Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know Abu Jihad al-Muhajir is the highest-profile alleged Islamic State official captured by Syrian government forces since US troops withdrew from the country in April. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation. Jordan
US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters Control over a strategic ridge overlooking Nabatieh is emerging as a flashpoint between the Israeli military and Lebanon ahead of the next expected round of negotiations in September. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer Three ways China benefits from Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact: What to know The pact points to a more multipolar Middle Eastern security order, one in which Washington is no longer the unquestioned center of Gulf security. China
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis As US rethinks regional presence, Israel shifts focus to destabilizing Iran By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Saudi Arabia, UAE hold weekslong military exercise The joint defense exercises are expected to last three weeks. Legacy: Gulf
Israel to export border surveillance technology to Cyprus Israel’s military has extensive experience with border security surveillance in the West Bank. Israel
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
US approves sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia The Biden administration says the weapons are key to Saudi Arabia's self-defense from Iran-backed drone attacks out of Yemen. Iran
Israel floats trial for new balloon-based drone, missile-detecting radar The early-detection balloon and radar are the latest in Israel's rapidly growing arsenal of missile defense systems. Israel
Intel: US sees role for Sudan’s military in government if coup reversed The Biden administration is relying on economic pressure to push Gen. Burhan to reinstate deposed civilian leaders. Sudan
US flies B-1 bomber over Middle East amid tensions with Iran The Pentagon is renewing show-of-strength flights over the Persian Gulf as the US waits for talks over Iran's nuclear program to resume. United States
Intel: Pentagon holds 'productive' talks with Turkey over F-35 dispute All eyes are on next week's Glasgow summit as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to talk F-35s and F-16s with US President Joe Biden. Turkey
Ukraine uses Turkish drone for first time against pro-Russian forces Turkey's ties with Ukraine have complicated relations with Russia. News Brief
With F-16 deal in limbo, Erdogan-Biden meeting postponed to Glasgow Following a diplomatic row this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters Tuesday he would seek to confirm a divisive F-16 deal with US counterpart Joe Biden at the COP26 conference in Glasgow. Turkey
Israel's room to maneuver in Syrian skies faces new constraints Recent geopolitical changes in the region are reducing Israel’s ability to act against the Iranian presence in Syria. Israel
Israel, UAE send signal to Iran during Israeli air force drill For the first time ever, the commander of the Emirati air force openly observes the international Blue Flag military drill taking place this week in Israel. Israel
