Blinken’s cease-fire shuttle diplomacy crashes in Israel ICYMI, Netanyahu has no interest in pausing war. Israel
Are Iran-backed militias turning their drones against Syria’s Kurds? Syria’s Kurdish-led militia has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of attacks by Iran-backed militias amid tit-for-tat strikes between US forces and Iran’s proxies. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran officials scramble to reverse voter apathy ahead of key elections Anxious about anticipated record lows in voter turnout, the Islamic Republic is widely campaigning to get the nation to ballot boxes amid pent-up grievances and growing discontent. Iran
From East Med to Ethiopia, can Turkey's Erdogan, Egypt's Sisi form regional axis? Following a thaw in relations and a drone sales package, Turkish-Egyptian defense cooperation and the Turkish president's upcoming visit to Egypt could generate new momentum in the region. Turkey
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Qatar Foundation blames 'disinformation' for Texas A&M closure The US university decided to to close its branch in the Gulf state due to “heightened instability” in the region amid the war in the Gaza Strip. Gulf
Analysis Iran's use of 2 UK banks to evade sanctions tests West's financial systems The Financial Times reported earlier this week that Lloyds Bank and Santander UK provided accounts to companies with links to Iran’s intelligence services. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Israel weighs bad options in Rafah as hunt for Sinwar continues The Israeli military is still focused on fighting in Khan Younis but could shift into an operation in Rafah, and international observers are panicked. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Jordan's King Abdullah set to meet Biden as Gaza tests ties King Abdullah II must balance Jordan's dependence on the United States with public anger over US support for Israel's war in Gaza. Israel
Suspected Israeli strikes in Syria amid escalation with Hezbollah in Lebanon A Hezbollah commander in Lebanon was injured in an Israeli strike as foreign diplomats worked to de-escalate tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. Syria
