China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills. Egypt
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi crown prince heads to France as ties deepen: What to expect Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will start a visit to Paris this weekend, his fourth to France since his appointment in 2017. Saudi Arabia
Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Is Turkey losing Washington? Erdogan’s revisionist foreign policy looks squeezed between the Eastern Mediterranean anvil and the Syrian hammer. Turkey
Israel's Lapid discusses Iran, Abraham Accords, US-Israel ties in Washington On a three-day visit in Washington, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met yesterday with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris. Israel
Iran kicks off air defense drills amid tensions with Israel, Azerbaijan The exercise comes as Israeli officials are reportedly seeking assurances that the Biden administration is ready for joint operations should nuclear negotiations in Vienna fail. Iran
Is Erdogan testing Biden with request to buy more F-16s? Ankara’s surprise request to purchase F-16 jets from the United States looks like a rational decision dictated by military realities, but some suspect it might well be a gambit to set the stage for warplane negotiations with Russia. Turkey
After Merkel’s visit, Israel still waiting on submarine deal Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tried to persuade outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel to finalize the deal for the IDF to purchase three next-generation submarines. Israel
Turkey requests to buy 40 US F-16 fighter planes Just last week Erdogan boasted about potential new defense deals with Russia, including aircraft purchases. News Brief
Tensions between Israel’s Gantz, Bennett threaten coalition stability Defense Minister Benny Gantz is furious with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett over exposing a Mossad operation concerning long-years missing aviator Ron Arad. Israel
Iraq seeks to attach strings to arms purchases from Turkey Talks on the sale of Turkish armed drones and combat helicopters to Iraq have hit snags amid Iraqi efforts to extract concessions on contentious issues in bilateral ties. Turkey
Geopolitical rivalry in Caucasus gets militarized The geopolitical power struggle in the Caucasus is growing increasingly militarized as converging interests pit Iran and Armenia against Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Israel. Turkey
Cyprus assassination attempt paints picture of emboldened Iran Israel suspects that a plot to kill Israeli businesspeople in Cyrus reflects an alarming change in Iranian strategy. Israel
Intel: Top general joins US diplomats in urging Libya’s reunification AFRICOM's commander talked partnership opportunities with military officials in Tripoli last week, but Libyans must first bridge their divisions with nationwide elections. Libya
Republican Congressman, pro-Israel group spar over Iron Dome funding Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a critic of foreign aid, was the only Republican to vote against funding for Israel's Iron Dome last week. United States
