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
What killing of Chadian president means for Egypt The killing of Chadian President Idriss Deby causes Egyptian security concerns. Egypt
Syrian missile exposes Israel’s fragility The Israeli military is concerned by the failure to intercept a long-range missile fired from Syria. Israel
Israel to keep lower profile on advancing ties with Sudan Israel’s recent enthusiasm for constructing ties with Sudan might have scared Khartoum, which prefers advancing more discreetly. Israel
Senate Democrats push for additional checks on UAE F-35 sale The bill comes amid a fresh wave of scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers over the Biden administration's plan to move forward with the Trump-era arms sale. Congress
Russian FM talks Nile dam, defense cooperation in Egypt trip Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also discussed Libya and Syria with Egypt's leaders Egypt
Russian FM’s visit to Egypt helps counter Erdogan’s regional moves Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to Cairo is seen as a further cementing of increasing Russian-Egyptian ties and as a counterpoint to the Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey. Russia
Canada cancels permits for drone technology sales to Turkey Ottawa previously suspended the exports after Canadian components were used in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Turkey
Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries. Iraq
Where will new round of strategic talks with US take Iraq? Iraq and US agreed on shifting the anti-IS coalition to training and support only, working on ending the presence of any combat forces. Iraq
Critics react to US-Jordan defense agreement The Jordanian government bypassed parliament and approved a controversial agreement signed between Jordan and the United States that regulates the status of US forces present in the kingdom, which raised much controversy. Jordan
Italy advances arms deals with Egypt despite opposition As Egypt becomes one of the world's largest importers of arms, Italy is seeking to sign additional arms deals with the North African country despite sour bilateral relations in light of Egypt’s human rights record. Egypt
Iraq, US to resume new round of strategic dialogue Iraq and the US have agreed to resume strategic talks over their mutual relationship and further US troop withdrawals. Iraq
