Ministry of foreign affairs

April 15, 2026 | Angela Howard, Jack Burnham

China Uses Political Leverage To Influence Foreign Courts

The Chinese government’s power to prosecute — or persecute — critics does not stop at its borders. On April 13, a court in Kazakhstan sentenced 19 activists to prison after they protested Beijing’s...

April 7, 2026 | Bridget Toomey |

Iraq’s Emboldened Terror Groups

Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, was kidnapped off the streets of Baghdad on March 31 and is now a bargaining chip for the militia that took her. It’s a tragedy on replay....

April 1, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi, William Doran

Islamist Turkey: A Base for Muslim Brotherhood Jihadism

March 30, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Home of Kurdistan Region president targeted, American universities threatened as attacks escalate in Iraq

The home of Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was targeted in a drone attack on March 28. The following day, Reuters, citing security sources, reported, “Air defenses shot...

March 20, 2026 | David Daoud |

Kuwait and UAE report disrupting domestic Hezbollah cells

Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates claimed to have disrupted several terror cells linked to Hezbollah over the past week. Both Persian Gulf countries alleged that their security forces identified networks...

March 17, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi |

What Are Turkey’s Red Lines in the Iran Conflict?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reluctant to get involved in the Iran War, fearing it would hurt his party’s chances in the next election.

March 11, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman |

US condemns Iranian and militia attacks in Iraq amid unclaimed airstrikes on Tehran-backed militias

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned terrorist attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq in a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani on March 9. The call took...

March 2, 2026 | Mariam Wahba |

Egypt Offers a Mix of Messages About the U.S.-Israel War in Iran

When the United States and Israel began Operation Epic Fury early on February 28, Egypt remained conspicuously quiet. The hesitation reflected Egypt’s competing pressures: a strategic partnership with...

March 2, 2026 | Max Meizlish, Jack Burnham

Beijing Offers Tehran Lukewarm Rhetorical Support as Iranian Actions Threaten China’s Oil, Trade Flows

Actions speak louder than words. But right now, words are all that China can afford to offer the regime in Iran. On March 1, the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader...

March 1, 2026 | Janatan Sayeh |

US-Israeli campaign hits Iranian regime’s military and repression apparatus, regime forms leadership council (March 1 updates)

The joint US and Israeli operation entered its second day, with American forces targeting command-and-control centers, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters, air defense systems, ballistic...

January 15, 2026 | Mariam Wahba |

U.S. Issues Its First-Ever Designations of Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorists

For more than a decade, Washington avoided a definitive judgment about the Muslim Brotherhood. That changed on January 13 when the U.S. State and Treasury departments designated three Muslim Brotherhood...

January 6, 2026 | |

Israeli Foreign Minister Follows up Recognition of Somaliland With Historic Visit

Latest Developments Sa’ar in Somaliland: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar traveled to Somaliland on January 6, the first official diplomatic visit since Israel recognized the East African...

December 16, 2025 | Craig Singleton |

Hybrid Warfare in Europe Against U.S. Interests

Moscow and Beijing’s Playbook

December 3, 2025 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israel awaits return of last 2 remains of hostages from Gaza

On December 2, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announced that Israel “received, via the Red Cross, findings that were handed over to an IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and ISA [Israel Security...

November 29, 2025 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Vital Khor Mor gas field attacked in Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq

The important Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq was attacked by kamikaze drones on the evening of November 26. It is the latest attack on the facility, which has been targeted by...

November 7, 2025 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Sharaa To Be First-Ever Syrian Leader To Visit White House

In a meeting no one could have predicted just a year ago, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on November 10. It will be the first time a Syrian...

June 20, 2025 | Craig Singleton, Jack Burnham, Miles Kershner

8 Things to Know About China’s Response to Israel-Iran Conflict

Israel’s military campaign against Iran has exposed the chasm between China’s great power rhetoric and its ability to meaningfully shape events in the Middle East. To be sure, Beijing backs Tehran...

November 7, 2024 | Jack Burnham, Craig Singleton

China’s Careful Reaction to U.S. Election Masks Deepening Rift

China’s restrained response to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory sharply contrasts with its months-long campaign to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral process and sow societal discord....

August 7, 2024 | RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Elaine K. Dezenski, Craig Singleton, Joe Dougherty

Readout of FDD Expert’s Trip to Taiwan

July 19, 2024 | Haisam Hassanein |

Sisi’s New Cabinet Reflects Continuity Over Change

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi accepted the credentials of a new cabinet on July 3, stating that its main priorities will be the economy, investments, and social services. However, some of the...