Turkey’s Fidan says Iraqi Sinjar must be ‘clear’ of PKK presence The top Turkish diplomat’s comment comes as Ankara is ramping up its threats for a large-scale operation in northern Iraq. Turkey
After declaring it Hamas-free, why is Israel fighting again in northern Gaza? The Israeli military has relaunched operations in the northern city of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip over the past week as Hamas fighters have returned to fill a power vacuum left in swaths of the enclave. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Why did Kuwait, one of the most democratic countries in the Mideast, take a sharp autocratic turn & what comes next? Amberin Zaman interviews Kristin Diwan
Turkey dials up Gaza diplomacy as cease-fire talks hit 'impasse' Ankara dials up Gaza diplomacy with Washington, Doha and Hamas, with the top Turkish diplomat describing the prospects of a cease-fire as dimming. Turkey
Israel sends Shin Bet delegation to Egypt as Netanyahu, Gallant clash The split in the Israeli cabinet came as Hamas claimed an attack that targeted Israeli troops with a projectile in Gaza City and as its leader Ismail Haniyeh rejected any settlement that excludes the group from power in Gaza after the war. Israel
US sanctions RSF commanders as violence intensifies in Sudan's El Fasher The sanctions come after a senior US official warned that the city of El Fasher in North Darfur is on the "precipice of a large-scale massacre." Sudan
Jordan thwarts Iran-linked weapons plot as Hamas denies involvement Iran and its proxies have threatened Jordan since the start of the Gaza war, including in relation to the kingdom helping shoot down missiles the Islamic Republic fired at Israel. Jordan
Why PA rejected Israel's offer for 'unofficial' control of Rafah crossing A Ramallah-based source explained to Al-Monitor that the PA is not interested in cooperating with Israel on piecemeal projects that don't include a broader agreement on postwar governance of Palestinian territories. Palestine
Blinken says 'deep concerns' about Israeli Rafah operation's impact on aid The Financial Times reported Wednesday that the Biden administration is in talks with Arab states including Morocco, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to participate in a peacekeeping force in Gaza when the war is over. Israel
Over 70 lawmakers urge Biden to hold Turkey accountable for Sheridan Circle violence The 2017 attack by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security detail in Washington injured several protesters outside the Turkish ambassador's residence. Turkey
Lebanon’s Hezbollah hosts Hamas delegation, fires 60 rockets on Israel The meeting is the latest between Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior Hamas officials since the Palestinian movement launched an assault on southern Israel Oct. 7. Lebanon
Analysis As they throw punches, will Egypt downgrade ties with Israel over Rafah? The disagreement between Israel and Egypt over the Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip contrasts heavily with the tight security cooperation between the two countries before Oct. 7. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Dubai beats Singapore, London as top city for 'greenfield' FDI projects FDI Markets data, compiled by the Financial Times, found the UAE's financial capital ranked top overall in global "greenfield" FDI projects attracted in 2023. United Arab Emirates