Breaking | Last Updated: April 27, 2026, 3:43 pm Iraq's Shiite alliance nominates Ali al-Zaidi as PM candidate: What to know Ali al-Zaidi, who leads a bank accused of money laundering, received support from previous nominee Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, though it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will approve of him. Iraq
'Treason is war for external interests': Lebanon’s Aoun hits back at Hezbollah Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejects Hezbollah’s criticism of talks with Israel, insisting negotiations are aimed at ending hostilities and saying “treason” is taking the country to war for external interests. Lebanon
Why US, Israel are freezing France out of Lebanon talks With talks between Israel and Lebanon being held in Washington, Paris still insists that it must be involved to balance possible American bias and to protect Beirut’s interests. Israel
Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know Amjad Youssef appeared on video, allegedly killing dozens of civilians in 2013; he is the latest member of the Assad regime to be captured by the new Syrian government. Syria
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel sees chance of US-Iran deal as almost 'non-existent,' readies for war By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Ankara mulls ambitious but risky engagement with Taliban The Turkish government is eyeing a more independent — and riskier — role in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s blitz takeover of Kabul sidelined the United States earlier than expected. Turkey
Electrical towers again become targets in Iraq Iraq's transmission towers are increasingly the target of bombings. Iraq
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
Gulf states call for calm in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the only three countries to recognize the Taliban the last time the Islamist group ruled Afghanistan. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Islamic State suspects use Turkey’s remorse law to get off the hook Taking advantage of the Turkish judicial system and the political climate besieging it, Islamic State suspects often receive sentence reductions under repentance provisions, even if they feign regret. Turkey
Pentagon rushes more reinforcements to Kabul airport as panic disrupts evacuations US troops regained control of the runway Monday afternoon after masses of Afghans rushed onto the tarmac hoping to escape. United States
More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
Militant clashes kill nine Egyptian soldiers in Sinai Egypt's military said nine soldiers were killed in counterterror operations. Egypt
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
AIPAC doubles down on ad about US Rep. Omar The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has received criticism for an ad with Rep. Ilhan Omar's image reading "Stand AGAINST terrorists." The Muslim congresswoman receives frequent criticism for her views on Israel and US foreign policy. Washington Pulse
Turkey ‘still in lead’ as US surges troops back to Kabul airport for evacuation The Pentagon is readying as many as 8,000 troops to facilitate the withdrawal of American and Afghan personnel. United States
New UN report on Islamic State gives Ankara another headache Security Council report red flags Uyghur diaspora in Turkey as a recruitment source for jihadi networks in Syria and Afghanistan. Turkey
