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
Blinken meets Israel’s Mossad chief to talk Iran The meeting follows talks earlier this week involving Israeli officials and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Israel
Blinken cautions Turkey against future S-400 purchases Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said that President Joe Biden's recent recognition of the Armenian genocide should not have come as a surprise. Turkey
Intel: US, Israel to cooperate against Iran’s missiles and drones Biden White House avoids row with Israel over nuclear negotiations with Iran, offers to help counter Tehran's ballistic and cruise missiles. Washington Pulse
Congress presses Biden administration for answers on Yemen war Pressure is building on Capitol Hill as lawmakers await clarity about US support for Saudi Arabia in an upcoming briefing. Washington Pulse
Turkey’s ambitious drone carrier project dogged by uncertainties Keen on becoming a major sea power in the region, Turkey plans to convert an amphibious assault ship into a drone carrier, a project that raises operational and technical challenges for the Turkish navy. Turkey
What killing of Chadian president means for Egypt The killing of Chadian President Idriss Deby causes Egyptian security concerns. Egypt
Syrian missile exposes Israel’s fragility The Israeli military is concerned by the failure to intercept a long-range missile fired from Syria. Israel
Israel to keep lower profile on advancing ties with Sudan Israel’s recent enthusiasm for constructing ties with Sudan might have scared Khartoum, which prefers advancing more discreetly. Israel
Senate Democrats push for additional checks on UAE F-35 sale The bill comes amid a fresh wave of scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers over the Biden administration's plan to move forward with the Trump-era arms sale. Congress
Russian FM talks Nile dam, defense cooperation in Egypt trip Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also discussed Libya and Syria with Egypt's leaders Egypt
Russian FM’s visit to Egypt helps counter Erdogan’s regional moves Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Cairo is seen as a further cementing of increasing Russian-Egyptian ties and as a counterpoint to the Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey. Russia
Canada cancels permits for drone technology sales to Turkey Ottawa previously suspended the exports after Canadian components were used in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Turkey