Analysis Will Democrats block Trump’s push to deliver Turkey F-35s, lift sanctions? Democratic control of Congress complicates Turkey’s push for F-35s and sanctions relief, but Ankara remains hopeful Trump can still broker a deal. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey’s parliament ratifies Mecca pact in boost to Saudi Arabia Turkey will now decide the scope of military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Turkey
Massie renews Hegseth impeachment push as GOP blames Iran war for midterm losses Most Democrats and at least a few Republicans are said to support impeaching Hegseth, but President Donald Trump still publicly backs the beleaguered Pentagon chief, and House leadership can still try to prevent a vote on Rep. Massie's measure. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Russia to provide Iran with 90 missile launchers as military ties grow: Reports Multiple recent reports reveal increased Russian support for Iran, including weapons and intelligence sharing. Iran
Hegseth fires Pentagon’s top strategist accused of leaks amid Iran war By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Putin, Trump follow winding path to latest Syria agreement Logistic challenges apparently detoured a definitive Washington-Moscow statement on Syria, but haven't derailed it — so far. Syria
Kuwait moving up again on Turkey's BFF list Kuwait and Turkey are increasing their military and economic ties as Kuwait looks for relationships beyond the troubled Gulf Cooperation Council and Ankara stands to benefit from the oil-rich country's growing military and infrastructure budgets. Kuwait
Congress deepens US-Israel missile alliance Congress’ annual defense bill tops Trump budget request by $500 million amid rising Iranian threat. Israel
Turkey PM tries to reset relations with Washington Turkey Prime Minister Binali Yildirim met with Vice President Mike Pence on Nov. 9 on a visit to Washington meant to try to ease strained US-Turkish ties, but the obstacles to improved relations are difficult to overcome. Turkey
Pakistan army chief makes historic visit to Iran Pakistan's army chief paid a rare visit to Iran's civil and military leadership in a bid for military cooperation. Iran
Russia, Oman size each other up as potential Mideast allies Despite a challenging history, Russia finds common ground with Oman, which sometimes seems the "odd man out" in the Gulf. Oman
Upcoming Putin, Trump talks should prove interesting What is the agenda for the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin? Trump wants to talk North Korea, but Moscow is seeking a broader, more in-depth conversation on the Middle East. Syria
Iraq’s intervention may change the equation in Syria's Kurdish regions The closure of the Fish Khabur and Rabia border crossings between Iraq and Syria may jeopardize the Kurdish federal project in northern Syria. Iraq
US sticks by Lebanese army despite Hariri resignation State Department and Defense Department officials tell Al-Monitor that US military assistance is unaffected by Beirut’s latest political crisis. Saudi Arabia
Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad? Iraq
House leaders neuter anti-war Yemen bill House leadership has watered down a resolution addressing US support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia
