The latest news, analysis and opinion on the developing conflict in the Middle East.
Strikes near Roman, Crusader and Ottoman sites flattened some and left others with ‘invisible’ damage
Last-minute show of support for US president’s close ally as he nears his final days in office
Scattered bodies and records of executions and other crimes laid bare in chaotic aftermath of rebel takeover
Few western intelligence officials say they would approve something similar to Israel’s pager attack
Boss of World Health Organisation among those present during Israel’s strike on Sana’a airport
Incursion by Israeli forces 8km north of UN ‘Blue Line’ adds to allegations of truce violations
From Gaza and Lebanon to Syria, the region has experienced a year of multiple devastating conflicts
Hakan Fidan meets Abu Mohammad al-Jolani and says Donald Trump will back Turkey over Kurdish forces
Strikes on port and energy infrastructure aim to weaken Iran-backed group’s military capabilities
Ankara and Gulf states also criticise goal to ‘expand borders’ in annexed territory after Syria rebels toppled regime
Defence minister calls on IDF to prepare for winter while US and Turkey meet to shore up fight against Isis
Human rights group criticises attacks on civilians where no evidence was found of any potential military targets
Over 4,000 flown home in the face of rebel victory and overthrow of ally Bashar al-Assad
Netanyahu has justified the incursion as a temporary move to protect Israeli citizens
Also in this newsletter: How to protect critical undersea cables
Plastic surgeon Victoria Rose shares her experience
Steven Witkoff held talks with Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed to discuss deal ahead of inauguration
What began as a band of a few dozen jihadis is now a disciplined force with units producing modern weaponry
Assad regime looks vulnerable as rebels retake Aleppo
Opposition supporters are ecstatic but others are wary of their new Islamist rulers as Assad regime begins counteroffensive
Minister’s vow to ‘go deeper’ if hostilities resume comes after deadly Israeli air strikes severely test truce
Ankara, long a backer of opposition groups, sees chance to push back Kurdish militants and force Assad to negotiate
Air strikes by Israeli military across Lebanon come after militant group fires rockets
Arrangements such as the ceasefire in Lebanon are all the more important as the region lurches from one convulsion to the next
Biden’s energy adviser exudes ‘positive American arrogance . . . he gets results’, says one official
