Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact Conflicting accounts of why Egypt stayed out of the agreement have exposed the competing interests shaping the region’s emerging defense architecture. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran Uncertain how to interpret the American regional redeployment, Israel is focusing on efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime and stop its nuclear program. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey’s defense exports reach record $5.79B in first 7 months of 2026 The country’s defense and aviation exports have risen to $11.2 billion over the last 12 months, according to Turkey's defense industry agency. Turkey
Analysis Katz riles Iran, US as Netanyahu-Trump meeting raises questions By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Can Kuwait secure a Saudi-style defense pact with Pakistan? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Pentagon set to enhance Jordan’s counterterror troops The Pentagon is sending more than $22 million to help Jordan outfit its emerging special operations command and quick reaction force. Jordan
F-35 sale to Turkey runs into congressional buzz saw The sale of more than 100 fifth-generation fighter jets is in jeopardy amid worsening US tensions with its NATO ally. Turkey
Iraqi, Syrian forces work together to secure border The Iraqi army is coordinating with its Syrian counterpart to secure the border between the two countries and to prevent terrorist elements from moving between the two countries. Iraq
Pompeo calls for review of security assistance to Lebanon The State Department and congressional hawks are taking a second look at US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces after Hezbollah and its allies won a parliamentary majority in this month’s elections. Lebanon
Assad in surprise Sochi visit as Russia continues Iran-Israel mediation Following a meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Sochi, Putin's comments that "foreign armed forces" will withdraw from Syria have left those involved guessing what it means. Syria
Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia. Turkey
Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees. Lebanon
Israel’s blurred red line of self-defense Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu uses the excuse of self-defense to target other regimes and to make a mockery of decisions by the international community. Palestine
Saudi defense spending soars, but not to America's benefit Saudi Arabia's military spending is not currently benefiting the United States, as no large arms deals are on the table. Saudi Arabia
Congress wants return on $1.5 billion investment in Israel missile shield US taxpayers fork over millions of dollars every year for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. As worldwide threats grow, Congress wants deployed US troops to reap the benefits. Israel
As tensions flare with Iran, Israel embraces Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role as mediator between Israel and Tehran is gaining importance as turmoil threatens to boil over in Syria. Israel
Congress prioritizes smart bombs for Israel despite US shortages US lawmakers are scrambling to defend Israel from rising regional threats. Israel
