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
Israeli bill gives ultra-Orthodox choice between IDF service, work A new IDF conscription bill offers the ultra-Orthodox a choice between military service and going to work. Israel
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
Israeli leaders send condolences to Americans on Afghanistan attack Leaders from both the coalition and the opposition in Israel sent messages of sympathy to the American people and for all those who lost family members and friends at the double Afghanistan suicide attack. Israel
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
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
Egypt pledges support to Somalia, eyeing Horn of Africa influence Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Roble held talks in Cairo with senior Egyptian officials at a time when Egypt is attempting to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa. Egypt
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
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
IRGC says Afghanistan exit a ‘lesson’ not to rely on US An official from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says the US exit from Afghanistan is a lesson for regional leaders. Iran
