Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election Ahead of the eighth round of talks in Rome, the Israeli military reported clearing Hezbollah's underground stronghold at Ali al-Taher after besieging the ridge for months. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel to release 5 Lebanese prisoners ahead of next talks: What to know Israel said the detainees are "civilians who are not members of a terrorist organization" and "were not involved in terrorism," concluding, "There is no reason to continue holding them in Israel." Israel
US airstrikes target Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island American military forces launched their first strikes on the Iranian mainland in more than a month just days after the top US commander for the region said Iranian mines have been cleared from Hormuz shipping lanes. Iran
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel’s Lebanon dilemma: Confront Hezbollah without angering Trump, triggering Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis How Iran is readying for economic protests as Trump escalates pressure By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Would Putin accept Turkish buffer zone in Syria? Heavy casualties at al-Bab and the recently released video of IS' burning alive of two Turkish soldiers have not affected Turkey’s Operation Euphrates Shield. Syria
Obama administration allows Americans to train Iranians New regulations unveiled Dec. 22 allow drug, medical device and agricultural experts to travel to Iran. United States
Did Zarif really say it was a 'mistake' to trust Kerry? Once again, Iranian hard-liners move to tarnish the reputation of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif — this time by attributing to him false remarks about the “mistake” of trusting the United States. United States
Questions arise about large Palestinian security budget The budget of the Palestinian security forces is being questioned, and attempts are being made by the United States to cut it back. Palestine
Israelis wary, Palestinians despairing over Tillerson appointment Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson’s ties with Arab countries worry Israeli officials, while Palestinians despair that the Trump administration is an extension of the current right-wing Israeli government. Palestine
Obama administration, allies try to buy time for Iran nuclear deal In its final weeks, the Obama administration and its European allies are trying to convince the emerging Trump team that the deal is working. United States
Why moving US Embassy to Jerusalem is no way to start a presidency President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to relocate the US Embassy would place another straw on the proverbial camel's back in the Mideast. Palestine
Jordan faces tough path ahead as next Arab summit host Jordan will face a number of diplomatic challenges in March at the Arab League summit meeting in Amman. Legacy: Gulf
Can shared disdain for US improve Russia-Iran ties? Although Iran and Russia are both fountains of anti-Western rhetoric and sentiments, it is for different reasons and will not necessarily bring the two countries closer together. Russia
Is Turkey recruiting militants evacuated from Aleppo? After the Aleppo rout, Turkey considers boosting the ranks of its Free Syrian Army ally fighting in Operation Euphrates Shield, while fortifying the buffer zone and raising the bar in bargaining with Damascus. Syria
Why Israeli settlers consider Trump’s ambassador choice a 'miracle' For Israeli settlers, US President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of David Friedman as the next US ambassador to Israel is nothing short of a miracle. Palestine
Baghdad looks to Trump with framework agreement Following the victory by US President-elect Donald Trump, Iraq seeks to strengthen cooperation with the United States through the full implementation of the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. Iraq