Interview

YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities

In an interview with Al-Monitor, YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali said Kurdish forces were successfully repelling advances by the Syrian army, while Damascus accused the Kurds of launching unprovoked attacks.

Siyamend Ali

YPG spokesman

‘Save the Post’: Washington Post journalists urge Bezos to protect foreign desk

The Post maintains one of the most extensive overseas reporting networks among US newspapers, including Middle East bureaus in Istanbul, Cairo and Dubai.

United States

‘Very bad choice’: Trump threatens to cut Iraq aid if Maliki returns as PM

Trump warned that the US would “no longer help Iraq” if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returns to power, saying his previous leadership had brought chaos and poverty.

Iraq

As phase 2 looms, Netanyahu insists no Turkish or Qatari troops in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Tuesday address that his country would not completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip under the next phase of the ceasefire, which the Trump administration is pushing to advance.

Israel

Christian party in Lebanon says alliance with Hezbollah over: What to know

Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, one of Lebanon’s largest Christian political parties, said an agreement between his party and the Iran-backed Hezbollah is no longer viable, as the group continues to fight other countries’ battles on Lebanese soil while Lebanese authorities press ahead with their disarmament plan.

Lebanon

Analysis

As Trump weighs Iran diplomacy, Israel uneasy but could accept deal

Despite the United States deploying significant naval forces to the region, Israel regrets a strike against Iran was not carried out two weeks ago.

By Ben Caspit

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

What’s next for Iraq as Nouri al-Maliki gets nominated for PM?

Maliki, who resigned after the 2014 ISIS offensive, has been nominated by Iraq’s largest parliamentary alliance but must still be formally nominated by the next president and form a government that secures parliamentary approval.

Iraq

Trump says Iran seeks deal as US aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East

Iranian officials have signaled they are open to nuclear talks but unwilling to compromise on enrichment.

Iran

Feature

ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds

With Syrian government forces taking over nearby al-Hol and security breaking down, families of ISIS fighters at Roj Camp live in fear and uncertainty.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

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.

United States

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.

Israel

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.

Iran