Middle East

Shock in Kurdistan region of Iraq as Kirkuk falls to Iraqi forces

As US expresses concern, Iraqi forces launch major attack alongside Iranian-backed militias to take city run by Kurdistan Regional Government.

WATCH: WWE signs first Arab woman wrestler

Shadia Bseiso, a Jordanian versed in jiu-jitsu, dreams of encouraging more Arab women to take up sports - and of one day maybe even crashing a metal chair over WWE mega-star John Cena.

EU vows to save Iran deal, fears for North Korea mediation

The European Union already has members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under sanctions, which Trump on Friday singled out as he detailed a more aggressive approach to Tehran.

Iraqi forces launch operation to take parts of Kirkuk from Kurds

Overnight Iraqi forces and Shia militias sought to penetrate Kurdish frontline, but conflicting reports indicate their advance was stopped.

Could Kirkuk crisis change US views on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq?

The Kirkuk crisis is not strictly a conflict between Baghdad and Erbil’s autonomous KRG. Nor is it just about the Kurdistan referendum in September.

US-backed forces begin final assault on ISIS 'terror capital' in Syria

Hundreds of jihadist fighters and their families flee the city. Syrian militia estimates only 300 remain in the city.

Saudi view of Trump's new Iran approach 'identical' to Israel's

King Salman praised Trump in a phone call for his "firm strategy" against Iran.

Afghan Taliban deny former hostage's claims of murder, rape

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid rejected that as propaganda by the Western governments that helped rescue the family.

Syrian Islamic State fighters evacuate Raqqa city

It is not clear how many militants remain in the city, where Syrian Democratic Forces have hemmed them into a small enclave.

Analysis: Iran to take wait-and-see approach

Trump’s posture will likely drive the Iranians to be even more determined than before to pursue their ballistic missile program, which Trump declared is “so totally important” to stop.

Erbil tells Peshmerga to be ready to defend Kurdistan against Baghdad

The tensions come more than two weeks after Iraq’s Kurds held an independence referendum.

Salman’s state visit to Moscow: Has America been caught napping again?

In the words of an Egyptian commentator, when the (American) eagle flies away, the (Russian) bear lumbers in.

Eighty-five percent of Raqqa liberated from ISIS

US-led coalition forces, Syrian rebels, and the Syrian military have slowly re-taken many of ISIS's strongholds over the last several months.

Islamic State 'on the verge' of Raqqa defeat

"Today or tomorrow the city may be liberated," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud said.

Tensions flare between Kurds and Baghdad

The Iraqi government has signaled to the Kurds that it wouldn't accept any kind of secession.

Advocates for Americans held in Iran worried by Trump's hard line

US President Trump's designation of Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization doesn't help in the effort to return Americans being held prisoner in Iran, says one expert.

Iran expert: Tehran has 'zero motivation' to renegotiate nuke deal

Despite decertification, Trump has no leverage over Iran, Iran-Israel Observer Editor and IDC Herzliya Iran expert Meir Javedanfar said.

US Reform movement laments Trump's Iran announcement

The Jewish Reform movement was not pleased with Trump's dramatic announcement that he would not recertify the nuclear accord with Iran.

UK, France, Germany warn Congress against undermining Iran deal

World powers respond to US President Donald Trump's decision not to recertify the nuclear deal with Tehran.

Rouhani warns of 'fitting response' to Trump decision on Iran deal

"With your incorrect words, you made us more united than ever," the Iranian president retorted after Trump announced that he would not recertify the nuclear accord with Tehran.

Trump threatens withdrawal from Iran deal without action from Congress US

President’s speech signals new phase in relations with Tehran.

Israel buoyed by Trump tack against Iran deal, but sees a long way to go

While the White House’s distaste for the 2015 pact may be sweet to the ears of PM Benjamin Netanyahu, his government is mindful of the limits of any unilateral US action regarding Tehran.

'Decertifying' Iran deal, Trump to propose new, unilateral terms

Decertification will prompt an expedited, 60-day congressional review period, in which lawmakers may choose to slap nuclear sanctions back on Iran.

Russia: ISIS operates near US base in Syria unhindered

Russia says the US base is illegal and that it and the area around it have become "a black hole" where militants operate.

Fighters in inter-Arab ‘cold war’ dig in for the long haul

“This feud has not played out behind closed doors, it is being waged with the biggest public relations and propaganda efforts in the western media."