Analysis Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
US troops exit Iraq after 12 years as Iran war reshapes regional security The Pentagon is completing its troop withdrawal under a 2024 agreement with Baghdad, but the move risks leaving Kurdish allies vulnerable to attack while potentially ceding ground to Tehran’s long-term influence. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Feature Syria Golan detentions fuel fury at Israeli forces, doubts in new government Israeli forces have detained hundreds of Syrians and continue to conduct strikes and incursions in Quneitra, fueling resentment among residents who say Damascus has failed to protect them. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
In Trump meeting, Iraq PM says US troops to withdraw by Sept. 30 By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey arrests senior Islamic State figure, police say The arrest came after a series of security warnings by several foreign diplomatic missions in Turkey about potential attacks on Westerners last month. Turkey
Senior Islamic State leader killed in US raid in Somalia Bilal al-Sudani, "a key operator and global facilitator for IS’ global network," died along with 10 companions in a firefight with US forces in a cave complex last night, Biden administration officials said. The Horn of Africa
Is 'Jihadi terror' in Europe coming back with a vengeance? Despite initial fears, terror attacks have been limited in scope since the beginning of the decade, when compared to IS days. By Gilles Kepel
Increase in Jihadist attacks in Syria as Turkey courts Assad Syrian jihadi groups are increasing their attacks on Syrian army outposts, as tripartite meetings between Russia, Turkey and Syria hint at a potential rapprochement deal to end the decade-long war. Syria
Iraq repatriates 580 citizens from Syria’s al-Hol camp The Islamic State sees the tens of thousands of detainees at al-Hol and other prison facilities in Syria as key to rebuilding its army, US officials have said. Iraq
US slaps sanctions on Islamic State network in Turkey The US Treasury Department designated four individuals and two entities accused of enabling the terrorist group’s recruitment and financial transfers. Turkey
Libya court sentences 17 Islamic State members to death The Tripoli court found them guilty of joining the group and killing 53 people. Libya
Latest Islamic State attack highlights security challenges facing Iraq The Islamic State continues to carry out attacks in northern Iraq, creating serious security challenges for the country. Iraq
Pentagon's concerns grow as Syria's Kurds prepare for Turkish assault Syrian Kurdish commander's plans to defend Kobani and Manbij have US military officials worried about security at prisons holding some 10,000 former IS fighters. Syria
Syrian man sentenced in Turkey for burning two alive under Islamic State A Turkish court has sentenced a Syrian man for ordering the burning executions of two Turkish nationals in 2016, but many aspects of the grisly murder remain in the dark. Turkey
Syrian government retaliates for killing of soldiers by Islamic State The Syrian government and Russia accused the Islamic State of blowing up a troop bus of the Syrian army’s Fourth Division in its main headquarters near Damascus. Syria
Islamic State claims over 125 people killed in Syrian operations in 2 months The Islamic State announced the largest number of operations it has so far carried out in the span of two months in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, which is under the control of Kurdish forces in northeast Syria. Syria
