GCC to build military command center in Kuwait as region simmers: What to know GCC countries have stepped up their joint defense efforts with the announcement of a new forward command center to be headquartered in Kuwait, as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Saudi Arabia
Hegseth strikes defiant tone, calls House impeachment process 'farce' Pentagon's top official called Rep. Thomas Massie's charges a 'farce,' arguing other defense secretaries trespassed on the War Powers Act without being impeached. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Explainer From Oct. 7 inquiry to blocking Netanyahu: Eisenkot's bloc maps out Knesset agenda Israel's opposition to advance anti-Netanyahu government measures as soon as Knesset convenes Tuesday, without waiting for a new cabinet to take shape. Israel
Slotkin, Van Hollen emerge as potential challengers to Schumer’s Senate leadership A growing number of Democrats are calling for new leadership in the Senate to replace Schumer, arguing that the party needs a leader who better reflects its generational and ideological shift to the left. United States
Silenced Turkish singers decry continued music ban Turkish government persistence on not removing the live music ban draws outcry from the entertainment and music industry. Turkey
US announces $800M in Syria aid as border-access vote looms US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the international community to ensure the latest Syria aid "actually reaches those in need." Syria
Tensions ease as Israel, Russia affirm 'mutual respect' A diplomatic crisis between Israel and Russia has eased as Russia's leader apologized for his foreign minister's offensive remark and the world celebrates Victory Day over the Nazis. Israel
Egyptian political opposition prepares for national dialogue with government There are several questions among Egypt’s political circles following the president’s call for a national dialogue with opposition forces. Egypt
Israel’s prime minister loses grip on own party With one Knesset member declared rebel and another one quitting the coalition, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett might soon find himself without a party at all. Israel
Biden to meet Jordan’s king during Washington visit King Abdullah is also expected at the Pentagon later this week. Jordan
Erdogan’s plan for return of Syrian refugees unlikely to succeed Erdogan’s new plan to encourage the voluntary return of Syrian refugees promises little success as long as fighting, militia violations and insecurity continue in Syria. Turkey
Istanbul mayor’s PR fiasco bruises presidential ambitions Istanbul's popular opposition mayor hit a pothole on his informal presidential campaign trail when a photograph sparked outrage and he responded, some detractors say, like an aspiring Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey
Syria's Assad makes rare visit to Tehran Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders. Iran
Iraqi militia power plays bring back outcast Sunni leader Iran-linked parties in Iraq are playing on perceived and actual support for once-ostracized Sunni leaders to divide their political opponents despite inherent risks. Iraq
Turkish foreign minister to visit Israel Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's visit to Israel May 24 could finally open the way for both countries to reinstate their ambassadors. Israel
Syrian opposition wary of Erdogan’s plan to return 1 million refugees Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that his country is preparing to return 1 million Syrian refugees to the northern Syria areas controlled by the Turkish-backed opposition, but he fell short of announcing the mechanism by which such numbers would return. Syria