Meet Ali al-Zaidi, businessman and Iraq's new prime minister-designate Legal sources familiar with the nominee told Al-Monitor that there are no US sanctions on Zaidi or financial institutions affiliated with him. Iraq
US seeks to train Lebanon army units to disarm Hezbollah: What to know Funding for such a program remains unclear, though the Pentagon has requested $36 million for fiscal year 2027 to support Lebanon’s army. Lebanon
Analysis Despite Trump pressure to limit Israel's Lebanon attacks, Aoun-Netanyahu meeting still unlikely As President Donald Trump pressures Israel to limit its strikes in Lebanon, Hezbollah is taking advantage of the situation. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
How will Taliban’s return affect jihadi movements in Turkey, Syria? Salafi-jihadi groups in Turkey and neighboring Syria may look for inspiration from the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, but their prospects appear rather limited at present. Turkey
Pentagon defends Kabul drone strike as ‘righteous’ The rules of engagement were followed in the lead-up to a strike that killed 10 people, including children, the top general says. Qatar
Iran-Afghan trade has murky future under Taliban While the chaos that followed the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan will present challenges to trade, resulting geopolitical shifts could provide some opportunities for Tehran. Iran
Threatened Yazidi interpreters in Iraq say Afghan evacuation a wake-up call Former Iraqi interpreters already hunted because of their faith say the rush to rescue wartime allies from Taliban-run Afghanistan should serve as a cautionary tale. Iraq
UK willing to strike IS-K in Afghanistan after withdrawal The United Kingdom can strike Afghanistan if the opportunity is presented, the Royal Air Force chief has said. Legacy: Gulf
Pentagon does not dispute civilian deaths in Kabul drone strike The Pentagon says military officials spoke with Taliban contacts to investigate reports of civilian casualties from yesterday's drone strike. News Brief
Taliban to seek Qatar’s help running Kabul airport Report of request comes after Afghanistan's new rulers requested Turkey's assistance running Hamid Karzai International Airport. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Kabul evacuations continue despite Islamic State suicide attack Pentagon sees little choice but to make do with Taliban security perimeter until Tuesday's withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
Are Syrian jihadis ready to take the fight to Afghanistan? Afghanistan revives terror challenges for Washington; Russia anticipates security vacuum; Erdogan senses an opportunity. Syria
As Syria’s foreign jihadis eye Afghanistan, new challenges arise for Moscow The potential that foreign fighters may move from Syria’s Idlib province to Afghanistan could pose major threats to Russia and its Central Asian allies. Russia
Turkey, Taliban hold talks in Kabul as airport security in doubt Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara hasn't decided whether to provide the Taliban with technical assistance at Kabul's international airport. Turkey
How many Americans are left in Afghanistan? As the United States facilitates the transfer of thousands of Afghanistan evacuees to Qatar and other US military installations, the State Department said Thursday that a majority of the remaining Americans have taken steps to leave. United States
