
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.

A 15-year-old student in Gainesville, Florida, allegedly sought guidance from Islamic State members and supporters on building drones and explosives to attack people at an unidentified indoor location.

The war with Iran is far from over, and the fight extends well beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Fellow and former British Ambassador to Yemen Edmund Fitton-Brown to assess the status of the US-Iran conflict, Tehran’s efforts to break the American naval blockade, and the growing role of…

Poland will host Europe’s first dedicated maintenance facility for the Patriot air defense system’s PAC-3 missiles, reducing repair and servicing times while strengthening regional air defense readiness. The initiative comes amid growing shortages of critical munitions and Poland’s broader efforts to expand its role in US weapons production and maintenance.

On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along…

Pakistan’s reported outreach to anti-Taliban resistance groups reflects deteriorating ties with its longtime ally. But accepting Pakistani support could deepen divisions in the resistance and undermine its standing among Afghans who blame Islamabad for decades of bloodshed.

After five months of negotiations, almost all remaining spots in Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi’s cabinet were approved by the parliament on October 15. Among the three deputy prime ministers is Laith al Khazali, whom the US State Department designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2020.

The Houthis are on the offensive in Yemen, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and bringing the war back to Saudi Arabia’s doorstep. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD research analyst and Long War Journal contributor Bridget Toomey to discuss the Iranian-backed group’s renewed campaign to conquer Yemen, its advances along the…

A new missile called the Filin adds to Russia’s growing arsenal of low-cost, long-range munitions, placing strain on Ukraine’s overstretched air defenses. Ukraine is expected to scale production of faster interceptor drones, but this addresses only part of the challenge of countering Russia’s evolving missile and drone capabilities.
Briefing with Maj. Gen. Thomas B. Turner II, commander of MNF-N Iraq

Annan: Syria promises to stop arms shipments to Hezbollah

Pakistani Leader Admits Taliban Cross into Afghanistan

Witnesses: IDF troops seize six men in southern Lebanon

Operation Medusa update, Taliban IEDs and safe havens The Royal Canadian Regiment presses the fight against the Taliban holed up in the Panjwai district of Kandahar in southeastern Afghanistan. In the latest round of fighting, 21 Taliban have been killed and the Taliban is concentrating its forces in the Pashmul section of Panjwai. “The insurgents have chosen to stay in prepared positions, and from our point of view, they’re ‘fixed,’” said ISAF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grant-Thorold. Up to 280 Taliban have been killed and 80 captured since Operation Medusa began last Saturday, and about 700 Taliban are believed to…

Iraqi Army Targets Anti-Iraqi Forces In Multiple Raids

Sudan: U.N. Mission Reports More Violence in Darfur

Two bombs detonate at a mosque and market in the town of Malegaon. At least 40 were killed and 65 wounded. The Indian government is sending over 3,500 police and security forces to the region. On Tuesday, the Indian Prime Minister warned terrorist attacks will increase.

Canadian troops are establishing forward positions in the Panjwai district of Kandahar; 700 Taliban are said to be surrounded, 21 Taliban were killed. The Taliban claim responsibility for a suicide bombing in Kabul that killed 18. The target was a U.S. convoy near the embassy. Afghan police beat back a Taliban attack in Wardak, killing 8 and capturing 8.

Q&A: Nato’s problems in Afghanistan

44 killed in Iraq as US begins military handover

Operation Medusa Update i Canadians digging into positions in Panjwai

Al-Qaeda releases a 9-11 “commemoration” video tape and an audiotape of Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, its commander in Iraq Banner announcing al Qaeda’s latest videotape. As Sahab, al Qaeda’s media/propaganda arm, has been on a media blitz this summer. The latest two releases, an audiotape from Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, al Qaeda in Iraq’s commander, and a video purportedly with stock footage of Osama bin Laden, speeches by Ayman al-Zawahiri and Azzam the American, and al Qaeda training camps, the last will of two 9-11 attackers, and a meeting between Osama, Abu Hafs al-Masri and 9-11 planner Ramzi bin al-Shibh. These two…

Support for al Qaeda waning, UK think-tank says

President Musharraff claims “neither the government nor ISI is helping the Taliban,™ while Afghan President Karzai says “we will wait and see” abut the Waziristan truce and the ability to stem the flow of the Taliban. AQ Khan is in Karachi for surgery. Two LeT members confess to targeting ex-Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee as well as targeting mosques and financial buildings in India.

March 14 insists Hizbullah unable to defend Lebanon

Nasrallah Prefers Olmert Remain Prime Minister

European nations warn Iran is stalling on nuclear negotiations. Iranian authorities censor sections of Grand Ayatollah Yousefi Sanei’s website which promote women’s civil rights. The Iranian military roles out a remodeled F-5 fighter and touts it as a newly built Iranian aircraft. Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami spoke at the Washington National Cathedral.

4 Palestinians were killed and 10 wounded during IDF operation in West Bank
