Archives for December, 2025

Deadly clashes in Aleppo as Turkey urges Kurds not to be obstacle to Syria's stability

Agence France-Presse

At least two civilians killed in Aleppo violence as Syrian government, SDF trade blame

Reuters

Netanyahu to discuss Iran, next phase of Gaza plan with Trump

Reuters

Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know

The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS.

Syria

Analysis

France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference

France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

A year on, uncertainty shadows Washington's bet on Syria

The Trump administration has embraced Syria's new leadership, but engagement is being tested by security risks and unresolved questions about Damascus' control.

Syria

Lebanese PM urges swift approval of law aimed at paying back depositors

Reuters

Exclusive

Second Lebanon-Israel meeting sidelined France, saw US pressure on Netanyahu

Differences over the so-called economic zone and the high civilian toll from Israeli strikes capped the second meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials on Friday.

By Joyce Karam , Rina Bassist

Turkey hits renewable milestone as solar surpasses gas in power capacity

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said in a statement that wind and solar capacity combined had risen to 39,215 megawatts by the end of November.

Turkey

Turkey denies internal rifts as top officials in Syria ahead of SDF deadline

Turkey’s ruling party denies there are internal rifts over the Syrian Democratic Forces and insists that the Kurdish-led group must disarm.

Turkey

Turkish foreign minister urges Kurds not to be obstacle to Syria's stability

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership

The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare

Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward.

Saudi Arabia

Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal

Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission.

Lebanon

NGOs fear 'catastrophic impact' of new Israel registration rules

Agence France-Presse

Israeli military says it is examining killing of Palestinian teen in West Bank

Reuters