Analysis Vance turning us into 'punching bag': Israel fumes over alleged IRGC-CENTCOM channel in Doha The US-Iran decision to launch direct talks between the IRGC and CENTCOM in Qatar deepens the rift between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while heightening Israeli fears that Washington is shifting toward Doha and Tehran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
As US talks stall, Hezbollah chief defiant, says Israel to leave Lebanon ’humiliated' The speech comes as the Lebanese-Israeli talks appeared to reach a deadlock this week amid Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Lebanon
CENTCOM commander heads to Israel, Gulf as Lebanon talks stall Israel's top defense official said his country would not withdraw from Lebanon despite diplomatic pressure from Washington as it seeks rapprochement with Iran. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey detains 233 ahead of NATO summit, including LGBTQ+ activist Yildiz Tar The operation included alleged militant suspects as well as LGBTQ+ and leftist activists, raising concerns over the scope of the crackdown. Turkey
Analysis Pilot zones at center of Israel-Lebanon talks as Trump pressures Netanyahu By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As US reshapes Lebanon strategy, Israel finds itself sidelined By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis How Netanyahu used Lebanon strikes to push back on Trump’s Iran deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Fears in Lebanon that US-Iran deal boosts Hezbollah without restraining Israel By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Israel focused on Syria as well as Iran A report by the Washington Post has attributed two attacks to Israel in the past year and a half against Syrian military facilities linked to its past chemical weapons program. Israel
Iraq announces end to US-led combat role with no fanfare The defeat-IS coalition will continue its advisory mission into next year, despite a declared end to a combat role. Iraq
Turkey strikes Yazidi militia in Iraq The Sinjar Resistance Units is a member of the Popular Mobilization Units, making it officially part of the Iraqi security forces. Iraq
Saudi Arabia seeks support as Yemen war heats up again The kingdom is asking allies to resupply its Patriot missile munitions as Riyadh and Yemen's Houthis trade bombardments. Yemen
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile over Riyadh Yemen’s war is heating up again with new Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa, Marib and Hodeida. Saudi Arabia
Islamic State targets peshmerga in Iraq’s disputed Diyala and Makhmour A recent string of attacks on Iraq’s Kurdistan Region peshmerga forces have raised concern over how effective long-discussed coordination with the central government is in the country’s flashpoint disputed territories. Iraq
Investigation finds militias involved in Iraqi post-election violence A special committee implicates militias in causing violent clashes on Nov. 5 Iraq
UN urges Sudan’s people to support reinstated prime minister Sudan could face even darker days ahead if protesters don't accept the junta's concession, the UN chief said. The Horn of Africa
Iraqi election results sent to Federal Supreme Court for approval The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission announced the final results of the Oct. 10 elections and will now send its results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. Iraq
How Mosul’s liberators became occupiers Civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul complain about the power of the militias who freed them from the clutches of the Islamic terror group IS, but turned to occupier later on. Iraq
Iraq reveals details on assassination attempt targeting PM In its first press conference, the special committee responsible for investigating the drone attack on the house of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi released new details and its first public report. Iraq
Ethiopia denies role in deadly Sudan border attack The disputed al-Fashaqa border region risks becoming a regional flashpoint as Ethiopia descends into civil war. Sudan
