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
Will al-Qaeda and IS unite? Several reports indicate that an alliance between al-Qaeda and the Islamic State may take place in Iraq after the liberation of Mosul. Iraq
Will IS find popular base in Palestine? Israel is increasingly arresting Palestinians over accusations of belonging to the Islamic State, which raises questions about IS’ presence in the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Despite massive setbacks, IS still bares its fangs in Iraq As it is losing ground in Mosul, the Islamic State is carrying out attacks against Iraqi security and civilian targets elsewhere to preserve its presence in Iraq. Iraq
Islamic State turns to cigarette smuggling to fund itself As the Islamic State loses its financial resources, it turns to fund the organization through other resources such as cigarette smuggling. Iraq
