Armed Militias and Extremist Groups

Palestinian Islamic Jihad optimistic after visit to Russia

While some believe the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's trip to Moscow aimed to counter US plans that favor Israel, others say it reflects the movement’s openness to whatever serves the interests of the Palestinian cause.

Palestine

Hezbollah's role evolving in Syria as Assad nears victory

As the forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad move in on the last major rebel stronghold, speculation is turning to what the future might hold for Hezbollah in Syria.

Israel

Iran readjusts its Syria strategy amid Russia’s changing role

Having achieved military victory in the key southwestern region of Syria, Iran is actively maneuvering to redefine its approach to securing its aims in the war-torn country.

Israel

Syrian opposition arresting those who promote reconciling with regime

Free Syrian Army factions and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in northern Syria have launched a security campaign against so-called spies for the regime and advocates of reconciliation in opposition-held areas.

Syria

Armed opposition infighting triggers uptick in IS attacks in northern Syria

The Islamic State escalated its attacks in northern Syria, taking advantage of the infighting between the Syrian armed factions controlling the areas there.

Syria

Iraq's Sadr calls for disarming factions after Baghdad explosion

After an unsanctioned weapons cache exploded recently in Sadr City, Muqtada al-Sadr is proposing an initiative to hand over to the state the weapons of Iraqi factions — beginning with his own movement.

Iraq

Iraqi militias, US make nice following elections

Some factions of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units and their political wings among the Fatah Alliance are showing possible interest in rapprochement with the United States.

Iraq

Too much at stake for full-on conflict in southern Syria

Prioritizing de-escalation in southern Syria appears to be the regional consensus, but the rebels’ opposition to any deals could lengthen the process.

Israel

Are Palestinian armed factions forming joint army?

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad’s military wing have claimed responsibility for the recent rockets fired into Israel, raising talk about the potential that factions may form a joint armed operations room.

Palestine

Armed factions join forces to counter Syrian regime gains

Opposition militias in north and central Syria are banding together in the hope that a unified front will be able to fend off regime advances.

Syria

Politicized peshmerga adds to Iraqi Kurdistan destabilization

There's long been talk of unifying the fractured peshmerga forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, but action is direly needed.

Iraq

Libya's Hifter launches operation to retake opposition stronghold

Libyan military strongman Khalifa Hifter announced the launch of the long-awaited military operation to take Derna, which is expected to boost his popularity in the country’s upcoming elections.

Libya