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
Syriac manuscripts recovered from suspected Islamic State fighter in Mosul Stolen manuscripts resurface as Iraqi security forces engage Islamic State cells, but safety concerns for minority communities still loom large. Iraq
Kidnappings continue in Iraq’s disputed territories Despite improved security coordination among Iraqi, Kurdish and coalition forces, Islamic State remnants still threaten residents. Iraq
US gives Iraqi Kurdistan peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo Washington's ambassador announced the move as some US troops prepare to leave Iraq. Iraq
Iraq, counter-IS coalition kill, capture Islamic State figures The US-led anti-IS coalition provided helicopter transport for the Iraqi raid in al-Rutba. Iraq
How the Islamic State found a haven in Syrian desert The Syrian regime and Russian forces are facing a growing threat of the Islamic State, which continues to hold pockets across the desert in central Syria. Syria
Biden endorses lower troop levels in Iraq, fight against IS in interview Joe Biden told Stars and Stripes he wants to stop "forever wars" but keep some troops in Iraq and Syria. His opponent, Donald Trump, also pledges to withdraw more troops. United States
Iraqi Kurdistan president carries conciliatory message from Baghdad to Ankara Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani carried a conciliatory message from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Ankara. Iraq
Coalition withdrawal from base near Baghdad worries locals The recent pullout of international coalition personnel from Camp Taji, the first airstrike in years in an area close to the capital, and continued targeting of facilities keep tensions high as the drawdown continues. Iraq
American who joined IS pleads guilty to terrorism charge Omer Kuzu faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Syria
US vetoes UN resolution on foreign terrorists, citing lack of repatriation language The United States said the Security Council resolution did not mention the need to send Islamic fighters to their home countries. US-backed forces detain thousands of them in Syria. Originals
Intel: US plans to reduce troops in Iraq The Pentagon plans to reduce its current troop presence in Iraq by about one-third as President Donald Trump heads for November's vote on his reelection amid a campaign promise to end US military involvement in conflicts abroad. Iraq
