Analysis

As Erdogan woos Assad, is Turkey-Syria reconciliation rhetoric or reality?

While the Turkish president has signaled he’s open to mending fences with his Syrian counterpart, the path to reconciliation is full of pitfalls.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances

The move signals a new step toward further developing the relations between the two countries.

Syria

Widow of ISIS leader sentenced to death in Iraq: What we know

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife held Yazidi women captured by the Islamic State in her home, according to Iraqi authorities.

Iraq

Egypt, Qatar, US, Israel officials convene in Doha for Gaza cease-fire talks

The talks began in Cairo, days after Hamas said it would drop its initial demand for a permanent cease-fire.

Palestine

Iran's Pezeshkian assures Russia’s Putin, Hezbollah chief of continued support

Masoud Pezeshkian's messages indicate that Iran's strategic ties with Russia and militia allies are unlikely to change under his presidency, as the agenda largely rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran

Turkey’s Erdogan arrives in US for NATO summit: Defense sales, PKK ties in focus

The Turkish president said cooperation against terrorism and removing defense sale obstacles against his country will top his agenda during his trip.

Turkey

Hezbollah airs drone footage of Israeli military sites in Golan Heights

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated in recent weeks, including with the Israeli killing of one of the Iran-backed group’s commanders.

Lebanon

Palestinians in war-torn Gaza outraged over assault of anti-Hamas activist

A prominent activist known for his anti-Hamas positions was attacked by unknown armed men in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli war, with many blaming Hamas for the attack.

Palestine

Analysis

Egypt enraged by Netanyahu's demands as talks stall, Israel-Cairo ties tumble

The list of non-negotiable demands Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued ahead of talks for a hostage release deal are likely to not only sabotage negotiations, but also harm Israel’s relations with Egypt.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US officials Burns, McGurk in Cairo to close gaps in Gaza cease-fire talks

A White House spokesperson said there are differences that remain between the two sides, even after Hamas softened its demands in its latest counterproposal.

Israel

Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington

While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington.

Washington Pulse

Analysis

Baghdad silent as Turkey moves deeper against PKK militants in northern Iraq

A drone attack on Monday comes amid widening Turkish operations against PKK targets inside Iraqi Kurdistan.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture