Israel bans Jerusalem grand mufti from Al-Aqsa: What to know The decision follows a controversial visit to the holy site by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Palestine
How an Arabic translation firm from Jordan became a Gulf AI player Tarjama, now based in Dubai, recently raised $15 million to accelerate the rollout of an Arabic-language AI platform for businesses in the Middle East. Jordan
Turkey turns up heat on SDF to disarm as US Syria envoy returns to Damascus While Turkey demands that the SDF disarms, Washington is trying to revive stalled talks between Kurdish forces and the new Syrian government in Damascus. Syria
Analysis How lessons from Iran, Ukraine are shaping US Army’s new missile defense plan The Army's 2040 air and missile defense strategy aims to overcome gaps exploited by adversaries like Iran while heading off higher-tech advances from China and Russia. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
