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
Turkish troops cross Syrian border near Afrin Turkey, after bombing Afrin, moves troops across the Syrian border near the Kurdish-controlled area. Syria
Turkey plays catch-up with militarization in Red Sea A scramble for military influence along the Red Sea could lead to a trade disaster as Turkey also looks to establish a military foothold in the area. United Arab Emirates
Iraq backs off plans to double number of US-trained counterterrorism forces With all of Iraq now liberated from the Islamic State, the elite Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service is shifting its focus away from large-scale battles. Iraq
Turkey calls on Russia, Iran to get Syrian army under control The Syrian army's attacks against armed groups at Idlib could ignite tensions between Russia and Turkey. Syria
Russian media tries to sort out source of attack on Syria air base Russia says it has increased security on its Khmeimim air base in Syria after a Dec. 31 attack on the base, one of the worst in the country's two-year involvement in the Syrian war. Syria
Erdogan takes total control of Turkish defense industry With yet another emergency status decree, Turkey's president makes himself top gun of the country's entire defense industry. Turkey
What 2018 looks like for Russia, US regarding Syria Will US and Russian relations in the new year involve cooperation, confrontation or attempts to carefully balance both? Syria
Iran gradually moving toward resumed military ties with Europe Acknowledging that military cooperation with leading European powers is not on the table, Iran is seeking out European middle powers. Iran
Pentagon surges weapons into Middle East terror fight The Pentagon is using a little-known fund to give a boost to counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East. Jordan
Russia finds neutral zones in Syria essential but tricky Moscow hopes to focus soon on rebuilding Syria's shattered infrastructure, but first must help restore stability, which could prove much more difficult. Syria
Turkey's 'war machine' goes global The ambitious Turkish gendarmerie command is seeking to form a cooperative agency with countries in and around Central Asia as part of its increased involvement in Turkey's foreign policy. Turkey
US says Saudis agree to lift blockade on key Yemen port The Saudis announced they will lift a blockade on a key Yemen port after growing pressure from the Trump administration. Saudi Arabia
