Ex-Iraqi MP Ahmed Alwani found dead in Lebanon: What to know Ahmed al-Alwani was a prominent leader of anti-government protests by Iraqi Sunnis in 2013, and was released from prison last year. Iraq
Iran unveils new underground 'missile city': What to know Iran has moved much of its missile stockpile underground as the threat of a new war looms. Iran
Turkey bars MP’s wife from travel after his fund scandal criticism: What to know Opposition politicians and rights advocates described Yonca Verdioglu Sik’s brief detention as an attempt to intimidate her husband, opposition lawmaker Ahmet Sik, over his criticism of the government. Turkey
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' By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Hamas keeps quiet on Russian war in Ukraine Hamas is keen on keeping mum about Russia’s war on Ukraine, following lessons learned from the Arab Spring. Palestine
Turkey, Germany extend call to Russia for cease-fire During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s first visit to Ankara, both leaders maintain that they want to help Ukraine defend itself while seeking a diplomatic solution. Turkey
Three challenging scenarios for Turkey in Libya Turkey could face tough choices in Libya unless the power struggle between the two rival governments is resolved, including military intervention should the eastern-backed prime minister attempt to enter Tripoli by force. Turkey
Analysis Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran credits Russia with 'constructive' role in nuclear talks despite holdups Iran is downplaying last-minute demands from Russia and blaming the United States for delays in the nuclear talks. Iran
Citizenship law deepens rift between Israel's Arab parties The Joint List was hoping to use the vote on the controversial citizenship Law to embarrass its rival Muslim coalition party Ra’am. Israel
Israel vows country won’t become safe haven for sanctioned Russian oligarchs Speaking at a press conference in Slovakia, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid stated that Russia won’t be able to bypass Western sanctions through Israel. Israel
Islamic State mines kill truffle hunters in Syrian desert The country's economic collapse and widespread poverty have driven residents to risk their lives to make a living in the desert near Deir ez-Zor. Syria
Another repatriation flight brings Egyptians stuck in Ukraine home Thousands of Egyptian students were in Ukraine at the start of the Russian invasion. The conflict has forced many to flee to other eastern European states. Egypt
Putin says Moscow ready to use Mideast fighters in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed the idea of sending volunteer fighters to Ukraine, though there are good reasons for Moscow to refrain from bringing them in from Syria and elsewhere. Russia
Iran missile attack on Erbil goes beyond retaliation for IRGC deaths The attack early Sunday could also be related to both the now stalled Iran nuclear talks and Iraqi government formation. Iraq
Young Egyptian rescues Arab families trapped in Ukraine Social media outlets were abuzz over the past few days with news about Islam al-Ashiri, an Egyptian man who rescued a number of families stuck in Kyiv following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt