Analysis What UAE's Edge expansion into space means for country's military industry Abu Dhabi has recently seen a significant boost in its domestic defense and aerospace capabilities, thanks to its nation-based conglomerate, EDGE. This month, the group launched its new space company, FADA, marking a milestone in enhancing the Emirati’s status in the strategic space sector. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea solidify regional alliance amid tensions with Ethiopia The three countries have pledged to deepen cooperation and defend Somalia's sovereignty after their leaders met in Eritrea's capital. Somalia
Israel's cabinet remains uncertain about response to Iran attack The Israeli cabinet adjourned hours before Yom Kippur without a decision on when and how to retaliate for Iran's recent missile barrage. Israel
Pentagon confirms Israel defense chief Gallant's Washington visit postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nixed his defense chief's trip as Washington looks for leverage to restrain an Israeli retaliation against Iran that Biden administration officials fear could escalate into a regional war. United States
Analysis As response looms, US tries to dissuade Israel from catastrophic attack on Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How an Israeli retaliation on Iran could impact Gulf energy flow By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis Israel’s four options for retaliating against Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq backs off plans to double number of US-trained counterterrorism forces With all of Iraq now liberated from the Islamic State, the elite Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service is shifting its focus away from large-scale battles. Iraq
Turkey calls on Russia, Iran to get Syrian army under control The Syrian army's attacks against armed groups at Idlib could ignite tensions between Russia and Turkey. Syria
Russian media tries to sort out source of attack on Syria air base Russia says it has increased security on its Khmeimim air base in Syria after a Dec. 31 attack on the base, one of the worst in the country's two-year involvement in the Syrian war. Syria
Erdogan takes total control of Turkish defense industry With yet another emergency status decree, Turkey's president makes himself top gun of the country's entire defense industry. Turkey
What 2018 looks like for Russia, US regarding Syria Will US and Russian relations in the new year involve cooperation, confrontation or attempts to carefully balance both? Syria
Iran gradually moving toward resumed military ties with Europe Acknowledging that military cooperation with leading European powers is not on the table, Iran is seeking out European middle powers. Iran
Pentagon surges weapons into Middle East terror fight The Pentagon is using a little-known fund to give a boost to counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East. Jordan
Russia finds neutral zones in Syria essential but tricky Moscow hopes to focus soon on rebuilding Syria's shattered infrastructure, but first must help restore stability, which could prove much more difficult. Syria
Turkey's 'war machine' goes global The ambitious Turkish gendarmerie command is seeking to form a cooperative agency with countries in and around Central Asia as part of its increased involvement in Turkey's foreign policy. Turkey
US says Saudis agree to lift blockade on key Yemen port The Saudis announced they will lift a blockade on a key Yemen port after growing pressure from the Trump administration. Saudi Arabia
Turkey plans short turnaround on long-range missiles in 2018 Regional conflicts have shown the importance of deep-strike capability with cruise missiles, and Turkey is now working hard to acquire it. Syria
Russian-Egyptian military cooperation on the rise Russia and Egypt have recently signed an agreement on the shared use of air bases, amid other signs of strengthening military ties. Egypt