US troop drawdown in Syria on hold over regime stability concerns

While American troops in Iraq hand over operations against the Islamic State to Baghdad's forces, the parallel drawdown in neighboring Syria has been halted amid concerns about the abilities of the new Islamist-led government in Damascus.

By Jared Szuba

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

US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria

The US mission against the Islamic State is relocating its headquarters and most of its troops from Baghdad to Erbil as the prime minister's coalition faces reelection in November.

Iraq

Newsletter: Gulf

Trump family expands Gulf footprint

The Trump family is deepening its business and investment ties across the Gulf through headline-grabbing real estate and tech deals.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Iraqi cleric Sadr says he is ready for ‘escalation’ as tensions heat up ahead of elections

Muqtada al-Sadr has reaffirmed his intention to boycott the November elections following an alleged assassination attempt against him, leaving the country's political future uncertain.

Iraq

Hamas faces red line in Trump's take-it-or-leave-it Gaza plan

The clock is ticking for Hamas to respond to a deal that would require its disarmament in exchange for an end to the war.

Palestine

Turkey vows to support Gaza-bound flotilla, defying Israeli warnings

The Turkish Defense Ministry said its navy vessels and rescue units in the Eastern Mediterranean were monitoring the flotilla and would provide search-and-rescue support if needed.

Turkey

Analysis

Trump offers Netanyahu cover as Israel's far right recoils at Gaza peace plan

The latest peace plan for Gaza offers something previous ones lacked: a way for the Israeli prime minister to save face.

By Ben Caspit

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

Turkey scrambles to contain fallout after Fidan says KAAN jet dependent on US

Critics say the admission underscores vulnerabilities in Turkey’s armed forces and highlights the challenges of achieving independence from Western suppliers.

Turkey

Dutch-flagged cargo ship struck off Yemen in latest attack

If claimed by the Houthis, the strike on the Minervagracht would mark their most successful attack on a civilian cargo vessel since July.

Yemen

Trump says Netanyahu has agreed to deal to end Gaza war

Hamas has not responded to the peace plan, which would require the group to disarm and release the remaining hostages.

Israel

As Syria finalizes candidates for parliament, women make up 14% of list

Syria’s parliamentary elections are set for Sunday, when electoral committees will select 140 lawmakers before President Ahmed al-Sharaa appoints the remaining 70.

Syria

Egypt, Somalia discuss military ties as Cairo set to deploy troops for AU mission

The Egyptian and Somali defense ministers met in Cairo to discuss strengthening military cooperation, marking the latest sign of deepening military ties between the two African nations amid the volatile situation in the Horn of Africa.

Egypt