Iraq

Iraq: US ground troops battle ISIS

US ground troops fought their first direct battle against ISIS as the jihadists launched an attack on a base in Anbar that housed mixed US, Iraqi and tribal forces.

Palestine

Israel pipeline spill affects Jordan too

Over 80 people were treated for respiratory problems on both sides of the Israel-Jordan border following a massive oil spill from the Trans-Israel Pipeline.

Palestine

ISIS targets Jordan —and vice versa

Militants declared for ISIS in Jordan's restive city of Maan. France has supplied Jordan with new warplanes, and the kingdom is reported to already have troops in Iraq.

Iraq

First US air-strikes on ISIS targets in Syria

Warplanes flying from the USS George HW Bush carried out the first US air-strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, with planes from five Arab countries also participating in the raids.

Iraq

Obama sees long war against ISIS

The Obama administration is preparing to carry out a campaign against ISIS that may take three years to complete, involving a coalition of some 40 countries.

Greater Middle East

US arms reach Syrian rebels?

The Free Syrian Army boasts of receiving new weapons shipments that could “change” the course of the war—amid revelations that the US has been arming them secretly for a year.

Iran

US, Iranian forces converge on Syria

Some 5,000 US troops are in Jordan to participate in the multi-national Eager Lion exercises—just as Iran is sending 4,000 Revolutionary Guards to support Syria's Bashar Assad.

Watching the Shadows

Harrowing Gitmo memoir published

Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian detained at Guantánamo since August 2002, has had portions of his handwritten prison-camp memoir published in Slate magazine.

Palestine

Jews act like Romans in Holy Land

With Israel’s harsh restrictions on freedom of movement, Palestinian Christians’ attempt at a Good Friday procession in Jerusalem is converted into a protest for rights and dignity.