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
Intel: US, Iraq to renew talks over troop presence in April The Biden White House accepted Baghdad's request to kickstart strategic dialogue Iraq
Former US, Israeli officials voice support for Biden's Pentagon policy pick Former US ambassadors and retired Israeli generals are among those backing Colin Kahl for the Pentagon's top policy role. Washington Pulse
Intel: Saudi Arabia seeks Turkey’s drones, Erdogan says Riyadh's request could provide an opening for Ankara, which is also seeking to repair ties with Egypt. Saudi Arabia
A thaw in Turkey’s relations with Egypt? Gulf Cooperation Council reconciliation may have set in motion Ankara’s desire for a reset with Cairo. Egypt
Israel, Cyprus, Greece conduct naval exercise amid tensions with Turkey France also sent naval assets for the first time since last year's joint exercises. Israel
Saudi Arabia to take ‘necessary measures’ to protect oil after drone attack Riyadh wants international support to prevent future attacks, foreign minister says alongside Russian counterpart. Saudi Arabia
Republicans challenge Biden's Pentagon policy nominee on Iran Colin Kahl said he supports the Abraham Accords and continued pressure on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Sudan welcomes US, Russian navy ships amid strategic competition The rival powers are eyeing the fledgling democracy for a leg up on influence in East Africa Russia
Turkey, US maintain dialogue of the deaf Ankara and Washington, both unwilling to budge over differences, can expect ties to get worse before they get better. Turkey
US generals head to Tunisia ahead of major military exercise The Pentagon aims to bolster partnerships in North Africa with the African Lion exercise this summer. Tunisia
Turkey hires Washington lobbyists in bid for return to F-35 program The Biden administration is giving Turkey the cold shoulder on the S-400 dispute. Turkey
UAE dismantling base in Eritrea following drawdown in Yemen Images from The Associated Press show vehicles and structures being removed from the Emirates' military base. United Arab Emirates
