Middle East


Iraq's government struggling amid threats of rebellion, protests, rising Iran tensions - analysis

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.

Syria struggles to project authority as local clashes, blockades, ISIS threats persist – analysis

A military police officer stands on a road following an explosion at a weapons depot in the Al-Eis area, in the southern countryside of Aleppo, Syria, September 21, 2026.

Iraqi PM orders investigation into provincial council threats over closed Iran border crossing

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi (C) looks on during the family photo during the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad on October 17, 2026.