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Politics & Security

Mazloum Kobane, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), speaks during the pan-Kurdish "Unity and Consensus" conference in Qamishli in northeastern Syria on April 26, 2025.

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible

The SDF commander-in-chief reflected on a fragile integration deal with Damascus, growing Kurdish backlash and ongoing talks with Turkey as questions mount over Rojava’s political future.

Mazloum Kobane

Mazloum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images

Iran's IRGC holds anti-helicopter drills in Tehran: What to know

Iran said it downed two US helicopters last month as American forces use the aircraft for strikes in the Gulf.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shake hands before a meeting at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

Turkey, Armenia to launch direct trade in normalization push: What to know

The move removes a decades-old reexport mechanism routed largely through Georgia as Ankara and Yerevan step up normalization efforts.

Latest News

In first, Lebanon files formal UN complaint against Iran: What to know

FADEL Itani / AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Ahead of Trump-Xi summit, Iran looks to China as guarantor — but with reservations

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2025.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know

Khaled Hablas

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

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

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

The interim head of Ennahda, Mondher Ounissi, in an undated photo.

Who are Ennahda leaders arrested in Tunisia's latest crackdown?

The arrests are the latest against figures opposed to President Kais Saied, who has cemented his one-man rule since July 2021.

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (L) attends a press conference with his counterpart from Bahrain Abdul Latif al-Zayani (R), during his visit to the capital Manama on September 4, 2023. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit

Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians.

Israel Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel meets with Iranian journalists and activists in exile, London, UK, Sept. 6 2023 Credit: curtsy of office of Intelligence Minister

Israeli intelligence minister meets Iranian diaspora in London

Israel's Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel met in London with Iranian exiled activists and journalists, preparing for "the day after" when the Iranian regime weakens.

AFP via Getty Images

US sanctions Sudan paramilitary leader Hemedti's brother for human rights abuses

Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo's Rapid Support Forces have been widely accused of abuses during the fighting in Sudan.

Istanbul

Flash floods in Turkey kill at least 10 people

Flooding has ravaged several parts of the country this week.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10 Downing Street after meeting Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, London, March 24, 2023.

To appease Biden, Israel’s Netanyahu floats judicial compromise, Saudi progress

With his trip to the United States just around the corner, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to do almost anything, including halting the judicial overhaul, to get a photo op with President Joe Biden.

Troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) special operations.

Turkey's Erdogan eggs on Syria's Arab tribes against US-backed Kurds

Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria "poses a threat to its national security."

Alireza Bigdeli (R).

Saudi Arabia, Iran exchange ambassadors as thaw continues

The exchange of ambassadors between Saudi Arabia and Iran is the first since 2016 and follows the resumption of relations between the two countries in March.

A picture shows daily newspapers on sale at a kiosk in the capital Tehran, on Sept. 18, 2021.

Iran shuts down reformist outlet Entekhab as crackdown intensifies

Iran's already stifling media environment and the crackdown on outspoken journalists have only stiffened under hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis in Ankara, Sept. 5, 2023.

Turkey, Greece announce 3-point plan ahead of Erdogan-Mitsotakis meeting

The top Greek and Turkish diplomats also reiterated a plan to revive confidence-building talks between the two countries' armies but didn't release a date.

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Arab Israelis go on strike as crime wave devastates community

Arab Israeli municipalities, businesses and community centers are on strike today, demanding law enforcement agencies do more to stem the violence affecting towns and villages across the country.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew looks on during a press conference after his meeting with the Greek Finance Minister in Athens on July 21, 2016.

Biden taps former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew as US ambassador to Israel

The White House announcement came as Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.