Interview Barzani calls for enhanced air defense for Kurdistan Region to counter drone attacks Iraqi Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani backs US-led regional economic integration efforts and lauds US partnership in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor. Masrour Barzani KRG Prime Minister
Exclusive Saudi Arabia wants Iran-backed militia 'heads to roll' in Iraq amid talks with Tehran Riyadh is pressing Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to act against the groups behind attacks on the kingdom as Baghdad struggles to balance ties with Tehran and Washington. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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 By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Washington ratchets up sanctions threats against Turkey President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions on the same day the Senate advanced a bill restricting Turkey’s access to financial assistance. Turkey
Pentagon shifts equipment from Iraq to Syria The Pentagon is removing mine rollers and armored carriers from Iraq as it draws down its presence in the country. Iraq
Pentagon eyes shrinking role in Syria as Trump and Putin negotiate deal Syrian rebels have presented the White House with military options to push back against Bashar al-Assad’s gains in the southwest, Al-Monitor has learned. Syria
Kremlin pressed to legalize private military companies As Moscow pulls out troops from Syria, Putin is pressed at home to legalize private military companies and come clean about Russain mercenaries' role in Syria. Syria
Egypt refuses entry for Sudan opposition leader The Egyptian authorities denied re-entry to Sudanese opposition leader, Sadiq al-Mahdi, as ties warm between Cairo and Khartoum. Egypt
Cairo creates Sahel-Saharan anti-terror center Egypt is ready to open its new anti-terrorism center in Cairo for a network of African states (CEN-SAD) to support and coordinate counterterrorism efforts and bolster security, economic and political ties among member states. Egypt
Congress seeks uptick in North Africa operations The House Homeland Security panel chief wants to boost funding for counterterrorism in the Sahara region. North Africa
Syrian opposition has high hopes for US-Turkish road map for Manbij The US-Turkish road map for Manbij has entered the second of three phases, leading some to believe it might spare the area further bloodshed. Syria
Turkey's presidential candidates divided over military cooperation with Moscow For the most part, Turkey's presidential candidates urge good relations with Russia, but things are more complicated when it comes to cooperation in the military field. Syria
Ultra-Orthodox, leftists join forces against Israeli draft Ultra-Orthodox and leftist Knesset members have joined forces and advanced a proposal to abolish Israel's compulsive military service. Israel
Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees. Iraq
