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
Erdogan on UAE visit to end isolation, secure funding The Turkish president seeks to bolster Turkey's ties to the Arab world. Turkey
US F-22 squadron arrives to help UAE ward off Houthi attacks France is also lending military support while it remains unclear how proactively US fighter pilots will allowed to engage Houthi targets. Yemen
Iran in 'hurry' to reach nuclear agreement, says foreign minister Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called on the West to stop "playing with time" in Vienna. Iran
Tensions escalate in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood Clashes have broken out again between Palestinian residents, Jewish settlers and security forces in Sheikh Jarrah. Israel
Israel promises support for Ukrainian Jews Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has made it clear that if Jews in Ukraine find themselves in need of rescue, Israel will be there for them. Israel
Turkey rethinks Libya policy Libya’s rekindled power struggle has left Turkey in an ambivalent position and might force it to review its alliances. Turkey
Egypt lays groundwork to host COP27 Cairo is already busy solidifying international support for this year's UN climate conference to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh. Egypt
Islamic State kills Iraqi forces in sparsely populated Anbar desert Attacks and unexploded ordnance continue to reap victims in Iraq’s vast western desert as security officials deny increased risks associated with a massive recent jailbreak across the border. Iraq
Russia's experience in Syria informs approach to Ukraine, NATO The opportunity to field-test its next-generation weapons systems in recent years has emboldened the Kremlin to raise the stakes in Ukraine, and so has experience in brinkmanship with Turkey over Syria. Syria
Trade route between Egypt, Sudan remains closed The continued closure of the land crossings between Egypt and Sudan has prompted rumors that Egypt is exploiting Sudan’s resources and standing in the way of the civilian-led movement. Egypt
Xi reaffirms 'comprehensive strategic partnership' in meeting with Sisi Meeting on the sidelines of the Olympics, the Chinese president said Beijing and Cairo share 'similar visions and strategies.' Egypt
Turkish attacks stop displaced Iraqi Yazidis from returning home Turkey's regular targeting of Sinjar region is affecting the area badly and preventing displaced people from returning. Iraq