Middle East

Afghan Taliban to meet U.S. officials as peace efforts intensify

The Taliban, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 overthrow, say the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is the main obstacle to peace.

Iran urges EU to press U.S. on approval of passenger aircraft deliveries

To upgrade its aging fleet, Iran Air ordered 200 passenger aircraft - 100 from Airbus, 80 from Boeing and 20 from Franco-Italian turboprop maker ATR.

Turkey says it will not let the U.S. hold it back in Syria

Relations between the two NATO allies have long been strained by Syria policy.

Saudi Arabia denounces US Senate resolutions on Khashoggi, Yemen

The votes last Thursday were a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, but largely symbolic.

What's guiding Israel's actions on the Lebanon border?

The researchers mentioned that while for the most part, Hezbollah’s missiles are small and inaccurate, “the sheer amount of them makes them an efficient weapon.”

Yazidi genocide survivor will use Nobel money to build hospital

400,000 Yazidis remain without basic services and are unable to return to homes four years after genocide.

Iraqi commander says it was harder to fight ISIS now than Israel in ’73

Lt.-Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi, who is considered a candidate for defense minister of Iraq, made his comments in an interview with Iraq’s Asia TV Network.

Turkey: Trump working to extradite cleric accused of coup plot

"In Argentina, Trump told Erdogan they were working on extraditing (Fethullah) Gulen and other people," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

Trump speaks to Turkish President Erdogan to avert Syria crises

US policy in Eastern Syria is being challenged by Turkey as Ankara claims ISIS is no longer a threat and accuses Washington of shielding Kurdish groups it accuses of terrorism.

Saudi Arabia and UAE to launch cross-border cryptocurrency

Analysts, however, believe that UAE Central Bank announcement is nothing more than a public relations ploy.

Iran expert: Deterring Iran in Syria key, but still far from direct attack

INSS Arms Control Director Emily Landau said that clandestine and cyber operations in the Islamic Republic itself were other ways to try to alter Iranian behavior.

Egyptian court to consider eliminating presidential term limits

Supporters say current constitution reflects an Islamist agenda and is insufficient for Sisi to carry out sweeping reforms.

Voices From The Arab Press: What is the situation for Idlib?

Weekly analyses and insights from the Arab world.

Thousands of Syrian rebels ready for Turk offensive against U.S.-backed Kurds

The announcement prompted a sharp rebuke from the Pentagon, which said any unilateral military action into northeast Syria would be unacceptable.

Is the Khashoggi affair spotlighting Israel?

Several revelations have impacted the Trump administration’s Middle East policies and naturally affect the administration’s work with Riyadh and Jerusalem.

Ex-CIA official pushes to declassify aspects of Khashoggi report

The issue of declassifying intelligence assessments is also a hot one in Israel, particularly whenever the defense establishment is viewed as having underestimated a threat.

Lebanon’s president concerned Hezbollah’s tunnels hogs media attention

He indicated that the US had conveyed a message to Lebanon that Israel had no “aggressive intensions,” according to reports.

Saudi Arabia seeks new political bloc in strategic Red Sea region

Representatives from Egypt, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Jordan gathered in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss the initiative without reaching final agreement.

Pompeo says CIA still investigating killing of Khashoggi

Nikki Haley, the outgoing US ambassador to the United Nations, told NBC News earlier that the administration needed to figure out a path forward with the Saudis.

Poisoned animals caught in Palestinian bureaucratic net

Municipalities in the West Bank have reportedly been using poisoned meat to kill hundreds of stray dogs.

U.N. watchdog calls on Saudi Arabia to release activists, cease torture

Saudi Arabia should "acknowledge, in law and in practice, the legitimacy of peaceful criticism and advocacy," it said.

Khamenei warns Iranians of U.S. plots: 'Everyone should be vigilant'

"But we are stronger than them and they will fail as they have in the past," Khamenei said.

Turkey to begin operation in Syria, complicating U.S. fight against ISIS

"This step will allow for the path to a political solution to be opened and for healthier cooperation," Erdogan said.

Will FATF pressure Iran in February post Israeli membership?

Iran already has problems with the FATF with it being singled out along with North Korea for a line of negative public statements in recent years and as a high-risk jurisdiction.

U.S. reaches out to Turkey to discuss eastern Syria

The US appears to be putting the pressure on to try to assuage Turkey’s concerns.