Explainer As parliament approves, what's driving Egypt's 'defensive' support to Saudi Arabia? Egypt, which has one of the region's largest militaries, is reliant on Saudi investment and ties the kingdom's security to its own. Egypt
Jordan’s King Abdullah calls church shooting ‘terror attack,’ at least 7 killed: What to know Jordan has experienced sporadic violence targeting the Christian community, though attacks of this kind are relatively rare in the kingdom. Jordan
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Explosions at arms depot dent peshmerga's confidence in leadership Recent explosions at several weapons and ammunition depots have deepened mistrust between rank-and-file peshmerga forces and their leadership in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Iraq
Washington ratchets up sanctions threats against Turkey President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on the same day the Senate advanced a bill restricting Turkey’s access to financial assistance. Turkey
Pentagon shifts equipment from Iraq to Syria The Pentagon is removing mine rollers and armored carriers from Iraq as it draws down its presence in the country. Iraq
Pentagon eyes shrinking role in Syria as Trump and Putin negotiate deal Syrian rebels have presented the White House with military options to push back against Bashar al-Assad’s gains in the southwest, Al-Monitor has learned. Syria
Kremlin pressed to legalize private military companies As Moscow pulls out troops from Syria, Putin is pressed at home to legalize private military companies and come clean about Russain mercenaries' role in Syria. Syria
Egypt refuses entry for Sudan opposition leader The Egyptian authorities denied re-entry to Sudanese opposition leader, Sadiq al-Mahdi, as ties warm between Cairo and Khartoum. Egypt
Cairo creates Sahel-Saharan anti-terror center Egypt is ready to open its new anti-terrorism center in Cairo for a network of African states (CEN-SAD) to support and coordinate counterterrorism efforts and bolster security, economic and political ties among member states. Egypt
Congress seeks uptick in North Africa operations The House Homeland Security panel chief wants to boost funding for counterterrorism in the Sahara region. North Africa
Syrian opposition has high hopes for US-Turkish road map for Manbij The US-Turkish road map for Manbij has entered the second of three phases, leading some to believe it might spare the area further bloodshed. Syria
Turkey's presidential candidates divided over military cooperation with Moscow For the most part, Turkey's presidential candidates urge good relations with Russia, but things are more complicated when it comes to cooperation in the military field. Syria
Ultra-Orthodox, leftists join forces against Israeli draft Ultra-Orthodox and leftist Knesset members have joined forces and advanced a proposal to abolish Israel's compulsive military service. Israel
