Syria slams Jordan over crossborder strikes, denies coordination: What to know Jordan said its airstrikes targeted ISIS fighters, while Syria said civilians were killed, sparking outrage. Syria
Explainer As parliament approves, what's driving Egypt's 'defensive' support to Saudi Arabia? Egypt, which has one of the region's largest militaries, is reliant on Saudi investment and ties the kingdom's security to its own. Egypt
Jordan’s King Abdullah calls church shooting ‘terror attack,’ at least 7 killed: What to know Jordan has experienced sporadic violence targeting the Christian community, though attacks of this kind are relatively rare in the kingdom. Jordan
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel-Greece-Cyprus take on Turkey in the Mediterranean Trilateral cooperation among Israel, Greece and Cyprus to build a natural gas subsea pipeline is setting the stage for more tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt
Iraqi minorities concerned about possible US troop withdrawal Iraqi minorities are afraid that rising tensions between Iran and the United States might end the US troop presence in the country. Iraq
Senate Armed Services Chairman Inhofe endorses Iraq sanctions Key Republican leaders are lining up behind President Donald Trump’s threats to hit Iraq with crippling sanctions. Iraq
Foreign troops' future in Iraq uncertain as clashes continue Tension between Tehran and Washington has some Iraqis worried about foreign troops withdrawing from Iraq, although the United States had said it has no intention of leaving the country in Iranian hands. Iraq
US questions whether Iraq can boot American troops After Iraq's parliament urged US troops to leave the country Sunday, the White House and some Iraqi lawmakers are raising questions about whether Iraq's caretaker prime minister has the authority to kick out US forces. Iraq
How Soleimani’s assassination could affect Iran’s Syria strategy Iran could use its position in Syria to strike against the United States and Israel as part of Tehran's retaliation for last week's killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. Iraq
Pro-Iranian militias behind US Embassy attack in Baghdad The attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad by Iran-backed militias has escalated the tension between Iran and the United States. Iraq
Is Netanyahu planning a preemptive attack against Hezbollah? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a preemptive attack against Iranian proxy Hezbollah, perhaps before the March elections. Israel
Pacts between Libya, Turkey raise tensions with Egypt Egypt's criticism of Libya's internationally recognized government is mounting in light of the latter's maritime and security agreements with Turkey. Egypt
Egypt flexes muscles in Mediterranean after Libyan-Turkish agreement Egypt has conducted extensive military drills in the Mediterranean in a clear response to and a show of strength against the maritime agreement between the Libyan Government of National Accord and Turkey. Egypt
Congress sides with Cyprus against Turkey as eastern Mediterranean heats up Congress just passed two bills siding with Cyprus in its territorial and natural gas dispute with Turkey. Turkey
Will Libya become Turkey’s next Syria? The recently signed Turkey-Libya military cooperation deal and maritime delimitation agreement threatened to raise tensions not only in Libya but throughout the Eastern Mediterranean with Turkey asserting the right to intervene militarily in Libya if requested and to drill for oil and gas. Turkey
