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
Israel considers options after drone attack on ship blamed on Iran The drone attack against an Israeli-managed oil tanker last week revealed Israel’s soft underbelly at sea, and forces its leadership to consider how to retaliate. Israel
Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support. Syria
Israel says Iran behind drone attack on ship Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said there is clear evidence that Iran was involved in the July 29 drone attack on an Israeli-managed ship. Israel
Israel weighs risks, options for dealing with Hezbollah’s precise missiles Hezbollah is expanding its missile capability — what are Israel's options? Israel
Senator urges aid freeze to Egypt amid human rights abuses Sen. Chris Murphy urged the Biden administration not to bypass US law with this year's military aid package to Cairo. Washington Pulse
Lockheed, Israel's Rafael team up to build laser air defense weapon Israel's Defense Ministry aims to field a ground-based laser capable of shooting down rockets by 2024. Israel
Israel sides against Turkey in Cyprus dispute Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said after his meeting with Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides that Israel is concerned over what it considers a Turkish provocative move in northern Cyprus. Israel
Biden announces end to US combat mission in Iraq Following a White House meeting today between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the two side announced an agreement that the US combat mission in Iraq will end by Dec. 31, 2021. Iraq
US reaffirms stance on Turkey’s S-400, support for Syria’s Kurds The White House has maintained the previous administration's demands that Ankara dispose of the Russian missile defense system. United States
US senator says Turkish actions against pro-Kurdish party like ‘if Biden banned the Republican Party’ Democratic and Republican senators voiced heavy criticism of the Turkish government to a State Department official during a Wednesday hearing. The lawmakers accused Ankara of abusing the international police system, being an “aggressor” toward Greece, and much more. United States
Erdogan takes Taliban's warning in stride Turkey's leaders are brushing off the Taliban's warnings over extending its mission in Afghanistan. Turkey
Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach The rare criticism came as the Iranian establishment is accused of attempting to canonize the Taliban amid shifting regional dynamics. Iran
