Meet Nada Hamadeh, Lebanon's US ambassador set to lead Israel talks Lebanese ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh is expected to lead the Lebanese delegation in talks with the Israeli side in Washington on Tuesday, the first such contact between the two parties in decades. Lebanon
In Islamabad, US set to face a more defiant Iran at negotiating table Iran's widening ambitions after the war include a bid to exercise permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Analysis Ahead of Washington talks, Israel has little choice but to accept ceasefire in Lebanon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had little choice but to agree to direct talks with Beirut as it became clear that Hezbollah is unlikely to be quickly disarmed. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Sanctions relief, Pakistan role propel China backing of Iran-US ceasefire The US–Iran truce boosts Pakistan — one of China’s closest partners — by elevating its role as a mediator and strengthening a regional balance that favors Beijing’s allies. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Analysis Trump ceasefire leaves Netanyahu flustered as Iran gains politically By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Erdogan: Turkey to expel Kurds from Manbij if no one else does Erdogan vows that Kurdish militia members will be removed from Manbij, one way or another; Greek prime minister visits Ankara; jailed CHP legislator ends hunger strike, but Kurdish woman continues hers despite being released. Syria
Intel: Why Trump’s Iran policy is sparking Iraqi outrage President Donald Trump’s pledge to use a US base in Iraq to “watch” Iran has triggered a furious reaction from Baghdad. Originals
Intel: How McConnell is forcing Democrats to side with Trump on Syria Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., managed to rebuke both President Donald Trump and Democrats with one vote. Syria
What is driving Ankara’s love for Nicolas Maduro? Coup attempts in any country — democratic or not — continue to act as emotional tripwires for Erdogan and his supporters, especially if these attempts are supported by the West. Turkey
Senior Polish diplomat in Iran to mend ties amid Warsaw conference row Poland's deputy foreign minister visited Tehran to assure Iranians that an upcoming controversial conference in Warsaw will not turn into an anti-Iran event. United States
Turks unite to condemn Trump's threat to 'devastate' economy Turkish government officials and members of the opposition condemned President Donald Trump's threat to "devastate Turkey economically" if Ankara attacks Washington's Kurdish allies in northern Syria. Syria
Pompeo's Cairo speech panned as ‘tone-deaf,’ ‘hyper-partisan,’ ‘offensive’ Former diplomats and regional experts say Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s Cairo address fell short on substance and policy vision, while inappropriately taking domestic partisan arguments to foreign soil. Egypt
Congress plans new challenge to president’s war powers amid Syria pullout Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., is looking for allies on her latest push to end the 2001 war authorization that the Donald Trump administration uses to fight terrorism in the Middle East. Syria