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
Israeli-Egyptian meetings mark rapprochement progress The expected visit to Israel in a few days of Egyptian Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel reflects the trend of rapprochement in recent months between Jerusalem and Cairo. Israel
Iraq diversifies arms imports after US withdrawal from Afghanistan The US withdrawal may have spurred Iraq to consider purchases from Turkey and Pakistan, according to report by the Pentagon's Inspector General. News Brief
US envoy asks Israel to intervene in Sudan, says local press According to Israeli reports, visiting US envoy to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield asked Defense Minister Benny Gantz to step in in Sudan. Israel
Erdogan envisions alliance of Turkic-speaking states The recent summit of Turkic-speaking states has fueled Ankara’s ambitions to lead a Turkic regional economic and security complex, but major geopolitical, economic and institutional hurdles remain. Turkey
Leadership urges caution as Israeli tourists held in Istanbul Israel is concerned that the prolonged detention in Istanbul of tourists Natali and Mordi Oknin bodes ill for rapprochement between the two countries. Israel
Intel: US, UAE talk F-35 as Russia pitches stealth aircraft A top State Department official warned the Biden administration is "very serious" about imposing sanctions on partners that purchase Russian military hardware. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan woos Armenia with regional cooperation proposal A transport corridor for Azerbaijan via Armenian territory — a plan that has stoked Turkey’s strategic ambitions in the region — remains on paper a year on, but that’s not the only obstacle to normalization between the three neighbors. Turkey
Intel: Russia displays new fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2021 With the Su-75 Checkmate on display, Russia aims to remind the Emirates and other nations they have options when it comes to fifth-generation fighters. Russia / Mideast
Dubai Airshow 2021 kicks off with expectations of big deals The rise in attacks around the region in recent years using drones pushed the sales of UAV technologies in the Middle East to reach $1.5 billion over the last five years. Legacy: Gulf
Israel, Egypt to increase military presence along Egypt's Rafah border Egypt and Israel sign an agreement allowing increased military presence in Egypt's Rafah border area, a move that analysts say is a win-win for the two neighbors. Egypt
US Rep. Ilhan Omar moves to block $650 million Saudi arms sale If passed by the Senate, the joint resolution would block the sale of 280 air-to-air missiles to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Israel loses patience with Iranian entrenchment in Syria Israel has detected increased activity by Iran as it builds up its military presence in Syria. Israel
