Analysis Why Saudi-Pakistan defense pact remains key as Mecca alliance takes shape Pakistan’s established military ties with Saudi Arabia remain the more operational defense framework as the newer Mecca alliance works to define its role. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Deal or war? Israel fears fallout from Trump’s next move on Iran Israel is struggling to decipher the White House’s intentions toward Iran, given Washington's contradictions around launching a fresh military campaign. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
US quietly aids Saudi Arabia’s Yemen campaign with intel, refueling Pentagon aims to keep Yemen and Iran wars separate while shielding the flow of Gulf oil exports from attack as Riyadh bears the brunt of the Houthis' missile and drone barrages. Yemen
Not everyone in Iraq welcomes peshmerga's possible return to Kirkuk As Iraq's central and Kurdish governments tentatively make nice again, the potential return of the Kurdish peshmerga to Kirkuk has some groups in the country on edge. Iraq
Russian, Turkish officials meet, keep low profile on Idlib ideas Moscow and Ankara seem to share some common goals regarding Syria, but don't necessarily agree on how to reach them. Syria
Assad’s advances heighten Iran-Russia rift in Syria As the regime gains ground in Syria, the divergence of Iranian and Russian interests there becomes more apparent. Syria
Is Turkey’s 'strategic partnership' with America coming to an end? An expert maintains that if solutions to the structural factors poisoning ties cannot be found, Turkish-American relations will continue to deteriorate. Turkey
Pentagon budget leaves uncertain future for Middle East President Donald Trump authorized on Monday the Pentagon’s 2019 budget, which will underwrite big upgrades for US weapons systems and troop numbers but leaves an uncertain future for the Pentagon’s operations in the Middle East. Iraq
Iraq, Jordan sign security agreement Iraq and Jordan have signed a security agreement to facilitate trade and travel between the two countries. Iraq
Syrian regime forces seize Suwayda desert After eight days of fighting, the Syrian regime forces, with the help of opposition factions, managed to seize the Suwayda desert following the eviction of the Islamic State organization. Syria
Iran readjusts its Syria strategy amid Russia’s changing role Having achieved military victory in the key southwestern region of Syria, Iran is actively maneuvering to redefine its approach to securing its aims in the war-torn country. Israel
Why Iran isn't concerned over US plans for 'Arab NATO' Contrary to what some may have expected, Iran does not appear concerned about US efforts to set up an "Arab NATO" — and for good reasons. United States
Despite its tough rhetoric, Turkey seeks way out of pastor impasse President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there is no problem with Washington that can’t be solved by focusing on the strategic partnership. Turkey
Following deals with Russia, Turkey now expands military cooperation with China Both China and Turkey are determined to develop their cooperation in the defense and security sectors. Turkey
US defense bill could impact arms exports to Middle East This year’s US defense authorization bill calls for reforming America’s high-tech exports even as weapons sales to the region boom. Saudi Arabia
