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
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
US, Turkey sanction ISIS smuggling group linked to Istanbul church attack The Treasury Department said three of the sanctioned individuals were part of a human-smuggling network operating in Turkey. Turkey
Biden’s nominee for Iraq ambassador vows to counter resurgent ISIS The career diplomat emphasized the role of economic development and good governance in combating the terrorist group. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Iraq recovers over 6,000 stolen historical artifacts, government says An Iraqi official says the Iraqi government’s efforts to get back historical artifacts smuggled out of the country were focused on Mosul, which was overrun by ISIS in 2014. Iraq
ISIS resurgence in Iraq sees fresh attacks, clashes after commander killed The Islamic State is suspected of killing soldiers in eastern Iraq in the latest sign of the group’s persistence. Iraq
Turkey expands ISIS crackdown, detains over 100 in a week Eight more people were detained on Monday in a raid on individuals who were allegedly planning to carry out a bomb attack. Turkey
ISIS takes advantage of Israel-Iran spiral to mount resurgence in Syria Amid the relocation of Iranian-backed forces due to Israeli and US airstrikes and the lack of coordination between the SDF and Damascus, ISIS has intensified its operations, clawing back parts of the vital highway separating Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Syria
Syria’s Kurds face ISIS threat, US indifference as Turkey destroys critical infrastructure Turkish strikes have left hundreds of thousands without water and electricity, as well as undermining security at prisons and detention centers where tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families are being held. Syria
What’s behind ISIS threat to Champions League soccer matches? The threats follow an ISIS-linked shooting in Belgium in October. The group remains particularly active in Iraq and Syria, though it no longer holds territory there. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
From Russia to Iran and Turkey: Understanding rise, narrative of ISIS-K The jihadi group has been raising its profile since the beginning of 2024 through suicide attacks in southern Iran in January and the armed attack on an Istanbul Roman Catholic church last month. Russia
Iraq says it killed prominent ISIS leader as group resurfaces The Islamic State remains active in Iraq as Baghdad and Washington discuss winding down the US presence in the country, though the group is relatively weak at present. Iraq
