Interview

US believes Syria’s Sharaa at risk of assassination, Trump envoy says

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack also discusses what’s next for sanctions relief, the country’s relationship with Israel and why the Trump administration is not engaged in “nation-building.”

Tom Barrack

US special envoy for Syria

Breaking | Last Updated: June 10, 2025, 12:11 pm

UK, Australia, Canada sanction Israel’s Ben-Gvir, Smotrich for inciting violence

Both far-right Israeli ministers will have their assets frozen and face travel bans.

Israel

Analysis

Israeli military poised for ‘order’ to strike as US awaits Iran's reply

If Tehran decides to reject the Washington proposal for a new nuclear deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to make a decision of his own: whether or not to strike Iran.

By Ben Caspit

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

Italy cuts ties with Israeli firm Paragon after spyware scandal: What to know

The cancellation comes after reports revealed Paragon software being used to surveil Italian activists and, allegedly, a journalist.

Israel

Trump says Iran response to nuclear proposal 'unacceptable,’ alternative ‘dire’

As talks with Iran appear to have reached an impasse, President Donald Trump said Monday that the alternative to a nuclear deal would be "very, very dire."

United States

Exclusive

Trump to sign sweeping order rescinding Syria sanctions

The expected executive order comes after the Trump administration took steps to ease sanctions on Syria last month.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Analysis

How the US drawdown in Syria is expected to play out

Senate Foreign Relations Chair Jim Risch called the US troop presence in Syria "critical" to contain ISIS and urged a Russian withdrawal, as sources said US troops are expected to eventually draw down to a single base in Hasakah province.

By Jared Szuba

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

Analysis

UAE’s EDGE inks record $2.45B naval deal with Kuwait, signaling Gulf defense shift

The company’s largest naval export to date signals a milestone in intra-Gulf defense cooperation and showcases the UAE’s growing role as a regional arms exporter.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Analysis

Looking East: How Iran is leveraging Asia ties to offset Western pressure

With sanctions still in place and nuclear talks stalled, Iran is using its SCO membership to forge economic and strategic ties across Central and South Asia.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Analysis

Rattled by Ukraine's attack on Russia, Turkey rethinks use of small drones

Ukraine’s “Operation Spiderweb” against Russia is likely to force Turkey to consider both how to use mini drone swarms against adversaries and how to defend against them.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

As US nuclear talks stall, Iran ups military planning, turns to China for missile fuel

Amid uncertainties in the recent US-Iran nuclear diplomacy, Tehran is gearing up for a showdown with Israel, reportedly rebuilding its missile capabilities and threatening Israel with a devastating response.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Feature

Families of Kurdish journalists slain in suspected Turkish drone strike in Syria want their remains

Ankara’s refusal to repatriate the journalists' remains underscores the political stakes of acknowledging the drone strike.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture