Analysis Why Saudi Arabia, Egypt are wary of Turkey’s proposed 4-way defense pact with Pakistan The proposed framework faces major hurdles and fault lines, ranging from NATO constraints to Israeli opposition and weak military integration. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war As US President Trump makes contradictory statements regarding his intentions toward Iran and the ongoing negotiations, Israel is preparing for the possibility of resuming military operations. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
Analysis Italy’s TB3 drone deal signals turn toward Turkey amid US-NATO tensions Italy’s expected TB3 drone purchase highlights a rapidly deepening, interest-driven alignment with Turkey on defense and geopolitics. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
CENTCOM chief visits Israel, Bahrain amid Iran ceasefire, blockade By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Hormuz blockade gambit aims to squeeze Iran without expanding war By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Trump's Syria pullout divides Iran hawks Despite bipartisan rebuke, some see great benefits in fixing ties with Turkey. Iraq
Pakistan hopes to ease hostility between Iran, Saudis Traveling between Riyadh and Tehran, Pakistan’s prime minister is trying to diplomatically defuse the highly charged situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Trump touts Syria deal as Congress advances sanctions A high-level US delegation has worked out a deal to temporarily halt Turkey’s violent weeklong offensive into northern Syria, but many in the Trump administration believe the price the Kurds are paying is too high. Syria
Is Kurdish dream of autonomy coming to an end? The clouds of doubt over the Kurdish autonomy project in northern Syria have thickened after the Kurds struck a military alliance with Damascus, without getting any assurances on their future political rights. Syria
Turkey’s military operation turning into diplomatic war As the military front becomes perceptibly static in Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring, the center of gravity shifts to diplomatic front, seemingly catching Ankara underprepared. Syria
Erdogan says he does not mind presence of Syrian troops as long as Kurds leave The Syrian Democratic Forces forged a deal with the Syrian government to hold off the Turkish attack in northern Syria. Syria
Is US redesigning southern flank? Amid Turkey’s rapprochement with Russia, the United States has stepped up military cooperation with Greece, Turkey’s traditional regional rival, heralding shifts in geostrategic balances in the Balkans, the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. Syria
In Riyadh, Putin receives czar-like reception Russia and Saudi Arabia sign a dozen business deals but it is unclear whether Syria disagreements were resolved. Saudi Arabia
Trump announces sanctions against Turkey The Treasury Department sanctions Turkey's defense, energy, and interior ministers over Turkey's incursion into northern Syria. Syria
Pentagon insists US troops have the ability to defend themselves amid pullout Top military officials say US troops departing northern Syria have the ability to defend themselves and adjust to a fluid situation. Syria
Operation Peace Spring: What is Turkish army's next step? As Turkey’s operation in northeast Syria enters its fifth day, the center of gravity of the operation shifts toward the west. Syria
US announces full withdrawal from northern Syria as Turkish forces advance Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the United States will be withdrawing all troops from northeastern Syria and that he expects Syrian Kurds to seek aid from Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
