Armed Militias and Extremist Groups

Exclusive

Closed-door breakdown in Syria-Kurdish talks foreshadowed Aleppo clashes

The collapse of US-brokered Syria-Kurdish talks preceded the Aleppo violence as Ankara continued to press Damascus on the Syrian Democratic Forces' future.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Israel on alert amid Iran unrest, sees 'next few days' critical for regime

Israeli assessments indicate that while Iran’s leadership has not shown signs of fully losing control, the situation could change as protests continue.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US envoy pushes for Sudan truce in meeting with UAE’s MBZ after talks in Saudi Arabia

Boulos’ meeting in Abu Dhabi follows discussions earlier this week in Riyadh, as the two Gulf countries navigate both Sudan diplomacy and a dispute over Yemen.

Sudan

Lebanon says phase 1 of Hezbollah disarmament complete as Iran FM visits Beirut

The announcement by the Lebanese army came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut for a two-day visit amid ongoing regional tensions.

Lebanon

Lebanon pursues remnants of Syrian regime in country: What we know

Lebanon’s military has stepped up security efforts amid reports of remnants of the ousted regime of President Bashar al-Assad inside Lebanese territory.

Lebanon

Syria's Sharaa, Saudi crown prince discuss economic ties as SDF clashes flare

Syria is facing a number of security challenges amid sectarian tensions as it rebuilds its economy.

Syria

Analysis

Buoyed by Trump and protests, Israel sees opportunity against Iran regime

Israel’s leadership is warning Tehran not to launch an attack as a means of diverting Iranians’ attention from the ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Hezbollah’s funding network in Venezuela takes spotlight after Maduro

Hezbollah has long been accused of running drug smuggling and money laundering networks in Venezuela and other South American countries to fund its activities both in Lebanon and abroad.

Lebanon

For Israel, capture of Venezuela’s Maduro seen as setback for Iran, Hezbollah

Considering Venezuela an ally of Iran and Hezbollah, Israel welcomed the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro by American forces.

Israel

Analysis

Hezbollah still dominant among Lebanon's Shiite, but ground is shifting

Two notable trends are emerging within Lebanon's Shiite community: growing rejection of geopoliticization, alongside continued loyalty to the resistance legacy despite mounting concerns over its consequences.

By Karim Safieddine , Izzat Zahreddine

Analysis

With Trump’s backing, Israel gives Lebanon last chance before attacking Hezbollah

"The Americans, led by the president, understand that you can't count on the Lebanese Army to disarm Hezbollah. It probably won't happen," a senior Israeli diplomatic source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Israel’s Somaliland gamble: Redrawing influence in the Horn of Africa

The United States was the only country Monday to defend Israel at the United Nations Security Council over its decision last Friday to recognize breakaway Somaliland.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs