Middle East

Iraq works to rein in culprits after sequence of drone attacks on energy and oil sites - analysis

The Iraqis claimed they had ”launched a wide-scale search operation” in response to these attacks.

 Iraqi boys hold Iranian flags in Baghdad, Iraq, June 24, 2025.

After multiple rounds of renewed fighting, will the Syria truce finally last? - analysis

Bedouin fighters stand together, following the Syrian presidency's announcement of a ceasefire after days of violence in Sweida province triggered by clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, in Sweida, Syria, July 19, 2025

Huckabee calls settler attack on Palestinian Christian town of Taybeh 'act of terror'

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee tours Taybeh

'Syrian Jihadist groups' targeting Druze today will target Israel tomorrow, Katz tells Ted Cruz

 Defense Minister Israel Katz meets with Senator Ted Cruz to discuss Syria.

Fire contained at Iran's Abadan refinery, one dead, SHANA says

The refinery, like almost all Iranian oil and gas processing plants, needs major works and renovation.

 A general view shows a unit of South Pars Gas field in Asalouyeh Seaport, north of Persian Gulf, Iran November 19, 2015

Unidentified drone kills PKK member, injures another near Iraq's Sulaymaniyah, sources say

Drone attacks in Iraq have become more frequent in recent months, though this is the first attack near Sulaymaniyah in months, sources said.

Smoke rises after a drone attack targeted oil facilities in the Zakho area of Iraq's Kurdistan region, Iraq July 16, 2025.

Voices from the Arab press: The need to reform the UN

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 UNITED NATIONS headquarters in New York City.

Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab: Oct. 7 not an excuse for Israel's collective punishment

Abu Shabab even hinted at a future in politics: "We will be what our people want us to be. We will not impose any political system on their will." 

 Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab with the backdrop of the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah's secretary-general says group 'will not surrender weapons to Israel' - report

Sheik Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's secretary-general, gave a speech where he rejected the idea of "giving up weapons" and assured that the war could be restarted in any moment.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem accepts condolences for the death of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed on Tuesday in an Israeli strike, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon August 2, 2024.

Iran had deal with European officials of enrichment at less than one percent, Blinken says

When asked by Amanpour if this information had been shared with American or Israeli officials, Blinken said he "didn't know for sure."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends an interview, in Brussels, Belgium December 4, 2024.

Syrian presidency announces comprehensive ceasefire after fighting in Druze area

A Syrian military official said correspondence with the US had led Damascus to believe it could deploy forces to Sweida without Israel confronting them.

 Smoke rises as a damaged car remains along a street, as Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence triggered by clashes between Bedouin fighters and factions from the Druze, at Sweida governorate, Syria, July 18, 2025.

Antony Blinken: US, partners 85% done on Gaza ceasefire before Trump

Blinken noted that while he understood people's frustration and emotions after October 7, he believed more pressure should have been put on Hamas. 

 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, December 5, 2024 (illustration).

Bodies and looted homes: Syria's Druze reeling after Sweida bloodshed

Residents from the Syrian-Druze city of Sweida described friends and neighbors being shot at close range in their homes or on the streets.

 A person reacts as casualties from recent clashes in Syria's Sweida province receive treatment at a field medical point, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Deraa, Syria July 18, 2025.

Iran rushing to rearm Mideast terror proxies after IDF, US strikes on Tehran - WSJ

Despite the denials from Tehran, there is mounting evidence that Iran continues to send military aid to these groups, demonstrating its determination to retain influence over its militia allies.

 (Illustrative) Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold up weapons as they rally to show support to Palestinians and Lebanon's Hezbollah in Sanaa, Yemen November 8, 2024.