Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu With the fifth round of talks set to begin Tuesday, Israel is prepared to withdraw from at least one “pilot zone,” allowing the Lebanese army to take control of the area. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined The deal advanced between Washington and Tehran sees a linkage between the Iranian and Lebanese theaters and creates a deconfliction mechanism — without consulting Israel beforehand. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US, Iran to form 'deconflicting cell' on Lebanon, sidelining Lebanese state The agreement came during talks between Iran and the United States following a preliminary deal reached last week to end the war across the Middle East, including in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue Syrian President Sharaa has again played down Donald Trump’s request that Syria could enter Lebanon and help disarm Hezbollah. Syria
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraqi judge issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump over Soleimani killing The charge of premeditated murder carries a death sentence under Iraqi law but is not likely to be enforced. Iraq
Gulf unity deal further isolates Iran Healing the Gulf Cooperation Council rift is a parting gift for Trump and a welcome gift for Biden in dealing with the Islamic Republic. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey calls for 'common sense' amid post-election unrest in US Turkish state media reported the government's response to the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters. Originals
Sudan joins Abraham Accords to recognize Israel The United States will help cover Sudan's more than $1 billion in arrears to the World Bank in exchange. Israel
Hillary Clinton says Trump playing 'dangerous game' with Iran The former secretary of state's warning follows other criticism of a Trump administration show of military force to dissuade Iran from potential attacks. United States
Four must-read books on Trump’s Middle East policies What we learned from Michael Wolff, John Bolton and Bob Woodward about the Trump administration and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
UN condemns Trump's pardon of contractors involved in killing of Iraqis A UN Human Rights Office expert said that the pardon of the men involved in the 2007 Nisour Square massacre undermines the obligation of states to hold war criminals accountable. Iraq
Trump administration pushes last-minute arms deals to Middle East The move to go forward with a proposed $290 million sale of precision-guided bombs for Saudi Arabia comes just weeks before the Biden administration arrives. Saudi Arabia
US ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv sold for $67 million The State Department has not acknowledged the buyer, reported to be Trump ally and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Israel
Trump pardons Blackwater contractors convicted of Iraq massacre The incident in Baghdad's Nisoor Square deeply strained US-Iraqi ties and marred the reputation of the paramilitary company. Iraq
Congress passes annual defense spending bill mandating sanctions on Turkey Trump has vowed to veto the bill, which includes a mandate for the administration to sanction Turkey over the S-400. Turkey
US Senator to continue fighting UAE weapons sale Sen. Chris Murphy said he wants to work with the incoming Biden administration to review aspects of the Trump administration's weapons sale to the UAE after resolutions to stop the sale failed in the Senate. Originals
