Seth J. Frantzman

The Southern Transition Council (STC) is seen as being backed by the UAE. Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia share many regional interests, they do not always agree on Yemen.

Iraq’s top leadership is divided along sectarian lines, with the president being Kurdish and the prime minister usually a Shi’ite. The lower-level speaker of parliament's role goes to Sunnis.

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to focus on Gaza’s ceasefire, hostages and regional tensions as questions grow over whether the deal can move to its next phase.

Two rounds of Jordanian airstrikes hit smuggling targets in southern Syria, underscoring Amman’s demand for stronger action against drug gangs operating near its border.

US airstrikes hit ISIS camps in Nigeria on Christmas Day in what officials said was a joint operation, raising questions over whether further action will follow.

The lack of willingness of countries to recognize Somaliland is solely due to the legacy of colonialism and how colonial decisions transformed into international law.

Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is.

Yemen's Saudi-led coalition said any military moves by the main southern separatist group, STC, in the eastern province of Hadramout, contrary to de-escalation efforts, will be dealt with.

Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.

Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.