Algeria-France crisis peaks as Algiers expels 12 diplomats: What we know A rift between Algeria and France has heated up on Monday as Algiers ordered a dozen French diplomats out of the country. Algeria
Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam makes first Syria visit, meets Sharaa as border tensions loom The visit is the latest sign of an apparent effort to improve ties between Syria and Lebanon after the fall of the Assad regime. Lebanon
David Petraeus, ex-CIA head, tapped to lead KKR's push into Mideast markets The newly-formed team will identify investment and partnership opportunities in the region, with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the private equity firm said. Saudi Arabia
First US-Iran talks in years seen as 'positive' as hard-liners cry treason While the Iranian foreign minister struck a positive note after the Oman meeting, he had to face a barrage of ferocious criticism from the country's hard-line camp for engaging with "the Great Satan." Iran
Exclusive Syrian Kurd commander: Aleppo power-sharing deal could be model for nation In his first interview since signing a landmark agreement with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, SDF commander General Mazloum Kobane speaks about ties with the transitional government in Damascus, the future of US troops in the region, and notes an "atmosphere of stability" amid a burgeoning detente with Turkey. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
