Iranian influence turns PKK-weakened Kurdistan into regional battleground

Vehicles allegedly carrying Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) commanders continue to be targeted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq amid claims Iran controls both the PKK and Shiite-led forces in oil-rich and disputed Kirkuk.

Iraq

Israel sends armed drones over border to curb Islamic Jihad threat

The escalation comes after the IDF arrested one of their senior leaders in the West Bank.

Israel

Iranian negotiators in Vienna as questions remain over IRGC delisting

The removal of the Revolutionary Guards from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations continues to play a central role in the debates surrounding the revival of the Iran nuclear deal.    

Iran

Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike

Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government.

Israel

Analysis

The Takeaway: Yemen’s truce renewed but permanent peace elusive

Strains in Israel-Russia ties; psychological toll of Israeli warplanes over Lebanon; Gulf expands ESG investment; Tunisia’s water shortage and Erdogan's diplomatic star turn on Black Sea grain initiative.  

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

Iraqi government initiates dialogue to end national crisis

Iraqi and international leaders are responding positively to the prime minister's call fior national dialogue among the various political parties.

Iraq

Taliban on edge after US kills al-Qaeda chief in upscale Kabul neighborhood

The US and the Taliban traded accusations of violating a key 2020 accord after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a US drone attack in a part of the Afghan capital long known for its ostentatious villas.

Iraq

Israel expands West Bank security fence as violence escalates in Jenin

Following the wave of violence in March and April, Israeli security authorities are working on the unfinished security wall in the north of the West Bank.

Israel

Negotiators head to Vienna for Iran nuclear talks

An Iranian lawmaker says recent proposals have grown closer to Iran’s positions.

Iran

Palestinians alarmed by lawlessness in West Bank

A state of insecurity has become widespread in the West Bank, raising fears among Palestinians of the uncertain future that awaits them.

Palestine

Syrian jihadi group charges farmers for irrigation amid water crisis

The water resources directorate of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-affiliated Salvation Government has imposed fees for irrigation as part of a project to rehabilitate water stations in al-Roj Plain in Idlib.

Syria

US warns Taliban to abide by Doha peace agreement

Washington has vowed additional strikes in Afghanistan if the Taliban does not move against Al-Qaeda.

By Jared Szuba

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