A recent jihadist attack on Mali's capital and a growing threat from northern rebels reportedly getting help from Ukraine begs the question: is the Sahel a new Russia-West battleground?

The strike came just an hour after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations

Chances for success on the diplomatic front appear remote. Decisions made by Israel and Hezbollah in the coming days and weeks will have a significant impact on Lebanon, Israel, and the region.

Hezbollah has been badly hit in recent days with damage inflicted at every level, leaving the world wondering what Israel's ultimate intentions are and what (if anything) Iran will do about it

US military build-up in the Middle East reflects its concern that Israel's new military operation in Lebanon could ultimately draw Iran into the conflict

Despite Israelis protesting against Netanyahu every Saturday, a closer look through the political lens shows centrists moving further to the right and an almost non-existent left

While the potential presence of Houthis in Syria is most likely only symbolic, its implications could be significant. Israel might use this as a justification to ramp up attacks across the region.

The militant group must decide between walking back its threat to northern Israel or risking the loss of its advanced missile capabilities

But Israel does not yet have the forces in place to invade

Actors battling sanctions can't be picky about where the initial product came from. After all, beggars can't afford to be choosers.