Key Takeaways: Iraq: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq released a statement rejecting the US and Iraqi decision to begin negotiations over the status of US-led coalition forces in Iraq and vowed to continue attacking US forces. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq will likely continue to attack US forces in Iraq …

Pakistani and Iranian officials are working to cool tensions following a series of cross-border strikes between the two states Pakistan officially moved to restore all diplomatic ties with Iran on 19 January after a brief diplomatic row as both sides fired missiles into each other’s lands. “The apex security committee …

Half a brigade was released from duty after complaining of poor training and lack of weapons before deployment to Gaza About half the soldiers of an Israeli reserve battalion refused to fight in the Gaza Strip and were released from duty by their commander, Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed reported on 17 January. …