Analysis Despite top-level visits, lingering mistrust overshadows Pakistan-Iran ties Against the backdrop of renewed tensions in South Asia, Iran and Pakistan are navigating a fragile detente shaped by border security concerns, regional rivalries and the prospect of closer economic ties. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials. Israel
Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries. Iran
Israel intercepts weapons-laden drone from Egypt: What we know The Israeli military said it intercepted a large drone carrying rifles and ammunition from Egypt. Egypt
Analysis Macron’s Palestine gamble: Can recognition plan jump-start peace talks? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As Israel pummels Syria, can it avoid collision course with Turkey? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel moves forward with gradual annexation of West Bank The latest proposal to apply Israeli law on West Bank higher education institutions is part of the settlers’ strategy to gradually annex Palestinian lands. Palestine
Why is Turkey so worried about border guards? A CIA-trained border force in northern Syria would mean the institutionalization and legitimization of a Kurdish-led military body on Turkey’s border. Syria
Tension keeps rising in Cairo over Turkey-Sudan island pact The Turkish-Sudanese deal over Suakin Island has sparked angry reactions to the possibility of Turkey building a military base on the island, posing a threat to Egypt’s national security. Egypt
Jerusalem's political orphans Israeli officials are making unilateral decisions about the fate and future of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. Palestine
Israel sets the stage for further division of the West Bank There are signs that Israel is moving ahead with its plan to establish the E1 area aimed at breaking up the West Bank and expanding the Israeli borders of Jerusalem. Palestine
Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq's strategic Sinjar The Islamic State has been largely driven out of Iraq, but Turkey and Iran both remain intensely interested in certain areas. Iraq
Iraq’s intervention may change the equation in Syria's Kurdish regions The closure of the Fish Khabur and Rabia border crossings between Iraq and Syria may jeopardize the Kurdish federal project in northern Syria. Iraq
Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels. Syria
Are Russia, Iran outflanking the US in Iraq? Russia deftly manages potentially choppy ties with Iran, while the United States claims Iran "subverting Iraq." Iraq
Senate challenges House on Western Sahara dispute Senate appropriators want to tighten restrictions on US aid to Morocco-occupied Western Sahara one year after the House first made assistance available. Algeria
Russia's balancing act in North Africa Despite Russia's very different relations with Algeria and Morocco, Moscow takes pains to treat them the same. Algeria
A unified Cyprus seems too much to ask Despite long and dogged efforts, hopes for a unified island of Cyprus diminish as too many factors seem to favor the status quo. Turkey
