Middle Orient

SDF releases 51 detainees in al-Hasakah, calls for a “phase of forgiveness and rebuilding

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a group of 51 detainees today, Saturday, in al-Hasakah governorate (northeastern Syria), as the provisions of the presidential amnesty issued by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa begin to be implemented across Syria. Although the release is separate from the presidential amnesty, it comes amid political …

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U.S. and Israel Diverge on Key Regional Files

Differences between Israeli and U.S. leaders on key issues in the Middle East, particularly strategy toward Iran, might determine whether the region calms or flares into a broader conflagration. Trump insists that Israel support U.S. diplomacy with Tehran, backed by the threat of force, before the U.S. or Israel further …

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Iran Update, February 20, 2026

Toplines Iran is unlikely to make any meaningful nuclear concessions in its upcoming draft proposal to the United States. Iran may calculate that it can delay the strikes if it offers a sufficiently conciliatory proposal, however. US President Donald Trump gave Iran on February 20 a deadline of “10 to …

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Turkey Leaves Gaza Peace Board Summit Empty-Handed

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan left the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington without securing a spot for Turkish troops in Gaza’s International Stabilization Force (ISF). Turkey’s exclusion from the ISF roster dampens President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s longtime desire to put boots on the ground in Gaza, despite his …

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