Seth J. Frantzman

Barack plays a key role as US ambassador to Turkey, Special Envoy to Syria, and one of the key figures in American policy in the Levant, while also keeping constant dialogues with Gulf state actors.

As part of its efforts to enhance "security and stability," Egypt is sending additional forces to Somalia.

Baghdad issued a formal protest after remarks on PKK activity were seen as interference. Ankara says the comments were mistranslated and focused only on militants in Iraq.

According to Araghchi, Tehran last seach initiative is how Iran is preparing for the next round of talks with the US, even as it closely watches US moves.

As the anti-ISIS Coalition embraces Syria, the Kurdish role in the war on ISIS in Iraq and Syria also deserves recognition.

The Trump administration’s push for peace follows the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan that stretches back to the 1990s.

The recent meeting was important because it was the coalition's first reunion since the January 30 deal between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Syrian officials attended meetings of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Riyadh on February 8 to 9, marking Syria’s growing role in the US led alliance.

The formerly Syrian-administered area, conquered by Israel in 1967, has been the site of many Hezbollah-related incidents, which have reinforced its importance for national defense.

Sisi’s visit to the UAE underscores Egypt’s role in Gulf diplomacy, regional security, and Gaza, amid Saudi-UAE tensions and shifting Middle East alliances.