Jordan’s King Abdullah calls church shooting ‘terror attack,’ at least 7 killed: What to know Jordan has experienced sporadic violence targeting the Christian community, though attacks of this kind are relatively rare in the kingdom. Jordan
How Israel’s election could shape next phase of Iran war Most of the Israeli prime minister's main rivals in the Oct. 27 election agree that Israel's war to overthrow the Iranian regime should continue, but only he claims to have President Donald Trump's blessing to do so. Israel
France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
US moving away from Middle East security guarantor role, Barrack says The US envoy said that direct US military intervention on the ground against the Houthis would be "fruitless." By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hormuz attacks spike after US airstrike on Iran-linked tanker By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Sudan puts Russia naval base deal under review A top military officer denied the review was connected to increased ties with the United States. Russia / Mideast
Israeli officials play down IDF chief’s comments about bombed Gaza tower Defense Minister Benny Gantz dismissed Kochavi's comments as illustrative, not literal. Israel
Intel: Israel’s defense chief heads to Washington after Gaza war Gantz’s visit will be his first during the Biden administration. United States
Egypt, Sudan hold war games as Ethiopian dam dispute continues Egypt and Sudan started a new military exercise amid a dispute with Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s plan to add 13.5 billion cubic meters of water to the reservoir of its dam on the Blue Nile. Egypt
Turkey’s persistent watering down of anti-Russian language leaves NATO in bind Ankara defends its position on Moscow on the grounds that it has to manage its relationship with its powerful northeastern neighbor. Turkey
NGOs say Biden's proposed military aid to Egypt undermines human rights Under President Joe Biden’s first budget proposal to Congress, the administration is requesting $1.3 billion in foreign military financing for Egypt. Egypt
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
Ethiopia’s reported filling of Nile dam heats up tensions with Egypt, Sudan Cairo is ramping up pressure on Addis Ababa again in tandem with Khartoum's forces. Sudan
Sanders drops opposition to guided bombs sale to Israel Progressives' push to block Israel arms sale falters amid Gaza cease-fire, procedural deadline. United States
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Iraqis flood streets in support of Palestinians A massive protest called by a popular cleric and a conference planned by a political alliance linked to Shiite armed factions bear witness to widespread Iraqi support for the Palestinian cause. Iraq
Top Republicans ask Biden to stand by recent US weapons sale to Israel. Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution to block the Biden administration's sale of precision weapons to Israel, prompting the top Republicans on the House and Senate foreign relations committees to respond. United States
