Middle Orient

By defining Chinese characteristics as “seeking common ground while reserving differences,” a formula that implies conflict management rather than conflict resolution, Messrs. Sun and Wu were suggesting that China was seeking to prepare the ground for greater Chinese engagement in efforts to stabilize the Middle East, a volatile region that …

The United States on Monday urged Saudi Arabia to disband an elite unit controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Washington sanctioned over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. “We have urged Saudi Arabia to disband this group and then adopt institutional, systemic reforms and controls to ensure that …

Tehran’s rejection may be posturing, but the clock is ticking on chances to limit its nuclear capabilities. Iran’s government has turned down a proposal for talks with the United States and the European Union over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. Citing “recent positions and actions of the US and three …

Iraqi security forces announced the killings of Islamic State leaders who had long evaded capture. Despite concerns that the sharp drawdown of international troops over the past year might negatively impact counterterrorism activities, Iraq has announced the killing of several high-level commanders and operatives since late January. Following a double …

As Israel and Syria conclude a deal on the return of an Israeli woman from Syria, questions arise regarding the cost and what the future of such transactions with Russian mediation should be. ast week Israel concluded a deal with Syria, via Russia, to return an Israeli woman who crossed …

Heysem Topalca, a fugitive whose name was implicated in some of the most controversial chapters of Ankara’s Syria policy due to his alleged role in the Turkish intelligence operations in Syria, has died, taking all his secrets to the grave. Heysem Topalca, a fugitive who allegedly played a key role …

After the Second World War (1939-45), the U.S. became the dominant global power and fought its rival, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) for international supremacy. Many countries became proxy battlegrounds between U.S. and Soviet influence. In addition to beating the Reds, U.S. war planners used secret militias, many …

The Islamic State terror group appears to be exploiting security gaps across Syria and Iraq to reposition its forces and help fuel an increase in violence that is reenergizing fighters and supporters. Officials with U.S.-backed forces in northeastern Syria tell VOA the recent surge in violence across the region, including …

The U.S. military Thursday struck facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in eastern Syria, a decision the Pentagon said President Joe Biden authorized in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq. “Specifically, the strikes destroyed multiple facilities located at a border control point used by a number of …

Steinitz, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urged US President Joe Biden to put “enormous pressure” on Iran to change its behavior and dismantle its nuclear program. Any new nuclear deal between the West and Iran should be “dramatically improved” from the previous agreement, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval …