Russian delegation in Syria to preserve military bases: What to know Russian and Syrian military officials have held a series of reciprocal exchanges and visits in recent weeks, as the Kremlin continues to view Syria as a key military vantage point. Syria
Sharaa, Putin meet in Moscow after Russia's abrupt pullout from Syria base Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow, his second in four months, comes days after Russia began withdrawing its forces and evacuating equipment from its military base in northeast Syria. Syria
Syria's Shibani talks defense, economic ties with Russia's Putin during Moscow visit The visit is the second to Russia for Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra, and follows other signs of rapprochement. Syria
Analysis Sharaa in Washington: Can US charm offensive boost Syria’s reconstruction? The trip signals strong support for the new Syrian government, as President Sharaa seeks the breakthroughs needed to end economic isolation and speed up reconstruction, while US sanctions continue to paralyze investment. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Russia presses soft power in Syria by restoring Palmyra, Apamea Russia is promoting its archaeological and historical restoration projects in Syria, as it tries to expand its influence in Syria by dominating the Syrian antiquities sector. Syria
Russia gains foothold in Syria’s Palmyra through archaeological restoration Russia has begun a project to rehabilitate Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra in its latest efforts to gain a foothold in the country’s vital sectors. Syria
Biden administration not trading Syrian oil for aid corridors with Moscow The Biden administration said Syrian oil is for the people of Syria, not for the United States. Syria
Biden discusses imperiled Syrian aid at high-stakes Putin summit The two leaders met ahead of a looming UN Security Council deadline to renew a massive cross-border aid operation that Russia is intent on shutting down. Syria
Iran and Russia sign visa waiver agreement The deal focuses on making it easier for large tourist groups to travel to Iran and Russia. News Brief
US cranks up diplomacy with Russia to keep Syria’s last humanitarian aid corridor open The fate of millions of Syrians hangs in the balance as Russia threatens to shut a crossing vital to humanitarian aid. Syria
Will Syria come up in Biden-Putin summit? US pressing to maintain humanitarian corridors into Syria; Erdogan’s issues with US Syria policy; UN envoy refers to Syria’s "tragic irony." Russia
Russia expands Syrian air base to boost regional presence Russia is working on expanding the Hmeimim air base in Syria to accommodate all types of aircraft. Syria
Russia facilitates return of displaced Syrian families Under the auspices of the Russian forces and their affiliated militias, hundreds of displaced people are returning to their villages in the Lajat region located in the countryside of Daraa governorate to find extensively destroyed houses lacking basic power and water services. Syria
Russia reveals deployment of nuclear-capable bombers to Syria airbase Moscow has reportedly landed Tupolev Tu-22 bombers at Syria's Hmeimim Air Base for the first time. Syria
Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief meets with Syrian counterpart in Damascus The meeting takes place during the first official visit to Damascus by Saudi Arabia since 2012. Saudi Arabia
The Takeaway: Does Hamas win if Abbas delays Palestinian elections? Plus: Fallout in Turkey from Biden’s designation of genocide in Armenia. Israel
