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
Are Turkey, Azerbaijan ready to talk peace with Armenia? Although TRT momentarily reported that Azerbaijan had claimed it had emerged victorious in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, there seems to be a lot to still sort out before there can be a lasting cease-fire. Turkey
Pentagon chief visits Israel, Bahrain with little fanfare The quiet visit came less than a week after the defense secretary said the United States would like to see regional security cooperation with Israel to deter Iran. Bahrain
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tests Turkey’s hard power without diplomacy Can Ankara’s “coercive diplomacy” in the south Caucasus yield tangible diplomatic benefits in the long run? Turkey
Can Russia return to Iranian arms market following end of weapons embargo? With the end of the UN arms embargo, Iran could be looking to purchase new additions to its defense system — could Russia become a main supplier again? Saudi Arabia
Israel will not oppose US sale of 'certain weapon systems' to United Arab Emirates The announcement likely refers to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. United Arab Emirates
Cracks in Turkish-Russian ties begin to show Mistrust instead of the spirit of mutually beneficial political cooperation is guiding current relations between Ankara and Moscow. Turkey
Gantz, Esper sign US commitment to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz met yesterday with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper; the two ministers signed at the Pentagon a joint declaration over the United States maintaining Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East. Israel
Intel: US Air Force trains with Israel’s newest F-35 squadron Exercise Lightning III focused on offensive air operations involving simulated enemy aircraft and ground targets. Israel
Egypt, Russia to hold joint naval drills in Black Sea, Moscow says Exercise Friendship Bridge 2020 will involve aircraft and ship-based artillery, Russia's Defense Ministry said Egypt
Intel: Turkey to test Russian S-400 air defense system amid tensions in NATO NATO's secretary-general urged Turkey on Monday to seek alternatives to the Russian system, but Turkey plans to test-fire the S-400 this month. Turkey
Intel: Morocco signs 10-year military cooperation agreement with Pentagon The United States is building up its alliances in North Africa amid tensions with Russia and China. Morocco
Intel: Pentagon eyes partnership with Algeria amid competition with Russia, China The United States is looking to bolster military ties with North Africa. Algeria
