Syria’s Kurds face ISIS threat, US indifference as Turkey destroys critical infrastructure

Turkish strikes have left hundreds of thousands without water and electricity, as well as undermining security at prisons and detention centers where tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families are being held.

Syria

Exclusive

2 American activists jailed in Saudi Arabia return home after travel ban

Dual citizens Salah al-Haidar and Bader al-Ibrahim are back on US soil, but the Biden administration is still pushing for the release of several other Americans held under travel bans.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ilhan Omar’s daughter suspended from Columbia University over Gaza protests

The suspension from the university’s sister institution was in relation to an on-campus encampment in solidarity with Gaza, Isra Hirsi said on X, and follows a House panel on antisemitism at the school.

Palestine

US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah

Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran.

Washington Pulse

IRGC commander says Iran may 'revise' nuclear posture if attacked by Israel

The region is bracing for a possible Israeli response to Iran’s unprecedented attack on the country.

Iran

Cholera resurges in Yemen as Houthis warn of ‘dangerous levels’ of famine

The nine-year civil war in Yemen has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Yemen

As it waits for Passover, Israel still bent on retaliating against Iran

Statements by Israeli tops indicate that while the country has decided to retaliate against Iran for last weekend's attack, it might not do so immediately and, in all likelihood, not before the end of Passover on April 30.

Israel

Qatar 'reevaluating' Hamas-Israel mediation role amid mounting criticism

Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, has mediated talks between Israel and Hamas on a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages taken in the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack.

Qatar

Hamas' Haniyeh to visit Turkey as Erdogan hits back at Gaza criticism

The Turkish president dials up his defensive tone in response to domestic criticism over the Gaza war.

Turkey

In Israel, UK, Germany FMs caution against retaliation to Iran attack

On a visit to Israel, British Foreign Minister David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are calling on the Jewish state to avoid a military operation against Iran, though statements by Israeli officials indicate that the die is cast.

Israel

Saudi Arabia ramps up regional diplomacy to avert Iran-Israel war

Saudi Arabia has reiterated calls for calm in the region amid rising tensions in the wake of the Iranian attack on Israel this week.

Saudi Arabia

Nervousness reigns as ordinary Iranians fear Israel war looming

Fears of a military conflict with Israel are fast spreading among many Iranians who are already feeling the economic impacts of the recent escalation and facing the state crackdown over criticism of the Israel attack.

Iran