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
Afghans, US troops killed in blasts targeting Kabul airport evacuations US officials feared the local faction called the Islamic State-Khorasan could attack the beleaguered airfield in the Afghan capital. United States
Turkey begins pulling troops from Kabul airport as US deadline looms Ankara's proposal to keep troops at Kabul airport appears dead in the water, at least for now. Turkey
The Takeaway: Bennett has opening to sway Biden administration on Iran nuclear deal Also: Iran’s new foreign minister and Nasrallah; Syrian Islamist group cracks down in Idlib; TikTok finds audiences in Egypt, Gaza; Israel’s chocolate confiscation; and more … in about 1,500 words! Israel
Jihadi group in Syria’s Idlib faces criticism over unfair trials, death sentences Hayat Tahrir al-Sham issued death sentences against two young men who have been detained in the organization’s prisons on charges of collaborating with the US-led international coalition. Syria
Sources: Taliban move helped US keep Afghans off Kabul airfield last week The original plan to secure Kabul airport took the presence of Afghan security forces for granted, a US official said. United States
No plans to increase troops at Kabul airport as deadline looms, Pentagon says Evacuation flights peaked over the past 24 hours, but security fears are growing amid Taliban warning. Washington Pulse
Qatar praised by Senate leader for assisting US with Afghanistan evacuation Kuwait is also receiving people evacuated from Afghanistan by the US military amid the chaotic withdrawal from the country. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Lebanon's president calls for UN action after Israeli strikes Lebanese President Michel Aoun said recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah violated Lebanon's sovereignty. Lebanon
Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan? Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan. Iran
Israel reportedly bombs Syria for second time this week Syrian state media said Israeli missiles targeted areas near the capital, Damascus, and the western city of Homs. News Brief
Turkey offers to mediate disputes between Sudan, Ethiopia Erdogan also said he stands behind a peaceful resolution to the violence in Tigray. Turkey
Pentagon sidelines ally Turkey as US takes control of Kabul airport Taliban fighters helped secure the southern perimeter of Kabul airport as the US Army's 82nd Airborne rushed in to take control, marking a rare moment of coordination between the years-long enemies. United States
