Armed Militias and Extremist Groups

Is Islamic State back in Kirkuk?

Using reactivated sleeper cells and new tactics in Kirkuk, the Islamic State shows it's back in action even as it is about to lose all its territory in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq

Hama rebels struggle to hold ground as regime, IS attack

Opposition forces in Idlib and Hama are struggling to maintain some of their last positions, against which the Syrian regime and the Islamic State are escalating their attacks.

Syria

Iraqi forces hunt down IS remnants in Hamrin Mountains

After the declaration of victory against the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces are still hunting small groups of IS fighters in the remote areas.

Iraq

In retreat, IS takes advantage of Libya's political divide

Rival forces in Libya are fighting an Islamic State insurgency after the group suffered major blows across the country.

Libya

Sufi sites in Libya under attack

Sufis and other religious minorities in Libya are under constant threat of attack by extremist Salafists.

Libya

Iraq's PMU leaders 'resign' in preparation for elections

Several leaders in Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units have signaled that they are handing over control of their factions to the central government as they prepare to run in next year's elections, but some argue they will maintain their influence.

Iraq

Hezbollah, Iran, Hamas seek new strategy for resistance

Hamas is moving closer to Iran and Hezbollah, as the "axis of resistance" shifts priorities now that the Syrian war is winding down.

Palestine

Iran calls Haley's missile claim 'ridiculous'

Iranian officials view UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s speech accusing Tehran of sending missiles to the Houthis in Yemen as politically motivated.

Saudi Arabia

Houthis broach talks after Saleh slain, but war continues

Yemen's civil war demonstrates that despotism leads to more of the same, no matter who's in power.

Saudi Arabia

Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran?

Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger.

Palestine

FSA opens new business crossing in northern Syria

A Syrian rebel faction opened a business road crossing in the Aleppo countryside to collect funds for the local civilians and military.

Syria

As calls for disbanding Iraq's PMU rise, its influence expands

The voices of Iraq's Western allies are rising against the Popular Mobilization Units, demanding the dissolution of these forces, while the PMU is expanding its influence in the Iraqi state, making Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi face tough choices.

Iraq