Analysis Israel concerned Iran trying to buy time but sees US strikes as still possible “We don’t yet know what happened there and hope that the Iranians didn’t string the American team along in order to buy time. The gaps between the sides are enormous and cannot be bridged," a senior Israeli official told Al-Monitor. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
On first Horn of Africa trip in 10 years, Erdogan cautions Ethiopia over Somaliland Turkey opposes Somaliland's recognition to protect its strategic military foothold in Mogadishu and the Red Sea. Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan heads to Ethiopia amid tensions over Horn of Africa The Turkish leader is expected to raise Ankara’s concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity while discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties with Addis Ababa. Turkey
Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Analysis Turkey courts Saudi Arabia on Kaan, but stealth fighter deal faces hurdles By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Why Trump is betting on military leaders for Iran negotiations By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Despite Israeli concerns, sources say Trump giving Iran talks up to 2 months By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysts weigh prospects of Egypt-Israel military exercises Though some analysts believe joint Egyptian-Israeli military exercises won't actually take place given the Egyptian public's opposition to the idea, some Arab and Gulf countries seem to be advancing on a path toward normalization with Israel. Egypt
Why did Saudi Arabia save Yemen's ex-president again? Saudi Arabia has once again rushed to the aid of Yemen's ailing ex-president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, leaving many wondering why the kingdom continues to back the ineffective leader. Saudi Arabia
Russia sandwiched in Syria between Israel, Iran Russia has many irons in the Mideast fire, and it must attend to them all to keep from getting burned. Israel
Turkish deployment may redraw battle lines in Syria's Idlib The Turkish military deployment in Idlib has a direct impact on armed factions in the region, some of which have already accused Turkey of implementing Russia’s plans. Syria
Erdogan’s antics keep Russia on its toes Turkey’s president takes actions that sometimes seem like self-sabotage, like surprising Moscow with his recent statements on the Crimean Peninsula and his decision to complicate Russia’s export procedures. Syria
Will new tribal council ease Turkey's load in Syria? Twenty-nine tribes and clans in the areas liberated during Operation Euphrates Shield announced the formation of a tribal council with the support of Turkey. Syria
Are we headed for Turkish-American breakup? Former diplomats and analysts warn that Turkish-US ties could be heading for a point of no return. Turkey
Turkey, Iran could unite to overcome their Kurdish worries The emerging Iran-Turkey rapprochement, driven by their mutual desire to contain the Kurds, has led to agreements on military cooperation, but the odds appear to be against a formal military alliance. Iraq
The story behind first permanent US base in Israel The United States has inaugurated its first military base in Israel, housing a powerful US provided and operated radar system. Israel
US missile defense sale to Saudis seen as effort to thwart Russia The Donald Trump administration OK’d a $15 billion sale of anti-missile technology to Saudi Arabia after Riyadh moved to buy a rival Russian system. Saudi Arabia
Russians, Saudis look to spruce up relations Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman reached around their differences to sign lucrative agreements and improve relations, but the differences are still there. Saudi Arabia
Hamas’ weapons risk could kill Palestinian reconciliation Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has set new conditions for reconciling with Hamas that some say could hinder the process, though others are more optimistic. Palestine
