World | Middle East

A new regional alignment rising in the Middle East shifts power away from Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” Moderate Sunnis seeking stability and prosperity now have friendly governments in Beirut, Damascus, and Baghdad.

After Syrian businesses toiled for years to turn a profit, the announced dropping of U.S. and EU sanctions is sweeping the country with rare optimism. The government’s intent to open the long-closed economy is another cause for hope.

Israel’s military operation in Gaza is facing increased opposition, abroad and at home. Yet even within the Netanyahu government, it’s unclear if the assault is focused on conquering territory or affecting negotiations.

Israel says the operation is intended to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages and comes after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his trip without a visit to Israel.

With Israel occupying slivers of additional territory in Syria, farmers find themselves cut off from the rest of their country and struggling to live on a geopolitical fault line between Turkey and Israel.

President Donald Trump’s Mideast agenda indicated that business would take priority. Yet the outlines of an emerging Trump foreign policy are visible.

When Donald Trump was reelected, Benjamin Netanyahu’s social media posts overflowed with cheer. But comments from Israeli coalition members and supporters indicate a sense they’re being abandoned.

Kurdish and Turkish statements indicate both sides recognize the limits of violence. Yet the PKK says an expected quid pro quo from Turkey is recognition of Kurdish political and cultural rights, which is not assured.

Hamas says it's ready to “start intensive negotiations” for a long-term truce that includes ending the war, exchanging prisoners, and solving Gaza rule.

Yemen’s Iran-allied Houthi rebels reached a ceasefire with the United States. But analysts say they are already in rebuilding mode.