Russia banks on Syrian unity

As Moscow grapples with the changes in the region, it continues to support an inclusive peace process in Syria.

Iraq

Did Shiite fatwa save Baghdad from 'Islamic State'?

Iraqi Shiites have rallied to defend the capital from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), with few visible signs of Iranian fighters.

Iraq

Jordan boosts military presence on Iraq border

Jordanian officials say they can thwart any jihadist advance from Iraq.

Iraq

The Syria disconnect in US Iraq policy

Iraq welcomes Syrian airstrikes on ISIS; Aleppo’s water crisis.

Saudi Arabia

Russia's military bid in Iraq

Moscow has seized an opening by delivering fighter jets to Iraq.

Iraq

Will Assad reach out to 'national opposition' in Syria?

According to Syrian officials, the re-elected President Bashar al-Assad will likely carry messages of reform and rapprochement with the so-called “national opposition” in his July 17 address marking his third term.

Syria

Iraq’s ambassador to US: war with ISIS 'acid test' of US-Iraq ties

Lukman Faily, Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, says that in light of the urgency of the Iraq crisis, “we will not be in a position to choose our partners and whoever is available to help us in our survival war, then we will take that.”

Saudi Arabia

Aleppo's water crisis adds to local suffering

Rebel attempts to cut the water supply to regime-held areas have backfired, disrupting drinking water supplies to the entire city.

Syria

Iraqis fear uncertain future in areas under 'Islamic State'

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is not the only group operating in regions now under its banner.

Iraq

Jordan shaken by threats from ISIS, Iraq, Syria

The kingdom faces a security crisis over conflicts involving neighboring Iraq and Syria, a jihadist enclave on its border, waves of refugees, and returning terrorist fighters from both countries.

Iraq

Saudi Arabia sees allies among Iraq's Sunni tribes

The kingdom is distinguishing between Sunni tribes opposed to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Legacy: Gulf

Israel should back Mahmoud Abbas to deter ISIS

While the United States and Europe try to strengthen moderate Arab countries as a counterbalance to global jihad extremists in Iraq and elsewhere, Israel continues to diminish moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Palestine