Turkey’s Bashiqa base handover marks a new chapter for post-ISIS Iraq - analysis
This is an important step and comes amid many developments in Iraq. Iraq is also trying to rein in Iranian-backed militias. It says this will happen by June of 2027.
Middle East
US drafted memo condemning UK over West Bank sanctions, but it was never released - report
IRGC benefiting from false hopes of renewed negotiations, expert tells ‘Post’
Rubio repledges US commitment to Saudi Arabia while addressing diplomatic exchanges with Iran
One Indian killed in attack on ship heading towards India, Indian embassy in Oman says
Oman's Maritime Security Center said it evacuated the crew following the attack and confirmed one member of the crew was killed.
Poverty, child labor, and child marriage partially behind Iran’s unfilled classrooms
Rezvan Hakimzadeh, deputy minister of primary education, confirmed that 140,562 students were identified as not attending school last year.
Hope for progress after US, Iran hold first shuttle talks in months
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner communicated through mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
BoP chief Mladenov urges nations to support Gaza recovery project on sidelines of UNGA
According to Axios, the proposed 66-project plan includes budgeting for temporary housing, rubble removal, hospital repairs, and the deployment of the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
King Abdullah’s UNGA warnings on Israel’s actions in Syria reflect wider regional shift - analysis
Many people in northern Jordan have historic ties to people in southern Syria and vice versa. At the same time Jordan wants to prevent any spillover from Syria into Jordan.
Iran outlines conditions for ending war with US through Qatar, including end to sanctions
According to Baghaei, the conditions and negotiation process did not represent a new development, but had already been communicated to the US earlier this week.
Erdogan calls Gaza suffering 'most embarrassing concentration camp' in UNGA speech
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the UNGA that the UNSC must be reformed and called on Israel to end the war in Gaza.
Iran demands US pull sanctions as condition to end war, leaders at UNGA criticize Israel
Iran warns US against attacking after Trump's threats at UN • Iranian President Pezeshkian lands in New York • Trump praises Middle East partners for 'successes' in the region
Sharaa: October 7 cannot dictate Israel's Syria policy, talks reached 90% agreement
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Israel must change its security approach, revealed that direct talks have been underway for nearly a year, and insisted on returning to the 1974 border lines.
Trump’s meeting with Arab states on UN sidelines displays US Mideast strategy during war - analysis
The meeting included leaders from Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, and other countries.
