. Israel
Intel: Turkey lashes out at new US support for Cyprus Turkey is lashing out at the United States as Washington moves closer to providing Cyprus with military aid as the disputed island nation develops closer energy ties with Israel. Turkey
What are Jordan’s options if Israel annexes West Bank? Jordan is considering suspending parts of the 1994 peace treaty with Israel, sources told Al-Monitor, if Israel goes ahead with its plan to annex parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Palestine
Pakistan calls for tighter security on Iran border following fatal attack While Iran and Pakistan have made significant progress on improving border security and stopping smugglers, a recent attack on Pakistani soldiers shows that much remains to be done. Iran
The message behind Israel’s drone attack Hezbollah is on edge as Israel continues its drone war in Lebanon. Israel
Iraq summons Turkish ambassador over deadly PKK airstrikes The Turkish military launched two airstrikes on Iraqi territory, prompting a rebuke from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Iraq
Coronavirus in Iran prompts fears of spread in Iraq The outbreak of coronavirus in Iran prompted a wave of anti-Iranian sentiment among Iraqi protesters, who called for the closure of the border. Iraq
Netanyahu's plan to annex Jordan Valley kills all chances for Palestinian state While political leaders are lining up to oppose the threats to the two-state solution posed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pre-election statement, a closer look at the devastating effects on the ground shows that the viability of a Palestinian state would be threatened if annexation of the Jordan Valley is carried out. Palestine
Blue and White champions Israeli sovereignty over Jordan Valley The declarations by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz in favor of perpetuating Israel’s occupation of the Jordan Valley are a cynical ploy to attract right-wing voters, but they erode his support for the two-state solution. Palestine
