Defense/Security cooperation

Ibrahim AMRO / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Without exit strategy, Israel faces emboldened Hezbollah, limited options on Iran

While President Donald Trump remains undecided on striking Iran again, the Israeli military is sinking deeper into its Lebanon quagmire with a reinforced Hezbollah.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Cadets of the Saiqa Force (Special Forces) of the self-styled Libyan National Army affiliated with eastern strongman Khalifa Hifter take part in a graduation ceremony in tribute to the force's late commander, Wanis Bukhamada, in the eastern city of Benghazi, on Jan. 20, 2022.

In first, Libya’s rival armies to join drill in Turkey: What to know

The move follows the first joint exercise inside Libya amid renewed international efforts to unify the country.

Turkey's submarines and fast-attack craft ships participate in the live-fire phase of the Blue Homeland-2026 (Mavi Vatan) tactical military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, in Antalya on April 9, 2026.

Turkey’s military spending jumps to $30B, leads Mideast growth in 2025

Newly released data shows Ankara’s military spending hit $30 billion, while Saudi Arabia remained the region’s top spender and Israel’s outlays declined in 2025.

The US Capitol building is shown on April 20, 2026, in Washington.

Analysis

Turning point on Israel? Democrats’ Senate vote signals shift driven by Iran, Gaza wars

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims he wants to wean Israel off Washington's $3.8 billion in annual military funding within the decade. At least one Democratic contender for 2028 agrees.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Latest News

Analysis

Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted the third meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the margins of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, on April 17, 2026.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war

ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Jeddah, on April 20, 2026.

Analysis

Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands during the press conference following their meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj, on April 29, 2025, in Rome, Italy.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

U.S. airmen walk next to a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft, as it is moved, on the eve of the 52nd Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France June 18, 2017. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol - RC15E3E8E180

Congress splits over F-35 sale to Turkey

Parochial interests are undermining a united stance against Ankara in the US Senate.

A convoy of vehicles transport illegal immigrants, who were abandoned by traffickers in a remote desert area near the border with Libya, to Dongola May 3, 2014. Sudanese and Libyan forces located the immigrants in the desert area between Sudan and Libya, which is a major route for illegal immigrants trying to escape Sudan's war-torn regions. Many of them transit in Libya before trying to flee to Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. REUTERS/Stringer (SUDAN - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW CONFLICT) - GM1EA540C

Will Libya’s newly signed border security agreement change anything?

Libya, Sudan, Chad and Niger signed a security protocol to fight cross-border criminal activities in the Sahel region.

A view of damage on a street where Houthis have recently clashed with forces loyal to slain Yemeni former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa, Yemen December 6, 2017. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah - RC1476393DB0

Congress seeks to insulate Oman from Yemen instability

As the 3-year-old proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to destabilize Yemen, Congress seeks to shore up security in neighboring Oman.

A female member of the anti-Iranian group, the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), carries her weapon as she walks through their base deep in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region, on May 5, 2014. AFP PHOTO/SAFIN HAMED (Photo credit should read SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images)

What's behind Turkish threats to invade PKK stronghold in Iraq?

Turkish leaders have raised the specter of a ground offensive on the Qandil Mountains in northern Iraq, home to the main camps of the PKK, but the motive and viability of such an operation remain questionable.

Idlib could be trump card or time bomb for Turkey

Turkey may be pushing its luck by expanding its operational field into Latakia province, provoking skirmishes with the Syrian army.

Jordanian special forces participate in an anti-terrorism drill during the opening of the Special Operation Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) at King Abdullah II Airbase in Amman, Jordan, May 10, 2016. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed - S1BETDGKKEAA

Pentagon set to enhance Jordan’s counterterror troops

The Pentagon is sending more than $22 million to help Jordan outfit its emerging special operations command and quick reaction force.

A F-35 fighter jet performs a vertical landing on the USS Wasp during sea trials off the coast of Virginia, October 18, 2011. Critics say the F-35, which comes in three variants, is an ill-conceived multipurpose aircraft that tries to do too many things and will ultimately excel at none. Its stealthy fuselage and high-tech systems, some say, are so complex and difficult to maintain they will inevitably make it unaffordable. But advocates view the aircraft as a war-fighting platform for the networked, iPad g

F-35 sale to Turkey runs into congressional buzz saw

The sale of more than 100 fifth-generation fighter jets is in jeopardy amid worsening US tensions with its NATO ally.

Syrian government forces secure a road for a military convoy in the desert area of Saba' Biyar, in southeastern Syria near the border with Iraq, on May 10, 2017, as fierce clashes are reported in the region. / AFP PHOTO / STRINGER (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)

Iraqi, Syrian forces work together to secure border

The Iraqi army is coordinating with its Syrian counterpart to secure the border between the two countries and to prevent terrorist elements from moving between the two countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testifies at a hearing of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 23, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis - RC195AD591D0

Pompeo calls for review of security assistance to Lebanon

The State Department and congressional hawks are taking a second look at US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces after Hezbollah and its allies won a parliamentary majority in this month’s elections.

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia May 17, 2018. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1158F50280

Assad in surprise Sochi visit as Russia continues Iran-Israel mediation

Following a meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Sochi, Putin's comments that "foreign armed forces" will withdraw from Syria have left those involved guessing what it means.

A Turkish soldier stands on an armoured vehicle in a village near the Turkish-Syrian border in Hatay province, Turkey February 25, 2018. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RC174F023F10

Congress puts US military sales to Turkey in jeopardy

Lawmakers in both chambers want to penalize the NATO ally for detaining an American pastor and signing arms deals with Russia.

Lebanese army soldiers take part in a military parade to celebrate the 74th anniversary of Lebanon's independence in downtown Beirut, Lebanon November 22, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir - RC14B8891980

Pentagon OKs $90 million for Lebanese army amid Hezbollah gains

The Donald Trump administration is outfitting the Lebanese Armed Forces with supply trucks and Humvees.