Here’s my book on the US-Egypt defense relationship published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. It is available for a free download below.

In Iraq, the Nujaba militia announces it will join the Badr Organization & the Kata’ib Hezbollah militia in supporting Iran if it is attacked by the US & Israel.

In Iraq, the Badr Organization announces it will support Iran in any confrontation with the US & Israel. There will be no hesitation, neutrality, or silence.

US Secretary of State Rubio warns Iraq not to form a government which contains militias loyal to Iran. The nomination of Nouri Maliki as the next Iraqi PM worries Washington. Fears in Iraq that the US will impose crippling financial sanctions.

After the recovery of the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, Israeli PM Netanyahu says the way forward is not rebuilding Gaza but disarming Hamas.

Houthis in Yemen appear to indicate they will renew attacks on shipping in the Red Sea amidst regional tensions between the US & Iran. Houthis publish a video of an attack on a British ship & say it was one of the 228 ships attacked in recent years.

Iran’s response to a possible US attack will rely on its ballistic missile force of 1,500 to 2,000 rockets. However, Iran only has limited launch pads & the US will likely target these in an opening blow. In addition, about half the rockets use liquid fuel, making fueling slow.

The US assembles massive air & sea power in the Middle East in anticipation of possible strikes on Iran. If President Trump chooses war, the initial US blow will be designed to paralyze Iranian military infrastructure to make any response difficult.

Iraqi Kata’ib Hezbollah militia calls for preparations for a total war to defend Iran against the Zionists.

Israel civil air authority tells foreign airlines that 31 January & 1 February might be the start of a period of security sensitivity (hinting at possible US military strikes on Iran). If Israeli airspace is closed, foreign airlines given priority of exit.

Israeli media: Israeli intelligence has assisted the US in obtaining irrefutable proof that the Iranian regime has executed 100s of detained protesters.

Time Magazine quoting health officials: As many as 30,000 Iranian protesters may have been killed on 8 & 9 January alone.

If the US does attack Iran, which Tel Aviv thinks will happen, it fully expects that Iran will retaliate by launching missiles at Israel. Israel is prepared for all scenarios.

Israeli Channel 12: Israel expects that the US will attack Iran even though President Trump still has to make a final decision. The US still needs a few days to deploy forces to the region. In the end, it is believed that Trump will decide to attack.

In Iraq, the Coordination Framework announces that Nori Maliki is the official nominee to become the PM. Maliki was chosen due to political experience, administrative abilities, & past record. Calls on parliament to convene as soon as possible.

In Iraq, US military convoy containing tens of vehicles enters Ninawa Province coming from Syria. It crosses into Iraq at a closed border crossing controlled by the Peshmerga. Convoy appears headed to Mosul but final destination is unknown.

US Central Command Commander arrives in Israel to coordinate actions in the event of an attack on Iran. US forces deploy to the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. Last week, the Mossad chief visited Washington.

The US was particularly upset at Baghdad when a former member of the Iraqi Asa’ib Ahl al-Haqq militia was elected as the 1st Deputy to the Speaker of Parliament. The Coordination Framework, which is forming the new government, contains many members representing militias.

Iraqi sources say politicians are facing strong US threats of financial sanctions if militia members are included in the new government. Sanctions expected to prevent the transfer of cash from the US Federal Reserve Band to the Iraqi Central Bank.

US Central Command announces up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners will be transferred from the custody of Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria to Iraqi authorities. 150 have already been transferred to Iraq. Unclear if the transfer was an Iraqi or US request.

The following nations say they will not join President’s Trump Board of Peace: France, Norway, Ireland, Italy, Germany & Sweden. Russia, China & Canada are studying it. Many nations have said they will join, notably Arab & Islamic ones, & Israel.