Turkey

February 3, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi, William Doran

As Erdogan Declines, Turkey’s Succession Crisis Is America’s Problem

Could a post-Erdogan Turkey replace Iran as the Middle East’s most destabilizing power?

February 2, 2026 | Tzvi Kahn |

Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker: February

Trend Overview ...

February 1, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman |

A Month of Crisis in Syria and Its Regional Ramifications

Syria has experienced another dramatic transformation. After a month of clashes that began in Aleppo and spread to eastern Syria, Damascus announced on January 30 that it had reached an agreement with...

January 29, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Fighting intensifies between Damascus and Syrian Democratic Forces as diplomatic talks resume

Despite a US-mediated ceasefire, clashes continued between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. On January 29, Syrian military drones carried...

January 29, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Syrian President Al-Sharaa Deepens Relationship With Putin During Latest Moscow Visit

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was in an upbeat mood following his meeting in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on January 29 — the second encounter between the two leaders since...

January 28, 2026 | Dmitriy Shapiro, Keti Korkiya

Russian troops begin evacuating from northern Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa made his second visit to Moscow in four months on January 28, even as Russia is withdrawing its forces from the city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria. Moscow...

January 28, 2026 | Janatan Sayeh, Bridget Toomey

Iran and its proxies threaten retaliation against US and Israel amid US military buildup

Tehran and its regional proxies are escalating threats against the United States and Israel as Washington moves additional naval forces into the Middle East. The US military buildup follows US President...

January 28, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi, Natalie Ecanow

Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace

The inclusion of Qatar and Turkey puts the body’s peacemaking mission at risk.

January 26, 2026 | Mark Dubowitz |

Israel’s hostage agony finally ends — but its Gaza mission is far from over

On Monday, the recovery of the body of Israeli Master Sgt. Ran Gvili — the last remaining hostage held in Gaza — marked a defining moment in its war against Hamas. It fulfilled a sacred...

January 26, 2026 | |

Remains of Ran Gvili, Last Hostage in Gaza, Returned to Israel

Latest Developments No Hostages in Gaza: The remains of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the final hostage held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, were returned to Israel on January 26, marking the first time since...

January 26, 2026 | Hussain Abdul-Hussain |

Why Is Saudi Arabia Abandoning Peace?

In the last few months, Riyadh has turned away from US-aligned partners in the Middle East.

January 23, 2026 | Ben Cohen |

Don’t forget Iran!

There is truly a historic opportunity at work, based on the civilian protest movement. The world should not squander it.

January 22, 2026 | Aaron Goren, Ben Cohen

Trump Administration Should Be Wary of Granting Qatar and Turkey Executive Power in Gaza

President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is off the ground, and the first test of its capabilities is to maintain a shaky ceasefire in Gaza. The board, launched on January 16 and further outlined by...

January 22, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Over the Barrel of a Gun: Syria’s Deal With the SDF

“Our Kurdish people, descendants of Saladin, beware of believing claims that we seek harm against you,” Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said in a televised address on January 16 to Syria’s...

January 22, 2026 | Samuel Ben-Ur, Aaron Goren

As Gaza ceasefire plan progresses, IDF reports Palestinian terrorists violate first phase 11 times from January 9 to 22

On January 16, US President Donald Trump officially established an international Board of Peace, which the White House states aims to support Gaza as it “transitions from conflict to peace...

January 21, 2026 | Jonathan Schanzer |

The mission behind Trump’s Board of Peace is simple — and critics keep getting it wrong

President Trump is making big moves the world over. From nabbing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro to threatening the conquest of Greenland to pushing for a Ukraine-Russia cease-fire,...

January 21, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi, William Doran

Erdogan chooses the ayatollahs over the Iranian people

While Iranian protesters are being beaten, imprisoned, and killed by the Islamic Republic, Turkey’s government is busy running diplomatic interference for the mullahs. Ankara’s...

January 20, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Syrian Offensive Against Kurdish-Led SDF Risks Escape of ISIS Prisoners

The ongoing conflict between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) risks unleashing tens of thousands of ISIS-linked detainees, reviving a threat that the United States and the SDF...

January 17, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman |

US-backed Gaza plan moves to second phase as NCAG and Board of Peace unveiled

The US-backed ceasefire plan in Gaza entered a new phase on January 14. On January 16, the White House announced the establishment of a National Committee for the Administration of...

January 16, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi |

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdraw from Aleppo province after clashes with Syrian government

In the wake of intense fighting between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi ordered the withdrawal of his personnel from contested areas...