Analysis Capitulation or compromise? What SDF's dissolution means for Sharaa, Turkey and Syria's Kurds The Syrian Democratic Forces' dissolution ends an era of Kurdish self-rule while opening a new political chapter in Damascus. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis UAE-China air drills deepen with fourth Falcon Shield exercise The United Arab Emirates and China are preparing for their fourth joint air force exercise in as many years, extending a military relationship that has moved steadily beyond arms sales into increasingly regular operational training. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Iraq summons Iran envoy over 'Persian Gulf' post, Baghdad name origins: What to know The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including over the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the controversially referenced gulf to the Arabian Sea. Iraq
China's Xi to visit Egypt for first time in decade as military, Huawei ties grow The visit comes as Chinese telecoms giant Huawei seeks to supply more than 2,000 advanced AI chips for Egyptian government data centers. Egypt
