Recent Kurdistan Region attacks expose Baghdad’s struggle with Iran-backed militias - analysis
Three drones were intercepted over Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, as Baghdad seeks to bring armed groups under state control and rein in Iran-backed militias.
Renewed Moscow-Damascus flights signal revival of ties after Assad's fall - analysis
Syria is expanding its airline network, adding flights from numerous countries over the past year as Damascus seeks to reconnect with the region and Europe.
Iraq seeks Saudi, Syrian ties as it faces pressure to rein in Iran-backed militias - analysis
Iraq’s militias have threatened US forces and Israel in the past. They have kidnapped journalists and carried out hundreds of attacks on the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan forge new alliance as Middle East order shifts - analysis
The new emergence of an alliance between what may be termed “middle powers” in the region illustrates how countries want to work closely together amid growing uncertainty over the future of the world
CENTCOM launches multinational attack drone force as US adapts to drone warfare - analysis
The drone initiative is an important development is harnessing the capabilities of US allies and partners in the region.
Iraq’s PM seeks to disarm Iran-backed militias, but Tehran wants to meddle - analysis
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have roots stretching back to the 1980's and are the product of decades of Iranian policy aimed at cultivating armed proxies beyond its borders.
Saudi Arabia, Middle East neighbors pressure Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias - analysis
Iranian-backed militias are using Iraq as a staging ground to launch attacks against neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan.
US troop pullback raises fears of more attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan - analysis
The removal of US Patriot systems could leave Iraqi Kurdistan more vulnerable after nearly 1,000 missiles and drones targeted the region since February.
From Hamas disarmament to governance in Gaza, the five challenges of the new Gaza plan - analysis
Hamas’s pledge to disarm could advance Trump’s Gaza plan, but verification, Israeli withdrawal, governance and regional tensions remain major hurdles.
Is the Gaza peace plan progress a major breakthrough? - analysis
If implemented, the agreement could reshape Gaza's political and security landscape, providing a pathway toward Hamas relinquishing its weapons and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
