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
Moscow, Cairo discuss boosting ties Representatives of Russia and Egypt seemed pleased with the outcome of their meetings this week, as they touched base on current regional developments and talked through their perspectives. Qatar
Local Iraqi forces testing IS defenses in Anbar US-trained, local tribal fighters are preparing to cleanse Iraq's Anbar province of the Islamic State. Iraq
Israel, Hamas, Egypt indirectly cooperating against IS While Egypt and Hamas coordinate efforts against the Islamic State in the Sinai Peninsula, Israel is providing intelligence to Egypt to boost these efforts. Palestine
After Mosul, Iraq's western Anbar next up in IS fight An Iraqi offensive against the Islamic State is likely to take place in the near future in the western Anbar province, with the city of Haditha being the gateway to the region. Iraq
With Islamic State gone, barbers are busy in Mosul Mosul barbers, whose profession was outlawed during the Islamic State's rule, are becoming popular again in the newly freed city. Iraq
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services. Egypt
TV drama explores life inside Islamic State A Ramadan TV series dares to depict the daily realities inside the Islamic State despite threats to the cast and crew. Egypt
Iran struck by first Islamic State attacks The Iranian capital was rocked today by two terrorist attacks claimed by the Islamic State. Iran
Islamic State families fear persecution in Iraq Al-Monitor visited families of Islamic State members being held in isolation in the Shahama camp, near Tikrit. They and aid workers fear what will happen to them if they are unable to rejoin communities outside the camp. Iraq
Turkey wary of NATO's decision to join fight against IS Turkey didn't veto NATO’s decision to join the anti-Islamic State coalition in Syria and Iraq, but it does consider the move part of a plan to strengthen the Kurdish People’s Protection Units. Syria
Ex-Islamic State fighters face justice in Mosul Iraq establishes a special court in Ninevah province to address a large number of terrorist cases related to former Islamic State fighters. Iraq
Why liberating Mosul won't lead to the end of IS Due to the wide remote area between Iraq and Syria, retaking Mosul will not mean an end to the Islamic State. Iraq
