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
Egyptian forces kill, arrest Islamist fighters in Sinai There have been several escalations between Egyptian forces and Islamist groups on the peninsula recently. Egypt
UAE responds to criticism from US senators on F-35 sale A group of bipartisan senators has introduced legislation rejecting the Trump administration's planned sale of the advanced fighter jet to the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Israel receives advanced warship amid heightened tensions with Iran The Saar 6 can fire missiles, launch helicopters and deploy Israel's Iron Dome technology. Its arrival comes following the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist, allegedly by Israel. Israel
The Netherlands to send new troops to Iraq as coalition shifts to advisory role The Dutch now take the helm of a training mission that focuses on "expert specialized capabilities." Iraq
Biden will face matrix of conflicting influence campaigns in Africa, Mideast Egypt seeks to check Turkish influence in North Africa and the Horn, while its priority remains Nile Dam talks with Ethiopia. North Africa
Egypt, Sudan conduct joint military drills Egypt and Sudan carry out joint military training, further deepening their military ties, amid the faltering negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
Turkish government voices support for Afghan peace process The head of Afghanistan's peace negotiations with the Taliban visited Ankara on Thursday as talks continue in Doha. Qatar
Greece, UAE sign political, defense agreements The Greek prime minister's visit to the United Arab Emirates comes amid tensions both states have with Turkey. Originals
Intel: US to activate air defense batteries to test Israel's Iron Dome Both Iron Domes are expected to arrive at Fort Bliss by January Israel
Israeli, Greek, Cypriot defense ministers meet, reinforce security ties Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts to reinforce the countries’ security ties and strategic cooperation. Israel
Iraqi officials welcome Biden presidency While Iraqi leaders and officials have welcomed a Biden presidency, there are worries about what direction US policy will take when it comes to Baghdad. Iraq
Germany concludes major naval arms package to Egypt, despite opposition Egypt boosts its naval power after Germany agrees to sell naval equipment to Cairo amid tensions in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in oil and gas resources. Originals
