Dispatch from Iraq: Iran launched hundreds of drones at Israel on Saturday night in retaliation for an Israeli attack on its embassy in Syria earlier this month. via The Washington Post

Despite its territorial defeat, the Islamic State is rapidly evolving around the world. Some of its regional groups have become stronger, gained more recruits, and have bigger ambitions. via The Washington Post, w/ Joby Warrick , animations Sarah Hashemi

Iran has for years supported groups across the Middle East to advance its interests. But the Israel-Gaza was has emboldened these groups, experts say, and encouraged them to act with more autonomy. via The Washington Post
youtube.com/watch?v=yhGqxq…

In Diana, Iraq, siblings Roberta, 24, and Robert, 27, are asked what the Assyrian community will look like in twenty years.

“No one will be here, only my sister,” Robert said.

Read their story here: tinyurl.com/3uxpnthy

#assyrianstories is a series by @theassyrianjournal

Twelve years ago today, journalist Marie Colvin was killed while covering the stories of Syrian civilians living under siege in Homs. Here’s an excerpt from her writing:

The journalists killed in Gaza — and what they tried to show the world wapo.st/3OCsvTG

Journalists in Gaza have been killed covering the war and sheltering from it. Some have died with their colleagues; others, with their families.

Footage from Baghdad suggests the US drone strike that killed 3 people with Kataib Hezbollah hit precisely the car they were traveling in, on a busy Baghdad street, but caused no other damage. CENTCOM says no collateral damage or casualties

A U.S. military strike in Baghdad this evening killed a militia leader that is suspected of plotting attacks on American troops, officials said.

Mustafa Salim Kareem Fahim Alex Horton Dan Lamothe Story here: tinyurl.com/yesuwn4d

It's been one year since a pair of earthquakes devastated Syria and Turkey, killing over 52,000 people. Hundreds remain missing and families continue to search for their loved ones in the faces of every person they pass in the streets. By Nicole Tung
washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/…

JUST IN: 3 US service members were killed and 25 injured from a one-way attack drone that hit a base in northeast Jordan, near the Syrian border, per U.S. Central Command

This is largest single US military casualty incident in these attacks and first deaths since Israel’s war in Gaza began

IRAQ and the U.S. are reviving talks on ending the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq. This process was initiated last year, but stalled as the war in Gaza broke out. The talks are expected to take at least several months. No U.S. troop withdrawal is expected anytime soon.

The Post's chief Ukraine correspondent Siobhán O'Grady was in Kharkiv, Ukraine as a Russian missile struck a residential building. The Washington Post

TURKEY's parliament is expected today to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO. Sweden applied to join the alliance in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. reuters.com/world/turkey-s…

Twenty-three American citizens have so far been killed in the Israel-Gaza war since Oct. 7, according to the State Dept. Sammy Westfall
washingtonpost.com/national-secur…

IRAQ: An investigation led by Simona Foltyn found that staff working for the U.N. in Iraq demanded bribes in return for helping businessmen win contracts on postwar reconstructions projects.
theguardian.com/global-develop…