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
Egypt pledges support to Somalia, eyeing Horn of Africa influence Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Roble held talks in Cairo with senior Egyptian officials at a time when Egypt is attempting to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa. Egypt
Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan? Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan. Iran
Turkey offers to mediate disputes between Sudan, Ethiopia Erdogan also said he stands behind a peaceful resolution to the violence in Tigray. Turkey
Pentagon sidelines ally Turkey as US takes control of Kabul airport Taliban fighters helped secure the southern perimeter of Kabul airport as the US Army's 82nd Airborne rushed in to take control, marking a rare moment of coordination between the years-long enemies. United States
IRGC says Afghanistan exit a ‘lesson’ not to rely on US An official from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says the US exit from Afghanistan is a lesson for regional leaders. Iran
More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
Turkey ‘still in lead’ as US surges troops back to Kabul airport for evacuation The Pentagon is readying as many as 8,000 troops to facilitate the withdrawal of American and Afghan personnel. United States
Turkey to host international defense fair Some of the companies that will present weapons at the fair are from countries Turkey has difficult relations with. Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan says he may meet with Taliban leadership The speed of the Afghan insurgents' advances is "really troubling," Erdogan told CNN Turk. Turkey
Israel treads cautiously as fire exchanged on border with Lebanon Israel’s border with Lebanon is increasingly volatile like the roiling Gaza front in the south. Israel
Violence down in Syria’s al-Hol camp but conditions remain 'horrifying' The Islamic State has been smuggling boys out of displacement camps to train in the Syrian desert. Iraq
Bennett styles himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security On the backdrop of the fatal drone attack against the oil tanker off Oman and of growing tensions on Israel’s northern border, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is positioning himself as Israel’s new Mr. Security. Israel
