Syrian deal with SDF could lead to Turkey-PKK peace, Turkish officials say
After days of fighting, the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed on Sunday to bring Kurdish authorities under the control of Damascus.
Middle East
Iran accelerates AI-driven influence campaigns amid internal unrest
‘A technocratic shift in Gaza’: National committee formed, security concerns remain
SDF reports clashes near ISIS detention sites in Hasaka and Raqqa
Blast kills seven at Chinese-run restaurant in Afghan capital, Islamic State claims responsibility
The noodle restaurant was jointly run by a Chinese Muslim, Abdul Majid, his wife, and an Afghan partner, Abdul Jabbar Mahmood, and served the Chinese Muslim community, a police spokesperson said.
What happens to ISIS detainees as Syria moves to take over SDF prisons - analysis
Amid fighting there are concerns ISIS detainees held in Syria could escape, while a deal foresees them being handed over to Damascus
US withdraws from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase, maintains presence in Kurdistan region
An initial plan for US withdrawal from the base stipulated that hundreds of troops would leave by September 2025, with the rest departing by the end of 2026.
Kurdish refugees flee Syria as government forces gain ground
Over 500 Kurdish families have fled Syria amid escalating clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led groups, as fears grow over the potential collapse of the SDF.
Iran sends mixed signals on executions as judiciary warns ‘severest punishment’ for ‘mohareb’
Mohareb, meaning to wage war against God, involves the use of weapons to create fear and breach public security under the regime’s law.
Child among protesters sexually assaulted in Iran, rights group says
HRW and Amnesty warn that Tehran uses rape, sexual violence, and torture to suppress dissent, continuing a pattern of violence following previous protests.
Senior Iranian UN diplomat in Geneva seeks asylum in Switzerland - report
Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad asked for asylum in Swiss territory not only for himself but also for his family after leaving his workplace.
Erdogan, Sharaa discuss Syria as SDF confirms withdrawal following ceasefire
Turkey’s President Erdogan spoke with Syrian President Sharaa after a deal with Kurdish forces, as SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed a military withdrawal, and plans to visit Damascus.
WATCH: Anti-regime activists hack Iran's national broadcaster, transmit Pahlavi's calls to protest
Anti-regime activists hacked Iran’s Badr satellite, briefly taking over state TV broadcasts to air protest messages and appeals by Reza Pahlavi, according to Iran International and Manoto News.
Trump’s new Gaza Board is a fact, Israel’s job now is to shape the decisions - analysis
Israel is not going to succeed in expelling Turkey or Qatar from the Gaza Board of Peace; the more realistic goal is to limit how much influence they are able to exert.
