Who benefits in Israel from increasing security tension?

Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the head of the Blue and White party, Benny Gantz, both are gaining from increased security tensions.

Israel

Hunt for Iraqi IS leaders continues amid heightened secrecy

The Islamic State has employed higher levels of secrecy about its commanders since 2018, leading to greater confusion about its hierarchy. The search nevertheless continues for its commanders, most of whom are believed to be of Iraqi origin but are currently in Syria.

Iraq

Turkish defense minister claims pivotal role in Syria

Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has gotten deeply involved in tactical and operational matters and anxiety is growing in the Turkish military and the ruling party that Akar is taking the reins in Syria.

Syria

Syrians in Egypt fear new restrictions signal worse to come

Many Egyptians believe their government and its supporters are behind the latest xenophobic campaign targeting Syrian refugees in the country, including attacks on their businesses.

Egypt

Israel zeroes in on Iran’s Soleimani

Recent Israeli attacks in Syria and Lebanon sent a clear message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: Syria won’t be reconstructed as long as it harbors Iranian proxies.

Iraq

Why Iran has been quiet when it comes to Syria's Idlib, safe zone

Iran has been careful not to antagonize Turkey while also opposing US-Turkish agreements on Syria.

Syria

Why is Khan Sheikhoun important for Syrian regime?

Syrian regime forces took full control over Khan Sheikhoun and besieged some opposition-held areas from which a large number of fighters withdrew.

Syria

Syrians in makeshift displacement camp face ‘impossible choice’

A joint United Nations-Syrian Arab Red Crescent mission has arrived at the Rukban camp, near the Jordanian border, where more than 10,000 people are living in dire conditions, to ask them if they want to go back to the government-held area of Homs province.

Jordan

Hamas seeks ties with other factions, Palestinian families

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar revealed details of a recent meeting between Hamas and Islamic Jihad to coordinate efforts to confront Israel and pursue the Palestinian cause.

Palestine

How Russia could facilitate China’s role in rebuilding Syria

Moscow and Beijing are eyeing a number of opportunities to push forward on the reconstruction of Syria and Lebanon could play a central role.

Lebanon

End game looms for Turkey in Idlib

Turkey has found itself with little room to maneuver in Idlib after its last-minute moves failed to avert the fall of Khan Sheikhoun in a Syrian army offensive that seemed to be a response to the new Turkish-US partnership to the east of the Euphrates River.

Syria

Turkey recalibrates refugee policy as Idlib fighting displaces more Syrians

Turkey’s Interior Ministry is moving to formalize refugee policies as new wave of displaced Syrians amasses in Idlib.

Syria