Syria’s Shibani visits Latakia airport to review Russia deal progress: What to know Syria is seeking to ensure that the August deal to turn Russian facilities in the country into joint training centers is implemented. Syria
Lebanon charges 5 in alleged Hezbollah operation to train Assad loyalists A Lebanese military court has charged the five, including an Assad-era Syrian officer and Hezbollah members, with running a cross-border security network planning attacks in Syria’s coastal region. Lebanon
Former Assad official sentenced to 60 years in US for torture Samir Ousman Alsheikh was convicted by a jury in March of three counts of torture, one count of conspiracy to commit torture, visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. Syria
Culture Syrian singer Assala returns to Damascus stage after 15-year exile The Syrian star, one of the Arab world’s most famous artists, had been in self-exile since 2011 after she openly supported the uprising against the since-ousted Assad government. Syria
Beneath tough exterior, Putin may be ready to deal on Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to hold all the cards in the region, but is Moscow ready to show its hand? Syria
Russia, Iran in tug of war over Syria military reform Moscow and Tehran have disparate views on how the Syrian military should be reformed. Syria
Distrust of SDF, unclear future divide Syrian tribal massacre area Al-Monitor traveled to the Shaitat area of Deir ez-Zor, scene of a 2014 massacre in which up to 1,000 mostly men and boys were killed within a few weeks after the tribe rose up against the Islamic State, to understand how the people there are dealing with the Kurdish-led SDF. Syria
US Syria envoy says ‘no role’ for Europe in proposed safe zone The United States has a “general” deal in place to establish a safe zone in northeastern Syria, the Trump administration’s top Syria policy official said, but the effort will not include European countries. Syria
Turkey squashed by Idlib pressure Despite the usual bluster in his traditional Ramadan address, Turkey's president said not a word about the destruction in Syria's Idlib, where Ankara's balance is wobbling. Syria
US investigates claims that Syria used chlorine gas again Syria is accused of shelling the opposition-controlled Kabana area in northern Latakia with chlorine gas after failing to advance in the area. Syria
How Russia defends its Syrian air base from attacks Russia has been using attacks on its air base in Khmeimim as a leverage in talks with Turkey over Idlib, but has also taken some practical steps to counter the assaults. Syria
Syrian government, opposition swap 36 more prisoners A new prisoner swap between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian government took place at al-Eiss crossing, while the Syrian opposition is looking for more exchanges in the future. Syria
More Arab protests expected against Kurdish SDF in Syria Al-Monitor traveled recently to Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, an area of deadly unrest between Arab civilians and Kurdish-led factions, to speak with victims' families. Syria
Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib? Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress. Jordan
Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria Turkey, pressed between Russia and the United States, is headed toward a foreign policy crash in addition to an economic one. Syria
Congress forgoes Iran war restrictions to save anti-Assad bill In order to assure passage of a long-stalled Syria sanctions bill, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted down legislation restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran. Syria
