Analysis Why Germany may struggle to meet Merz’s 80% Syria repatriation goal Germany, which hosts the EU’s largest Syrian refugee population, is pushing to repatriate Syrians, but Syria’s domestic issues and legal protections for asylum seekers complicate those efforts. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list? The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate. Algeria
Clashes and protests in Lebanon over Syria's anniversary: What we know As celebrations erupted in Lebanon to commemorate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Hezbollah supporters held counter-rallies. Lebanon
Interview UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. Tamara Alrifai
Afghan kite runners revive old tradition in new home The 116,000 Afghans seeking asylum in Turkey are often overlooked, but a kite project aims to lift their spirits. Syria
Why is Turkey so invested in rehabilitating Syrian city of al-Bab? After Turkey and allied rebel forces ousted the Islamic State from the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, Ankara is now doubling down on efforts to rebuild infrastructure and boost education in the area. Syria
Gaza radio station gives a voice to refugees, women In its first month on the air, Hawwa radio station based in Nuseirat refugee camp has tackled issues prominent in Gaza refugee camps and aims to encourage women to stand up for themselves. Palestine
Refugees’ fate in limbo as Iraqi Kurdistan referendum nears The Sept. 25 referendum on independence in Iraqi Kurdistan may turn the predominantly Sunni Arab displaced community into a new source of tension between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region. Iraq
Libya’s pleas for Italian help unlikely to solve migration issue The Libyan plea to Italy to help counter the migration flow may not bring in the desired results, as the former colonial power has its own interests to serve during this election year. Libya
Syrian regime says it's time for the displaced to return Hundreds of people displaced from al-Waer neighborhood in Homs, Syria, have now left the Zoghra camp outside of Aleppo and returned to the regime-controlled Homs. Syria
Despite probe, questions remain after Syrians die in Lebanese custody Four Syrians detained by the Lebanese army in a raid on Syrian refugee camps in Arsal died less than 48 hours into their detention, thus raising questions about the reason behind their deaths, as several photos showed signs of torture on their bodies. Lebanon
'Refugees Got Talent' showcases Syrian performers in Egypt The UNHCR hosted a talent show for refugees in Alexandria, offering displaced Syrians and others a rare chance to perform onstage. Egypt
Syrian refugees in Turkey return home for holidays As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish authorities opened two border crossings with Syria so refugees can visit their homeland. Syria
What's keeping Syria’s Palestinian refugees from returning to camps? The Palestinian refugees in Syria are still waiting for the green light to go back to their camps following a wave of displacement that resulted from clashes between the Syrian regime and gunmen. Palestine
Can Syrian refugees become boon to Turkey's economy? The labor shortage in some of Turkey’s economic sectors — especially manufacturing, agriculture, and child and elder care — can offer employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who are unlikely to return home. Turkey
Graphic novel illustrates life of Syrian refugees in Lebanon A French NGO launched a project, with the help of five artists from Syria, Lebanon and France, to publish a graphic novel on the financial, emotional and social struggle of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Lebanon
