Middle East
KLM, Air France suspend Israel flights as US-Iran tensions escalate
These cancellations come after US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the US had an "armada" heading towards Iran.
Iranian-backed militias exploit Syria-SDF clashes to entrench role in Iraq - analysis
As end of ceasefire between Syrian gov’t and Kurds approaches, region asks if it will continue
Pentagon's 2026 defense strategy names Israel a ‘model ally,’ shifts to ‘peace through strength’
US military signaled imminent Iran intervention, European officials say
The US has ramped up diplomatic moves, including sanctions on Iranian officials.
How Turkey’s dangerous course in the Middle East fuels massacres - opinion
Ankara has created, sustained, and directed a well-established network of Islamist proxies.
Hezbollah warns Lebanese gov't against pushing disarmament, threatens 'chaos, civil war'
Hezbollah insists that the deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere.
Israeli, Arab officials suggest Trump 'hold off' on Iran strikes until regime weakens - report
Some Arab officials voiced concern that US or Israeli attacks could trigger a ‘rally around the flag effect,’ where public approval for a country's leaders surges during a national crisis.
The divide in Iran's protests: Why ethnic minorities are not taking to the streets - opinion
Most Iranian ethnic minorities disdain both Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and the MEK, who have been calling for protests. However, that does not mean that they still should not join.
Deterrence: Israel's response to an Iranian threat will be decisive, not symbolic - opinion
The limited role played by Iran’s regional allies in the last round was not a sign of Tehran’s restraint. It was the result of a deliberate and successful effort by Israel, backed clearly by the US.
Iranian feminists understood the revolution better than Europe’s intellectuals - opinion
While Foucault praised Iran’s 1979 revolution as spiritual, Iranian women warned it would mean coercion, veiling, and the erasure of their rights.
US urges citizens to leave Iran amid escalating protests and violence
Iran is currently seeing its biggest anti-government demonstrations in years as the administration of President Donald Trump weighs how to respond.
UN says Gaza hunger crisis over, int'l media quietly ignores - analysis
One might think that international media would jump for joy at the news that the Gazan people are having their nutritional needs met, over two years into the war.
CENTCOM creates new air, missile defense coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar
CENTCOM announces MEAD-CDOC at Al Udeid Air Base, enhancing regional air defense coordination with partner nations.
