A year on, uncertainty shadows Washington's bet on Syria The Trump administration has embraced Syria's new leadership, but engagement is being tested by security risks and unresolved questions about Damascus' control. Syria
Analysis After Iraq’s election, what are US priorities for next government? Washington wants there to be no sanctioned groups in the next Iraqi government, a source told Al-Monitor, as the US and Iran compete for influence. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Analysis After Palmyra attack, Turkey adds pressure for SDF deal with Damascus The Islamic State attack that killed US personnel has deepened uncertainty over Washington’s Syria policy, pushing Ankara to accelerate efforts to integrate the SDF into the Syrian military. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Exclusive SDF commander Hemo: Syria’s Kurds prepare for threat of war as Damascus talks falter By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
French cement giant Lafarge on trial for ‘funding terrorism’ in Syria: What to know The French company is accused of funneling millions of dollars via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria to jihadi groups and intermediaries to keep its cement plant operating in northern Syria. Syria
Prosecutors charge two Michigan men in alleged ISIS-inspired plot: What to know The two men charged, both under 21, allegedly bought firearms and more than 1,600 rounds of ammunition, practiced shooting at gun ranges and scouted potential targets before the FBI intervened. United States
Syria’s Sharaa to sign deal at White House to join anti-ISIS coalition US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said the Syrian president will formalize his country’s entry into the US-led alliance next week. Syria
White House withdraws Rayburn’s nomination for top Mideast policy role Decision raises questions about future role of the State Department’s Near Eastern Affairs Bureau as the Trump administration relies on special envoys to cut through bureaucracy with big promises for a region still reeling from interlinked wars. Syria
Who is Mark Savaya, Chaldean-American businessman named Trump’s Iraq envoy? Mark Savaya supported Trump in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections and was credited by the president with helping to secure votes in the battleground state of Michigan. Iraq
Fearing fallout, Iran calls for cohesion amid shaky Afghanistan-Pakistan truce The Islamic Republic is particularly concerned about the presence of the Islamic State-Khorasan branch in Afghanistan. Iran
US strike in Syria kills al-Qaeda-linked planner, hints at changing militant networks Members of Syria’s al-Qaeda branch, Huras ad-Din, have been joining Ansar al-Islam as US drone strikes have continued to pick off Huras ad-Din's leaders, a report to the UN Security Council noted in July. Syria
US troop drawdown in Syria on hold over regime stability concerns While American troops in Iraq hand over operations against the Islamic State to Baghdad's forces, the parallel drawdown in neighboring Syria has been halted amid concerns about the abilities of the new Islamist-led government in Damascus. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
US troops in Iraq shift to Erbil to focus on ISIS in Syria The US mission against the Islamic State is relocating its headquarters and most of its troops from Baghdad to Erbil as the prime minister's coalition faces reelection in November. Iraq
Pentagon pushes to accelerate ISIS detainee repatriations from Syria Uncertainty about Syria’s long-term stability and the the US military’s future presence in the country have increased urgency among some Pentagon officials to further reduce the population of nearly 30,000 suspected ISIS-associated detainees in the camps. Syria
Iraq announces ISIS network busted in West Africa: What to know Activity by the Islamic State’s West Africa branch is increasing, according to some observers, and Iraq is looking to strengthen counterterrorism coordination with other states. Iraq
12 international, local firms bid to operate Iraq's Mosul airport destroyed by ISIS Iraq seeks to develop its air sector now that security conditions have improved in the country, hoping to play a bigger role in regional transit corridors. Iraq
