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Politics & Security

Smoke rises after explosions were heard and air defences activated near the airport in Erbil, on July 24, 2026.

Explainer

Why Iran targeted Barzani family stronghold in Iraqi Kurdistan

Iran’s Kurdish opposition groups have turned Iraqi Kurdistan into a frontline in the war.

AFP via Getty Images

US general meets Lebanon’s army chief as ceasefire with Israel teeters

Control over a strategic ridge overlooking Nabatieh is emerging as a flashpoint between the Israeli military and Lebanon ahead of the next expected round of negotiations in September.

Jared Szuba

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

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence on Aug. 14, 2026 in Garden City, New York.

Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it 'gets in the way' of US-Iran deal

The US president also threatened to "blow up" the Gulf partner in May.

Latest News

Analysis

RSF turns to drones, new fronts as Sudan battlefield pressure grows

View of some wreckage after the Rapid Support Forces targeted several civilian facilities in Al-Rahad Abu Dakna, one of the largest cities in North Kordofan, on the national highway linking Kosti and el-Obeid, July 25, 2026.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Inside Netanyahu's bet on divided opposition to secure another term

Gadi Eisenkot

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Analysis

How Israel's rivalry, defense deals prompted Turkey to join Mecca pact

Fireworks explode over Islamabad

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Why Venezuela is moving closer to Israel but stopping short of full ties

An Israeli rescue team arrives in Venezuela after the earthquake in June 2026. Israeli Foreign Ministry

Rina Bassist

Adam Lucente

By Rina Bassist , Adam Lucente

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

Syrian refugees prepare to leave Lebanon toward Syrian territory.

Lebanon deports dozens of Syrian refugees amid spike in racist rhetoric

The deportation of more than 50 Syrians to the war-torn country comes amid growing anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon.

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin (R) listens to MP May Golan during a session at the Knesset, Jerusalem, March 20, 2023.

Who is May Golan, Israel's self-styled 'racist' considered for NY consul general?

The Likud party confirmed Minister without portfolio May Golan, known for her strong support of the judicial overhaul, was proposed the much-coveted position of consul general in New York.

Muslim worshippers pray on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, at al-Hara al-Rabaa Mosque in the Juraif Gharb neighborhood, Khartoum, Sudan, April 21, 2023.

Sudan fighting continues despite cease-fire for Eid al-Fitr holiday

The Rapid Support Forces announced a 72-hour cease-fire, following two other failed truces.

This combination of pictures created on April 18, 2023 shows Sudan's army chief, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (L), in Juba on Oct. 14, 2019, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (R), who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, addressing the media upon his return from Russia at Khartoum airport on March 2, 2022.

Israel's security chiefs split on supporting Sudan’s Burhan, Hemedti

Israel is engaged in efforts to de-escalate tensions in Sudan, but its security and diplomatic leaderships are split between the two fighting camps.

Kurdish Syrians protest the death of victims reportedly killed in a Turkish drone bombing the previous day, on Nov. 10, 2021 in the Syrian Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli.

Syria’s Kurds make their own pitch as Arab states court Assad

Syrian Kurds, whom Bashar al-Assad once labeled “traitors” and “collaborators,” now seek a new peace with the Syrian government.

Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman and Presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Turkey's Kilicdaroglu garners record attention in Alevi video

Turkish presidential candidate and top Erdogan challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu garnered record attention in a video he made appealing to the country's youths.

Son of late Iranian Shah Reza Pahlavi with Israel's Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel at the opening ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, April 17 2023. Curtsy of Israel's Intelligence Ministry.

Iran hard-liners lash out at shah Pahlavi's son over Israel visit

Reza Pahlavi's trip to Israel and his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be part of his campaign to garner support for regime change in Iran, as the opposition camps were scrambling for unity.

An Israeli soldier walks on the turret of a Merkava Mark IV battle tank stationed at a position along Israel's northern border with Lebanon in the vicinity of the village of Shtula on April 6, 2023. - The Israeli army said it intercepted rocket fire from Lebanon on April 6 after clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians inside Islam's third-holiest site drew warnings of retaliation from around the region. (Photo by Oren ZIV / AFP) (Photo by OREN ZIV/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel’s defense chief warns of multi-front war, says Iran 'driving force'

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry's data, Hezbollah received $700 million from Iran last year as well as “knowledge and strategic weaponry” such as precision-guided munitions.

A guard tower stands at the entrance of the US prison at Guantanamo Bay.

US repatriates Algerian prisoner from Guantanamo

Said bin Brahim bin Umran Bakush was first detained in Pakistan in 2002.

Washington Pulse

This image grab taken from AFPTV video footage on April 20, 2023, shows an aerial view of black smoke rising above the Khartoum International Airport amid ongoing battles between the forces of two rival generals.

Sudan: US prepares plans for possible embassy evacuation

As the fighting in Sudan continues, the US military is making contingency plans to potentially evacuate US diplomatic personnel from Khartoum.

The USS Florida sails during "Giant Shadow," a Naval Sea Systems Command/Naval Submarine Forces exercise to test the capabilities of the Navy's future guided missile submarines Jan. 22, 2003 off the coast of the Bahamas.

US Navy denies Iran's claim on harassing submarine in Gulf waters

The Iranian navy said it forced a US-guided missile submarine to surface as it sailed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Abdullah II of Jordan on April, 19, 2023

Analysis

Jordan's king visits Saudi, UAE with Syria normalization topping agenda

Jordan’s King Abdullah II traveled to meet Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed this week as discussions about bringing Syria back to the Arab League continue.

By Salim A. Essaid