Major Shiite parties to run separately in Iraq’s November election amid disagreements

The Coordination Framework, Iraq’s ruling bloc of Shiite political parties, has announced that its members will run on separate lists in Iraq’s November 2025 election and reform the alliance following the vote. Elements of the bloc have disagreed strongly over key issues since the current government’s formation in 2022. Read more →

Syria detains two members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Security forces of the new Syrian transitional government in Damascus detained two Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) members, according to various media reports. The two arrested PIJ members are Khaled Khaled, who is in charge of the group’s operations in Syria, and Yasser al Zafari, who is described as heading PIJ’s organizational committee. Saraya al Quds, the military wing of PIJ, called for the men to be released. Read more →

Oklahoma City

Afghan national pleads guilty over Islamic State-inspired terror plot in US

Abdullah Haji Zada, an 18-year-old legal permanent resident living in Oklahoma, pled guilty to conspiring to receive firearms intended for an election-day terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State. Six other individuals have been detained for their connection to the Islamic State since Zada’s arrest, underscoring a persistent threat to the US. Read more →

Iranian missile at Baghdad expo

Iran displays missiles and drones at Baghdad military expo

An Iranian delegation led by the regime’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics attended the 13th International Defense Exhibition (IQDEX) in Baghdad on April 20, showcasing Iran’s latest drones, missiles, and anti-air defense systems. The attendance reflects a pattern of Iran positioning itself as a regional arms exporter and military patron. Read more →

IDF suffers first casualties since start of new Gaza offensive

One IDF soldier was killed and three soldiers wounded in northern Gaza, the IDF said on April 19. Israeli forces in northern and southern Gaza continue to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal for a hostage deal and demanded an end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would not “surrender” to Hamas as part of a new hostage deal. Read more →

Analysis: Qassem’s speech on Lebanon’s national defense strategy indicates Hezbollah will remain armed

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered his first speech thoroughly addressing Hezbollah’s vision for a national defense strategy. He said the group was ready for a dialogue, which remained premature, but would refuse to disarm even after a strategy is set. Read more →

Generation Jihad | Trump’s Iran Gambit

Bill, Behnam, and Janatan dive into the high-stakes complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, unpacking President Trump’s dual-track approach of military readiness and diplomatic outreach to the Islamic Republic. They discuss Iran’s internal reactions to U.S. policy shifts, Saudi Arabia’s cautious recalibration toward Tehran, and intensifying military pressure on the Houthis. Read more →

SFA and US troops at Tanf

American troops train Syrian Free Army at Tanf Garrison as US weighs next moves in Syria

US troops stationed at Tanf Garrison in southern Syria continue to train and support the Syrian Free Army (SFA). As reports emerge that US forces could redeploy from parts of Syria while the Syrian government expands its control, the future of the Tanf Garrison is unclear. The US-backed SFA works with the new Syrian authorities and conducts de-mining and other security operations. Read more →

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