Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks President Trump said the second meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese envoys went "very well." Lebanon
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? Damascus is making limited but tangible progress in its engagement with Syrian Kurds, even as Ankara seeks to shape the terms of any settlement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US troops depart Syria, ending decade of presence in fight against ISIS The last major American bases in Syria have been turned over to the government in Damascus, US military officials confirmed to Al-Monitor. Syria
Iraqi intelligence building bombed in Kirkuk A suicide bomber, reportedly an Islamic State member, detonated himself at an Iraqi intelligence building in the disputed northern city. Iraq
Intel: US watchdog calls on State Department to add Syria to list of religious freedom violators Secretary of State Mike Pompeo should designate Syria as one of the world’s worst religious freedom offenders and put Iraq, Turkey and Egypt on a special watch list, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended in its annual report. Egypt
Iraqi soldiers search for IS along Tigris River Iraqi army soldiers look for IS fighters in Samarra, where IS has been active during the coronavirus lockdown in the country. Iraq
Amid public pressure, Iraq suspends transfer of IS families to Zummar camp Iraqi minorities in the Ninevah Plain are complaining about the transfer of Islamic State families to a camp in their area. Iraq
Islamic State steps up attacks in Iraq during coronavirus lockdown The Islamic State launched numerous attacks in Iraq's disputed territories in April amid a lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Iraq
Egypt foils possible terrorist plot against Coptic Christians Egyptian security forces kill seven suspected militants in a shootout in eastern Cairo in which a policeman died. Egypt
Islamic State spreading terror once again in Syrian desert The Islamic State is taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic and resuming its activities against regime forces in the Syrian desert. Syria
Intelligence sharing remains key to fight against IS The Islamic State is continuing to carry out guerrilla attacks; developing and maintaining a comprehensive intelligence picture of the group is seen as an important weapon to keep its militants at bay. Iraq
Islamic State seeks comeback under cover of coronavirus Iraqi authorities are worried the Islamic State will rear its head again now that the US-led coalition's anti-terror efforts have been put on hold, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic. Iraq
SDF calls for humanitarian truce in Syria amid coronavirus crisis Following the lead of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces call for a cease-fire in order for all warring parties to combat COVID-19 instead. Syria
Intel: Coronavirus forces partial US troop drawdown in Iraq The US-led global coalition to defeat the Islamic State announced today that the coronavirus pandemic has forced “temporary adjustments” in the mission against the terrorist group. Iraq
Syrian Kurdish officials setting up court to try foreign IS fighters As European countries have failed to try their nationals from among Islamic State (IS) members detained by Syrian Kurds, Kurdish authorities intend to establish a special court to try them. Syria
