Iran-linked group claims stabbing in Jewish area in London: What to know Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya has been linked to a number of attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, as well as an anti-regime Iranian news outlet. Iran
Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Is Hamas setting up military force in Golan Heights? Israel has accused Hamas of working on setting up a military force in the Syrian Golan Heights at the request of Iran. Palestine
Lebanon’s crisis allows Hezbollah to consolidate power once again Hezbollah's support base seems to be divided on Saad Hariri's sudden resignation from Riyadh and the visit of Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali to Hezbollah members in south Lebanon. Legacy: Gulf
Turkish civilians arm themselves ahead of crucial 2019 polls As a critical election cycle looms next year, alarm is growing in Turkey over individual armament, especially in pro-government quarters where some have formed dubious groups and openly called on peers to arm themselves. Turkey
Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib? Russian-Turkish relations worsen as Syrian forces advance in Idlib; Al-Monitor leads media coverage of Iran’s financial crisis — by six months; the American University of Beirut dedicates "transformative" Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center. Lebanon
Iraq's Anbar eyes political battle as displaced return The competition for May's election has already started among Anbar's politicians, while there are still many IS sleeper cells in the province. Iraq
Syrian Druze wary of Hezbollah, Iranian presence Since the Syrian war erupted, Iran has been trying to gain a foothold in Syria, most recently in the south, which includes trying to win over the local Druze community. Israel
Erdogan's 'soldiers' and their threat to dissent After a controversial decree introducing judicial immunity for citizens involved in the suppression of terrorist acts, many in Turkey are concerned that it will be used to shield pro-government vigilantes. Turkey
Is Islamic State back in Kirkuk? Using reactivated sleeper cells and new tactics in Kirkuk, the Islamic State shows it's back in action even as it is about to lose all its territory in Iraq and Syria. Iraq
Hama rebels struggle to hold ground as regime, IS attack Opposition forces in Idlib and Hama are struggling to maintain some of their last positions, against which the Syrian regime and the Islamic State are escalating their attacks. Syria
Iraqi forces hunt down IS remnants in Hamrin Mountains After the declaration of victory against the Islamic State, Iraqi security forces are still hunting small groups of IS fighters in the remote areas. Iraq
In retreat, IS takes advantage of Libya's political divide Rival forces in Libya are fighting an Islamic State insurgency after the group suffered major blows across the country. Libya
Sufi sites in Libya under attack Sufis and other religious minorities in Libya are under constant threat of attack by extremist Salafists. Libya
