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
South Korea-UAE visit showcases alignment on arms, energy deals A $30 billion pledge from the UAE to invest in South Korean industries was one outcome of the four-day visit By Salim A. Essaid
Israel's new army chief Herzi Halevi forced to navigate multiple bosses, far-right whims Israel's incoming IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi will have to deal with the fallout from the whims of a new government run by Israel’s most right-wing, regressive and ultra-nationalist forces. Israel
US working with Congress towards Turkey F-16 sale Opposition to the sale of 40 new fighter jets remains entrenched in the Senate. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Turkey’s defense exports reach record levels in 2022, Erdogan says Turkey’s president is touting the country's defense exports, which have reached a record high. Turkey
Analysis US top Middle East commander tests new model of deterring Iran As the Pentagon shifts focus to China and Russia, CENTCOM’s chief is banking on experimentation with unmanned surveillance and artificial intelligence to offset a smaller US footprint in the Middle East. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US working with Saudi Arabia on strategic military plans, general says The Biden administration is leveraging the Pentagon to quietly rebuild trust with Riyadh in the wake of a very public dispute. Legacy: Gulf
Israeli leaders take credit for blocking Iran nuclear deal Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took credit for the current deadlock in talks between Iran and world powers. Israel
As Lebanon unravels, Beirut neighborhood takes security into its own hands Amid Beirut’s unlit streets, men wield torches and batons to ensure security and safety in the neighborhood in an initiative that began in Achrafieh, one of Beirut’s oldest and most charming districts. Lebanon
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Israeli intelligence sees genuine, lasting changes in Iran According to Israeli security sources, the blunt breach of human rights in Iran blocks world powers from advancing on a nuke deal. Israel
As US watches, China and Saudi Arabia shy away from defense deals during Xi's visit Pentagon officials are closely watching what deals result from the Chinese president's meetings with Arab leaders. Legacy: Gulf
Iran sent more drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, US suggests Tehran sent additional UAVs, but no ballistic missiles thus far, the White House said. Iran
