Exclusive Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal Israel is rethinking its hard-line Syria policy and seeking to repair ties with US envoy and Donald Trump's confidant Tom Barrack amid a push for a security agreement with Damascus. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
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 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
Libya is only small part of Turkey’s ambitious Africa overture Although Turkey’s moves in Libya capture a lot of headlines these days, Ankara has been busy on other fronts in Africa. Egypt
Pentagon: 34 US troops injured in Iranian strike Dozens of US troops have left Ain al-Asad air base for medical evaluation following Iran's missile strikes earlier this month, despite the US administration claiming earlier that no service members had been injured. Iraq
Israel-Greece-Cyprus take on Turkey in the Mediterranean Trilateral cooperation among Israel, Greece and Cyprus to build a natural gas subsea pipeline is setting the stage for more tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt
Iraqi minorities concerned about possible US troop withdrawal Iraqi minorities are afraid that rising tensions between Iran and the United States might end the US troop presence in the country. Iraq
Senate Armed Services Chairman Inhofe endorses Iraq sanctions Key Republican leaders are lining up behind President Donald Trump’s threats to hit Iraq with crippling sanctions. Iraq
Foreign troops' future in Iraq uncertain as clashes continue Tension between Tehran and Washington has some Iraqis worried about foreign troops withdrawing from Iraq, although the United States had said it has no intention of leaving the country in Iranian hands. Iraq
US questions whether Iraq can boot American troops After Iraq's parliament urged US troops to leave the country Sunday, the White House and some Iraqi lawmakers are raising questions about whether Iraq's caretaker prime minister has the authority to kick out US forces. Iraq
How Soleimani’s assassination could affect Iran’s Syria strategy Iran could use its position in Syria to strike against the United States and Israel as part of Tehran's retaliation for last week's killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Pro-Iranian militias behind US Embassy attack in Baghdad The attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad by Iran-backed militias has escalated the tension between Iran and the United States. Iraq
Is Netanyahu planning a preemptive attack against Hezbollah? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a preemptive attack against Iranian proxy Hezbollah, perhaps before the March elections. Israel
Pacts between Libya, Turkey raise tensions with Egypt Egypt's criticism of Libya's internationally recognized government is mounting in light of the latter's maritime and security agreements with Turkey. Egypt
Egypt flexes muscles in Mediterranean after Libyan-Turkish agreement Egypt has conducted extensive military drills in the Mediterranean in a clear response to and a show of strength against the maritime agreement between the Libyan Government of National Accord and Turkey. Egypt