Analysis Israel braces for Iran attack as Trump’s economic squeeze on Tehran intensifies Skeptical about the effectiveness of the American economic blockade on Tehran to weaken the regime, Israel is preparing for the possibility that Iran could decide to strike the Jewish state during the upcoming high holidays. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Lebanon says at least 12 killed in Israeli strikes as tensions rise in south The escalation in southern Lebanon casts a shadow over upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. Lebanon
Analysis Could Trump’s oil push in Venezuela upend OPEC’s energy order? Washington’s growing role in controlling the Latin American country's crude riches could help reshape an energy order centered on OPEC as the Hormuz crisis pressures Gulf exports. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Who is Amir Yaryab, IRGC’s cyber commander in US crosshairs? The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information on Amir Yaryab, who oversees a key part of Iran’s cyber operations. Iran
Analysis Playing for time: Despite US pressure, Israel stalls Lebanon talks until after election By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Israel favors status quo as tensions in Iran's leadership fuel escalation risk By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Palestinians change tack on Trump Palestinian leaders appear to have made a deliberate decision not to respond to every pro-Israel statement out of the White House. Palestine
Israel anti-boycott bill inches closer to passing Senate after revisions A revised anti-boycott bill is gaining traction in the Senate as pro-Israel advocates lobby lawmakers to pass the legislation. Israel
Anti-IS coalition paralyzed as YPG faces Turkey As Turkey's Operation Olive Branch diverts Syrian Kurdish forces from the coalition fighting the Islamic State, a growing number of analysts believe that Washington’s efforts to simultaneously manage Kurdish, Turkish and Russian expectations in Syria are starting to unravel. Syria
Rouhani’s visit a reality check for Iran-India relations Trade connectivity overtakes energy as Tehran and New Delhi move to forge closer cooperation. United States
Qatar claims proposed sanctions on Hamas threaten F-15 sales Qatar lobbyists say the pressure on Doha could jeopardize a $6.2 billion deal signed under President Donald Trump. Qatar
Turkey moves to take key town in Afrin operation Turkish jets attacked the northern Syrian town of Jindires with the ultimate goal of encircling the city of Afrin. Syria
Stakes rise in Syria as Turkey clashes with pro-Assad militias As Turkey’s forces approach the center of Afrin city in Syria, it is getting harder for Moscow to control events. Syria
Turkey entangled in Syria cease-fire it once supported Much to the consternation of many allies, Ankara is challenging the UN Security Council’s cease-fire resolution in Syria, saying it does not apply to Turkey's Afrin operation. Syria
Pro-Israel lobby struggles to bring parties together ahead of annual conference The American Israel Public Affairs Committee hasn’t made much headway on key issues such as the Iran nuclear deal and anti-boycott legislation. Israel
Turkish-Iranian trade revived amid growing cooperation in Syria Turkey and Iran have reversed a four-year downturn in bilateral trade as collaboration in Syria increases, but the possibility of a setback remains real. Syria
Europe starts preparing Mideast peace initiative The one-sided decision by the United States to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem in May opens the way for a European Mideast peace initiative. Palestine
Progressive champion Sanders joins fight against Yemen war Anti-war activists hope that a new bipartisan effort spearheaded by 2016 left-wing candidate Bernie Sanders will reinvigorate efforts to end US support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia