Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Houthis strike Yemeni government’s presidential palace in Aden: What to know Aden serves as the de facto capital of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which was forced to relocate from Sanaa after the Houthis seized the capital in 2014. Yemen
Female commander in Iran's Basij units assassinated: What to know Violence in the Sistan and Baluchistan province has become a regular occurrence, marked by clashes with armed groups and ambushes on Iranian security forces. Iran
Iraq announces ISIS network busted in West Africa: What to know Activity by the Islamic State’s West Africa branch is increasing, according to some observers, and Iraq is looking to strengthen counterterrorism coordination with other states. Iraq
Over 1,000 dead in Darfur landslide as Sudan war hinders relief efforts A devastating landslide in the Marrah Mountains of Darfur has killed over 1,000 people, prompting appeals for international aid amid escalating violence in the region. Sudan
Israel arrests Hebron mayor, launches West Bank crackdown: What to know Israeli forces carried out a series of raids across the West Bank, arresting several Palestinians, including the mayor of Hebron, amid reports of the possible dissolution of the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Lebanon faces tough test as army pushes plan to seize Hezbollah weapons Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed preparations for a cabinet session due this week that will tackle an army plan to take control of weapons outside of the state’s authority. Lebanon
Israel cautious on Lebanon withdrawal despite Netanyahu overtures, US push The Trump administration is pressuring Netanyahu to make concessions to the Lebanese government in exchange for its efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Israel
Libya: Tripoli’s fragile peace shaken by renewed fighting, military buildup Recent weeks have seen multiple clashes and security incidents in the Libyan capital, raising concerns from both the United States and the United Nations. Libya
UN Security Council renews Lebanon peacekeeping mission for one year The compromise vote gives Lebanon's army buffer time to meet US demands to fill security vacuum in the country's south before a planned withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in 2027. Lebanon
Lebanon's army receives 8 truckloads of weapons from Palestinian camps The army received weapons from several Palestinian refugee camps in the south, following a similar handover last week from a camp in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanon
Iran says 13 militants in Baluchestan killed as insurgents exploit postwar weakness The large-scale operation in Sistan-Baluchestan underscores persistent instability in the volatile, impoverished province, where Sunni militants have intensified attacks since the Iran-Israel conflict. Iran
Lebanese PM meets Egypt’s Sisi amid Hezbollah disarmament push: What to know Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged support for Lebanon’s stability and reconstruction during talks in Cairo with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Lebanon
Sudan cabinet convenes in Khartoum in first since war began: What to know Sudan’s newly formed government met in the capital, Khartoum, for the first time since the war broke out in April 2023, as authorities weigh moving the government’s seat from Port Sudan to the capital. Sudan
Sudan's RSF intensifies attacks on el-Fasher as displaced face starvation Since the weekend, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces militia has stepped up attacks on North Darfur’s besieged capital, el-Fasher. Sudan
