Ex-Iraqi MP Ahmed Alwani found dead in Lebanon: What to know Ahmed al-Alwani was a prominent leader of anti-government protests by Iraqi Sunnis in 2013, and was released from prison last year. Iraq
Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms. Iran
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Israel’s Lapid scores political points with Gaza operation Israel's brief operation in Gaza was a military success, but credit to Prime Minister Yair Lapid for it is unlikely to win him the election. Israel
Gaza truce holding after three days of fighting Israel sees military operation against Islamic Jihad in Gaza as success. Israel
Kurdistan Region pursues gun control after deadly shootings The autonomous government in northern Iraq has an ambitious plan to curb gun violence, but some in the region have concerns about the feasibility of gun control due to societal and political factors. Iraq
Islamic Jihad agrees to truce in return for prisoners held in Israel An agreement sponsored by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations includes a cease-fire by Islamic Jihad in exchange for Israel releasing two prominent Islamic Jihad leaders in the West Bank as soon as possible. Palestine
Record number of Jews ascend Temple Mount on Tisha B'Av Marking the day when according to Jewish tradition both Jerusalem temples were destroyed, some 2,200 Jews visited the Temple Mount Aug. 7. Israel
How Zawahiri's death affects Syrian opposition factions Hayat Tahrir al-Sham did not issue an official statement regarding Ayman al-Zawahiri’s death, although some if the group's leaders expressed condolences on Telegram. Syria
Islamic Jihad retaliates against Israeli strike on Gaza with support of Palestinian factions Egyptian mediation seeks to prevent escalation of conflict. Palestine
As Israeli strikes on Gaza continue, Islamic Jihad responds with missiles Jerusalem is hoping that Hamas will stay out of the conflict with Gaza-based Islamic Jihad, as PIJ and Iranian officials meet in Damscus. Israel
Doctors abandon Gaza hospital on orders of Palestinian Authority Dozens of doctors employed by the Palestinian Authority have left their posts at one of the largest hospitals in Gaza, reportedly on orders from Ramallah. Palestine
Analysis Iran’s long shadow from Vienna to Baghdad and beyond More may be riding on the JCPOA talks than just the fate of Iran’s nuclear program. By Week in Review
Sadr so far cool to UN mediation to break Iraqi political deadlock United Nations special representative Jeanine Plasschaert met with Muqtada al-Sadr in Najaf, but so far there are no signs of a compromise. Iraq