Varying head counts of US forces in Iraq stir controversy

It's hard to nail down how many US troops are in Iraq, but some Iraqi political factions say any number is too high.

Iraq

Will the US renege on its promises to protect SDF in Syria?

Turkey is pushing ahead with the idea of a safe zone along its border with Syria.

Syria

Qatar sinks into Gaza quagmire

Qatar wanted to please the United States and help Gaza residents with aid money, but has found itself trapped in a standoff between Hamas and Israel.

Qatar

Congress poised to put Saudi Arabia on the hook for millions in military training

Lawmakers estimate ending security assistance could cost Riyadh up to $30 million.

Saudi Arabia

Pentagon’s Iron Dome buy raises questions on US troop protection

The Pentagon has agreed to acquire Israel’s Iron Dome to intercept cruise missiles, but experts are questioning whether the system can effectively defend US troops.

Israel

US allies try to dilute anti-Iran agenda for Warsaw summit

Wary European allies are trying to dilute and broaden the agenda and lower their diplomatic representation for a US-backed ministerial meeting on Middle East peace and security to be held Feb. 13-14 in Warsaw, Poland.

United States

Congress in no hurry to act as Palestinians reject security aid

A new law has unintentionally ended security assistance for the Palestinian Authority, and Congress is in no rush to fix it.

Palestine

Turkey seeks life sentence against US Consulate employee

A Turkish national and liaison officer for the DEA at the US Consulate in Istanbul has been indicted for espionage.

Turkey

Senior Polish diplomat in Iran to mend ties amid Warsaw conference row

Poland's deputy foreign minister visited Tehran to assure Iranians that an upcoming controversial conference in Warsaw will not turn into an anti-Iran event.

United States

Netanyahu forsakes multilateralism in favor of bilateral alliances

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted President Donald Trump’s negative approach against UN agencies and international groups.

Palestine

Drivers and barriers to Iran-US compromise in Syria

The best option for Iran in post-war Syria would be to bargain over a regional compromise aimed at establishing limited policy cooperation with all influential actors; however, to realize such a scenario it is necessary for the barriers to a compromise to be removed.

Lebanon

Lawmaker-turned-Saudi lobbyist raises eyebrows with campaign donations

Former Rep. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., donated $1,000 to a key lawmaker the same day he lobbied his office on behalf of the Saudis — a common practice in Washington.

Congress