Seth J. Frantzman
Syria’s oil corridor plans take shape as Trump looks beyond Hormuz - analysis
Iranian-backed militia Badr admits it killed, wounded thousands of protesters in Iraq in 2019
Iranian attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan aim to transform Iraq into buffer zone, spread war - analysis
Iraqi militias raise new conditions for disarmament, Iraq takes 'wait-and-see' approach - analysis
If the groups refuse to disarm, Iraq will take a wait-and-see approach, with many saying that they already gave up weapons to the PMF, while also being part of these forces.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Cairo for meeting with Egypt President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi
According to Chinese state media Xinhua, Xi said that China and Egypt "set an example of friendship, solidarity, and coordination between developing countries, with strong political mutual trust."
Putin, Xi attempt to rally SCO leaders behind a new multipolar world order in Kyrgyzstan - analysis
Russia and China used the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit to promote a multipolar world order, with leaders criticizing unilateralism and calling for greater influence for non-Western powers.
US diplomatic reshuffle in Iraq comes at critical moment for Baghdad and Washington - analysis
US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris is ending his posting in Baghdad as Washington prepares for a diplomatic transition amid the planned US troop withdrawal from Iraq and ongoing tensions.
Xi's visit to Egypt marks Chinese interest in Middle East, Egypt's push to keep growing - analysis
Even if it is the first visit in a decade by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt, and relations between the countries keep growing, China still seems to be cautious with its policy.
Kurds in Syria, Iraq fight against 'Arabization' with language, but might need to push harder
Both in Syria and Iraq, there are rising reports of pushes for Arabic to become a main language and demographic changes in Kurdish areas, with officials needing to tackle these issues.
Iraq sentences militia member for kidnapping American journalist, in rare move against Iran proxies
“Iraq's Central Criminal Court has sentenced Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim to 15 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Law," read the announcement shared by the victim, journalist Shelly Kittelson.
Iran views Jordan, UAE as targets that won't hit back, even if attacks include US bases - analysis
With the recent pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, and the attempt to improve relations with Qatar, only Jordan and the UAE remain as targets for retaliation.
Regional geopolitical shifts felt as Mecca agreement, Israel-Greek pacts develop - analysis
The two events happening on the same day are a coincidence, because both have been in the works for some time. However, it is symbolic of how the Middle East is being reshaped.
Syria’s credit card comeback, Damascus International Fair mark return to global economy
Syria can now process credit card payments again, symbolizing Syria's re-entry into the international system after years of isolation.