Qatar slams US lawmaker over allegations of funding anti-Israel protests: What to know Rep. Randy Fine criticized Qatar for allegedly backing Gaza war-related protests at American universities after the Pentagon said Qatari pilots would start training in the US, leading to a denial and rebuke from Doha. Qatar
Feature Syria's sole Christian lawmaker says she trusts Sharaa — other minorities are less sure Syria’s only Christian lawmaker navigates a fractured political landscape as minorities and women seek representation under a new Islamist-led government. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Pentagon’s top general to visit Gaza monitoring center in Israel US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine is expected to head to Israel with plans to meet top US and allied military officials involved in postwar efforts to stabilize Gaza. Palestine
Delta to launch first direct US-Saudi flight as business ties deepen Beginning in October 2026, Delta will fly from its Atlanta hub to the Saudi capital three times a week on an Airbus A350-900 — a route that will span more than 7,000 miles. Saudi Arabia
Culture Archaeologists uncover 4,000-year-old temple on Kuwait’s Failaka Island Four ancient temples have been discovered on Failaka Island, including two dating to the Dilmun civilization and two from the Hellenistic period. Kuwait
Iran to host Pakistani interior minister as border security, trade talks advance Iran is finessing its relations with Pakistan, seeking to bolster border security and increase trade in response to sanctions. Iran
Lebanon draws US, Arab envoys as Israel tensions spike Intense international and regional diplomatic efforts are underway in Lebanon to accelerate Hezbollah’s disarmament and ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon amid rising fears of renewed war. Lebanon
Turkey’s Erdogan, UK’s Starmer ink $11B Eurofighter deal in Ankara Turkey plans to purchase a total of 44 Eurofighter jets, the Turkish defense chief said, including 20 from the UK and 12 each from Oman and Qatar. Turkey
Postwar Syria receives first direct shipment from China: What to know The commercial vessel Queen Vivian arrived at Tartous Port from China, bringing some 16,000 tons of steel and various equipment, Sana reported Monday. Syria
