Explainer: Why Iraq's Kirkuk has reached brink of conflict

Tensions flare up in Kirkuk ahead of provincial elections in December amid Arab and Turkmen fears of renewed Kurdish control of the oil-rich city.

Turkey

Iran lashes out at Israel after Mossad threatens to hit 'top echelon' in Tehran 

The flare-up in the harsh rhetoric was the latest episode in yearslong allegations between the two enemies, who blame one another for "terror" plots targeting their respective citizens worldwide. 

Iran

UN, Turkish Cypriots make progress on Cyprus' disputed Pyla road project

Talks between the United Nations Cyprus mission and Turkish Cypriots over a disputed road plan have yielded some progress, but several sticking points remain as Turkish Cypriots have resumed the roadwork.

Turkey

In letter to Biden, Barzani warns of Iraqi Kurdistan's collapse, urges mediation

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's letter to Biden is aimed at jolting the administration into action as tensions rise between Erbil and Baghdad.

Iraq

US, Armenia hold military drills as Russia's influence weakens in Caucasus

Washington has a finger on the scale as Armenia accuses Russia of failing to protect it against Azerbaijan.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

US unveils sanctions on Hezbollah operatives in South America, Lebanon

The targets include one of Hezbollah's alleged operational members behind the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association bombing in 1994.

Lebanon

Libya devastated by Storm Daniel with over 2,300 killed, 10,000 feared missing

The United Arab Emirates and Turkey have sent aid to Libya, where more than 2,000 people have died due to severe flooding.

North Africa

Analysis

Israel's Mossad chief sets new red lines for Iranian leadership, Russia

Mossad chief David Barnea warned the Iranian leadership directly and Moscow more subtly, but his real message was for American ears.

By Ben Caspit

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

Exclusive

Iran reveals names of 5 citizens sought in US prisoner deal

Washington and Tehran are on the verge of a deal that would see the exchange of five Americans for five Iranians, most of whom were accused or convicted of sanctions violations.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Thousands killed in Libya as flooding ravages coast

The floods caused by Storm Daniel hit a Libya still recovering from civil war.

North Africa

Lebanon: Can latest truce calm tensions in Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian camp?

The fighting between rival factions inside Ain al-Hilweh had been ongoing for five days, with the Lebanese army threatening to take action after some of its military bases were hit by rockets.

Lebanon

Mossad chief warns Iran leadership of retaliation, says Israel foiled 27 attacks

In an unusual direct threat, Israel's Mossad chief warned Tehran decision-makers that Israel will come after them should Iran hurt any Jew or Israeli.

Israel