Analysis In military reshuffle, Saudi Arabia seeks efficiency, closing gap with regional rivals Saudi Arabia has recently undertaken a significant reorganization of its top military leadership, with new senior appointments to the kingdom’s joint, land and naval forces — a step that could mark a pivotal shift in the country's defense strategy and domestic balance. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis As Iran warns Islamabad, what are Pakistan’s options on gas pipeline? Tehran finally served a final notice to Islamabad, saying that since Pakistan had failed to meet its commitments Iran had no option left but to resort to an arbitration court this month. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
US-Iraq raids puts scrutiny on Baghdad’s ability to contain ISIS Seven US troops were injured during raids to take down senior Islamic State operatives in Iraq’s western Anbar province last week amid a spike in ISIS attacks. Iraq
Iran linked to US election disinformation campaign: What we know The Iranian government has been tied to an assassination plot on US soil and a hack of the Trump campaign, both of which Tehran has denied. Iran
Erdogan to attend BRICS summit in Russia as Turkey seeks to join bloc Turkey eyes BRICS membership amid stalled EU accession bid, as Erdogan prepares to meet bloc’s leaders at the upcoming summit in Russia. Turkey
Netanyahu snubs critics, says Israel holding Philadelphi key to free hostages Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the parties are far away from reaching a deal, reiterating that Israel will not agree to fully withdraw its forces from the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of a truce with Hamas. Israel
Turkey, Egypt ink 17 deals as Erdogan hosts Sisi on first visit to Ankara The Turkish and Egyptian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to improving bilateral ties as well as increasing coordination on regional issues. Turkey
