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
Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries. Iraq
Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq? Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces. Iraq
Critics react to US-Jordan defense agreement The Jordanian government bypassed parliament and approved a controversial agreement signed between Jordan and the United States that regulates the status of US forces present in the kingdom, which raised much controversy. Jordan
Italy advances arms deals with Egypt despite opposition As Egypt becomes one of the world's largest importers of arms, Italy is seeking to sign additional arms deals with the North African country despite sour bilateral relations in light of Egypt’s human rights record. Egypt
Iraq, US to resume new round of strategic dialogue Iraq and the US have agreed to resume strategic talks over their mutual relationship and further US troop withdrawals. Iraq
Intel: US, Iraq to renew talks over troop presence in April The Biden White House accepted Baghdad's request to kickstart strategic dialogue Iraq
Former US, Israeli officials voice support for Biden's Pentagon policy pick Former US ambassadors and retired Israeli generals are among those backing Colin Kahl for the Pentagon's top policy role. Washington Pulse
Intel: Saudi Arabia seeks Turkey’s drones, Erdogan says Riyadh's request could provide an opening for Ankara, which is also seeking to repair ties with Egypt. Saudi Arabia
A thaw in Turkey’s relations with Egypt? Gulf Cooperation Council reconciliation may have set in motion Ankara’s desire for a reset with Cairo. Egypt
Israel, Cyprus, Greece conduct naval exercise amid tensions with Turkey France also sent naval assets for the first time since last year's joint exercises. Israel
Saudi Arabia to take ‘necessary measures’ to protect oil after drone attack Riyadh wants international support to prevent future attacks, foreign minister says alongside Russian counterpart. Saudi Arabia
Republicans challenge Biden's Pentagon policy nominee on Iran Colin Kahl said he supports the Abraham Accords and continued pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
