Increase in Jihadist attacks in Syria as Turkey courts Assad

Syrian jihadi groups are increasing their attacks on Syrian army outposts, as tripartite meetings between Russia, Turkey and Syria hint at a potential rapprochement deal to end the decade-long war.

Syria

Two Yemen YouTubers in detention, put on trial by Houthis

Courts run by the Houthis have been used to settle scores with opponents, especially media activists accusing the group of corruption.

Legacy: Gulf

Breaking | Last Updated: January 19, 2023, 2:08 pm

European Parliament slaps sanctions on Iran's IRGC

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Union to blacklist Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and to sanction the Iranian leadership.

Analysis

The Takeaway: Turkey’s F-16 deal proves hard sell in Congress

Plus, imprisoned American Siamak Namazi launches a hunger strike in Iran, and Iraq repatriates hundreds from northeast Syria's Al-Hol camp.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Explainer: Turkey’s Halkbank appeals to US Supreme Court in Iran sanctions case

The case comes at a tense time in US-Turkey relations as the Biden administration weighs whether to sell F-16 jets to Turkey.

Turkey

Breaking | Last Updated: January 18, 2023, 3:36 pm

Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel as Netanyahu's government faces crisis

The US national security adviser's visit comes as the Biden administration seeks clarity on the Netanyahu government's intentions toward the Palestinians and in the middle of an internal crisis.

Breaking | Last Updated: January 18, 2023, 3:33 pm

Protests in Israel as Supreme Court tells Netanyahu to fire minister

Hundreds of supportive Shas party members are gathered outside the home of Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, calling to overturn the Supreme Court ruling that his prior convictions bar his appointment.

Israel

Iraq repatriates 580 citizens from Syria’s al-Hol camp

The Islamic State sees the tens of thousands of detainees at al-Hol and other prison facilities in Syria as key to rebuilding its army, US officials have said.

Iraq

European Parliament overwhelmingly urges EU to designate Iran's IRGC as terrorist

Members of the European Parliament called today on European leadership to add the Iranian revolutionary Guards to the list of terror organizations.

Iran

Erdogan picks historically charged date of May 14 for Turkey’s crucial election

Turkey’s president indicates elections will be held on May 14, a symbolic date in the country's multiparty democracy and a month earlier than expected.

Turkey

Analysis

Who is Ronen Levy, Shin Bet’s shadow man and Israel’s new foreign ministry chief?

Ronen Levy, previously known only as "Maoz," is emerging from his career as a shadowing intelligence figure and conduit to Arab leaders, to become director general of Israel's Foreign Ministry.

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

UAE hosts Gulf leaders including Qatar's along with Egypt, Jordan

Egypt and Jordan are increasingly looking to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states for development and economic support.

Legacy: Gulf