Feature Syrian Kurds say US ignored pleas for help as ISIS detainees turned on them in al-Hol Chaos at al-Hol during clashes between Kurdish forces and Damascus underscored the widening security vacuum amid Kurdish claims of US abandonment. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US launches 5 airstrikes in Syria on suspected ISIS sites: What to know A series of five airstrikes over the past week in Syria comes as the US military increasingly relies on Damascus' forces to contain Islamic State remnants. Syria
France's role in Syria-SDF agreement: What to know French diplomatic sources highlight the role played by Paris in recent months in reaching an agreement between the Sharaa government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Syria
Analysis Syria’s Kurdish pullback hands Damascus a win — and new ISIS risks Cooperation with the United States in the battle against ISIS could prove both a blessing and a curse for the Syrian government. By Cagatay Cebe In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism
Feature ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Could US shift on Syria’s Kurds unlock progress with Turkey? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
US military airlifts Syria ISIS prisoners to Iraq after SDF retreat: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Shiite factions close to Sistani move to separate from Iran-backed militias Brigades close to top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced the formation of a mobilization force affiliated with the chief of staff of the Iraqi armed forces, rather than Iran. Iraq
Islamic State increases attacks in Iraq’s Sunni areas The Islamic State has conducted several attacks in recent weeks on the Sunni-majority provinces of Anbar and Salahuddin. Iraq
Islamic State claims sabotage attack on Egypt’s gas pipeline to Israel Egypt's military said it was a "limited explosion." Egypt
Biden unlikely to turn back in Iraq Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says Biden knows Iraq "as well or better than just about anyone." Iraq
Islamic State claims responsibility for Jeddah attack The explosion at the World War II commemoration follows a stabbing at the French Consulate in Jeddah last month. Saudi Arabia
Indiana woman gets 6 years in prison after smuggling cash for the Islamic State Prosecutors say Samantha Elhassani also brought her two children to live in IS-controlled territory in Syria. Syria
Suspected Islamic State gunmen kill 11 at military post outside Baghdad Initial reports suggest the attack is the largest against Iraqi security forces in months. Iraq
Islamic State regroups in Syrian Kurdish region Islamic State cells carry out assassinations against the SDF in the SDF-controlled countryside of Deir ez-Zor on an almost daily basis, affecting some civilians and tribal leaders close to the SDF. Syria
'How Does a Detonator Work?' Portland man indicted for publishing Islamic State newsletter Hawazen Sameer Mothafar allegedly helped IS with social media and published articles online that encouraged jihadi attacks. Iraq
Netflix to show first movie about Iraq battle against Islamic State in Mosul “Mosul,” an Iraqi film production on one of the stories of the battle to liberate the city, is set to be shown on Netflix this month. Iraq
Islamic State resurfaces with attacks in Iraq’s Diyala province The Islamic State's gruesome killing of a sheikh and some of his relatives by rigging his corpse with explosives has led to security concerns in the multiethnic region bordering Iran, long a hotbed for extremism and susceptible to sectarianism. Iraq
Baghdad, Erbil reach security, administrative agreement on Sinjar district The deal will address major security and structural obstacles, but local communities criticize the accord for failing to bring their people to the table. Iraq
