Middle East
Syrian government announce integration deal with Kurdish forces
The sides announced the deal after Syrian government forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and eastern Syria from the SDF this month.
Qatar’s takeover of Georgetown University should be investigated
IDF intel, Mossad chiefs recently visit US in one-two punch for advice on handling Iran
Saudi-UAE split fractures anti-Houthi coalition as Iran-US tension threaten Red Sea - analysis
Iranian drone swarms pose threat to US ships, expert says as USS Abraham Lincoln approaches
Chell said Iran’s advantage is volume and cost rather than sophistication, pairing inexpensive warheads with cheap delivery platforms launched in large numbers.
Saudi normalization with Israel: Is it farther than ever? - opinion
Riyadh calculates that public alignment with Israel, especially after years of inflammatory imagery from Gaza, is no longer urgent.
Son of Iranian president calls on regime to restore internet two weeks into blackout
Authorities severed most internet access on January 8 following the circulation of videos showing street demonstrations that turned violent.
'New York Times' becomes megaphone for NGO propaganda in Gaza - opinion
Israel faces an enemy that embeds itself in civilian institutions as a matter of doctrine; allowing a hostile NGO to operate is negligence.
MBS’s gamble: Saudi leans toward Turkey and Qatar, avoids Israel-US bloc - opinion
Saudi Crown Prince shifts strategy, leaning on Turkey and Qatar while Israel-US-UAE alliance strengthens.
Saudi Arabia postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games at NEOM after repeated delays
The postponement marks a setback for the kingdom, which has committed to hosting several major events over the next decade.
Khamenei issued no mercy, 'shoot to kill' orders to quell protests across Iran - NYT
According to the officials, security forces were then deployed to the streets with "shoot to kill" orders and told to show protesters no mercy.
US may impose blockade on Iran rather than a 'kinetic attack,' expert says
At the same time, both Citrinowicz and Hulata believe that an Iranian response targeting Israel is not inevitable should the US attack the regime.
Trump’s first year back in office expanded Israel’s freedom of action - opinion
Beyond Iran and Gaza, US President Donald Trump quietly expanded Israel’s strategic and legal room for maneuver.
If Iran’s clerical regime falls, Israel faces its tough strategic test - opinion
Israel cannot assume Iran’s collapse brings peace; it must understand the need for strategic planning.
