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Politics & Security

Octavio JONES / AFP via Getty Images

Iran seizes on killing of Alex Pretti, accuses US of hypocrisy

AI-generated photos showing Americans asking Iran's supreme leader for help and a wave of Arabic-language commentary are circulating on social following the killing of a protester by US federal agents over the weekend.

Truck carrying aid enters Gaza through the border crossing on Oct. 12, 2025, in Rafah, Egypt.

Israel recovers final Gaza hostage, Rafah crossing set to reopen: What to know

The Rafah crossing is expected to allow Palestinians to exit and reenter the Gaza Strip, primarily for those seeking medical treatment.

Galaxy Leader

Yemen’s Houthis hint at Red Sea attacks as US-Iran tensions rise: What to know

The Houthi warnings come as a US aircraft carrier accompanied by several guided missile destroyers entered Gulf waters amid tensions with Iran.

A woman with braided hair during a solidarity demonstration in Erbil, Iraq's Kurdistan region, on Jan. 23, 2026.

Turkey detains nurse over hair-braiding video in support of SDF

Authorities say the nurse’s social media post amounted to terror propaganda, while critics argue that her symbolic protest falls under freedom of expression as tensions over Syria spill into Turkey’s fragile peace process.

Latest News

Breaking

Last Updated: January 26, 2026, 12:30 pm

USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group reaches Middle Eastern waters

In this handout photo provided by the US Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits the Strait of Hormuz as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Nightdippers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 lifts off from the flight deck, Nov. 19, 2019.

Analysis

No strings attached: UAE, India deepen defense ties, balk at mutual guarantees

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in New Delhi, Jan. 19, 2026.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Analysis

Can newly unified Arab Israeli bloc bridge gaps to block Netanyahu next election?

Four Arab Israeli parties join forces ahead of Israel's next elections.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Analysis

Turkey’s Syria gains come with risks as Damascus pushes Kurdish integration

Turkish Foreign Ministery Press Service / AFP via Getty Images

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

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

JOSH WALET/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Israel 'must be held accountable' for Palestinian violations, Turkey tells ICJ

Turkey's presentation came on the final day of public hearings at the International Court of Justice.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh chairs a cabinet meeting amid ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Ramallah, West Bank, Feb. 20, 2024.

Palestinian PM Shtayyeh resigns, paving way for technocratic government

Arabic media reports said Mohammad Mustafa, chairman of the board of the Palestine Investment Fund, is likely to be appointed by Abbas as the new prime minister.

People who fled war-torn Sudan wait at a railway station in the Egyptian city of Aswan on April 28, 2023.

How Egypt’s takeover of UNHCR asylum claims will impact vulnerable refugees

The Egyptian government is preparing to assume the role of registering and determining asylum claims, which could have drastic consequences for people seeking asylum in Egypt.

Former Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri greets his supporters after he prayed at the grave of his father, slain prime minister Rafic Hariri, during a commemoration for the 19th anniversary of his assassination, in Beirut, on February 14, 2024. (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP) (Photo by ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Saad Hariri return to politics in Lebanon is still unlikely

Saad Hariri’s brief return to Lebanon this month fueled speculation that he might be eying a return to politics, but experts see it as far-fetched in current dynamics.

Jason Lee/Getty Images

What message is Turkey signaling to China over Uyghurs' espionage arrests?

Turkey has sent a clear message to China through the latest bust against the suspected individuals working on behalf of Chinese intelligence, a prominent former Turkish intelligence officer says.

Merav Michaeli (C), leader of Israel's Labour party and member of Knesset (parliament), speaks on the phone during a Knesset session in a red costume as a form of protest alluding to "The Handmaid's Tale" book and television series, in Jerusalem on March 15, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's Labor Party chief: Netanyahu’s policies 'charade,' Gaza solution requires PA

In an exclusive interview, Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli squarely blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for emboldening far-right politicians and damaging relations with the United States.

An Iranian worker stands in front of a section of a pipeline after the project was launched during a ceremony with presidents of Iran and Pakistan on March 11, 2013 in the Iranian border city of Chah Bahar.ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline gets a reset, can it overcome sanctions?

As Tehran and Islamabad work to make progress on the Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline that has been decades in the making, the threat of US sanctions and financing challenges still remain.

This photograph taken on January 17, 2024 shows destroyed cars in the courtyard of a residential building following a drone attack in Odesa. Kyiv said on Jan. 17, 2024 that Russia had launched 20 Iranian-designed attack drones at targets in southern Ukraine overnight, and that its air defense systems destroyed all but one.

Two years into Ukraine war, Iran continues to play Russia enabler

Mounting international pressure and onerous sanctions do not seem to have deterred Tehran from its increasing involvement in the Ukraine war, as the Islamic Republic heavily invests in its alliance with Russia for survival.

Local residents inspect damages outside an apartment building after the overnight Russian drones attack in Kharkiv, Dec. 31, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv said on Dec. 31, 2023, it destroyed 21 of 49 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones fired by Russia overnight, adding that six guided missiles had also targeted the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

US sanctions target Russia’s production of Iranian attack drones

On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Biden administration has rolled out new measures meant to counter Russia’s drone partnership with Iran.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the joint press conference of presidents of Turkey and Iran in Ankara, on January 24, 2024. (Photo by ADEM ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Turkey’s Fidan set to visit Venezuela and meet Maduro

The Turkish foreign minister is set to make his inaugural visits to Venezuela and Mexico in his capacity as his country’s top diplomat.

Biden

Analysis

As Hamas loosens its terms, can Biden pull Netanyahu toward deal?

Israel and Hamas appear to be narrowing on terms for a temporary cease-fire and prisoner exchange.

Week in Review

Andrew Parasiliti

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

SHIR TOREM/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu gives in to US pressure on Paris talks but still committed to war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked back his previous opposition and agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Paris only under American pressure and to preserve Israeli ties with Egypt.

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