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
Tribal assassinations spark Iraqi-Syrian border concern The assassination of a prominent tribal figure and reports of continuing smuggling of individuals from Syria into Iraq have raised concerns on both sides of the border. Iraq
Health workers in Syrian camp for ISIS families test positive for COVID-19 Humanitarians warn that poor conditions in the camp put it at great risk for an outbreak of the virus. These are the first known cases there. Syria
Yazidi activist Nadia Murad to appear on 'The Daily Show' Murad's appearance on the popular US talk and news satire show could showcase her efforts to combat sexual violence and trafficking to a new and big audience. Iraq
The latest reason Australia won’t take back citizens detained in Syria’s prisons for IS? Coronavirus Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says COVID-19 has further complicated the possibilities of repatriating Australians captured during the war against the Islamic State in Syria. Syria
Iraqi army aircraft damaged in rocket attack on Camp Taji The attack is the latest in a long-running series of low-level attacks believed to be carried out by Iran-sponsored militias in Iraq. Iraq
Turkey helps Moldovan family escape Islamic State camp in Syria The woman and her family had been living in al-Hol since 2019, but their exact connection to IS is unclear. Syria
Islamic State recruit Shamima Begum can return to UK to appeal citizenship removal, court rules The Court of Appeal said Begum, who is currently detained in Syria, should be allowed to return to her home country to fight the UK’s decision to revoke her British citizenship. Syria
Intel: US CENTCOM commander meets with head of Syria’s Kurdish forces The head of Syria’s Kurdish-led militias said he met today with the top commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, in northeast Syria. Syria
US military consolidates footprint in Iraq amid pressure from Baghdad The Pentagon's top general overseeing forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, visited Baghdad this week amid a reshuffle of the US troop presence in the country in coordination with plans to bring in more NATO advisers. Iraq
Assyrians caught in crossfire between Turkey, PKK fighting Wars, attacks by the Islamic State, pressure from remaining militia groups and now attacks by Turkey have emptied or destroyed many Assyrian communities in northern Iraq. Iraq
Counter-Terrorism forces take greater role in Iraq Iraq’s US-trained Counter-Terrorism Services have taken on a more prominent role in operations in recent weeks under the new government. Iraq
Italian police confiscate $1 billion worth of ‘Islamic State-made’ drugs The 84 million Captagon tablets were stashed inside three containers investigators discovered at the Salerno port. Syria
