Syria to reopen war-damaged border crossing with Lebanon: What we know The move comes as the new authorities in both Lebanon and Syria work to ensure border security and better relations. Syria
Exclusive Syrian Kurds, Damascus agree to prisoner swap following normalization talks Nearly 470 prisoners are set to be exchanged between Syrian Kurdish forces and Damascus as part of a deal reached after high-level talks. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Turkey's big Syria play: Rebuild, but only if Gulf can pay for it As sanctions on Syria ease, Turkey is hoping to turn economic engagement into regional influence and encourage refugee returns. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place. Syria
Syrian first lady Asma al-Assad’s leukemia diagnosis: What we know Assad is facing a relatively difficult path to recovery due to her history of breast cancer, a leukemia expert told Al-Monitor, with sanctions on Damascus further complicating her treatment options. Syria
US repatriates 11 Americans held in northeast Syria Five years after the Islamic State lost its final stronghold in Syria, tens of thousands of women and children remain stranded in detention camps in the country's northeast. Washington Connection
Cyprus is favored route for thousands of Syrian migrants escaping Lebanon Nearly 60 times as many people, mostly Syrians, are leaving Lebanon by boats en route to Europe when compared with last year — a number expected rise in the next few months during peak migration season. Lebanon
‘Written Eye’ exhibit breathes life into Syria's art scene Several young artists showcased their works at a new-concept exhibition held in the heart of the Syrian capital, signaling a revival of the Syrian art scene after years of war. Syria
Iran's hold on Syria strong despite 'withdrawals' after Israeli attacks While Tehran has been withdrawing some military commanders from Syria in response to Israeli targeting, reports of a large-scale drawdown in Iranian forces in the country are exaggerated, analysts say. Syria
ISIS takes advantage of Israel-Iran spiral to mount resurgence in Syria Amid the relocation of Iranian-backed forces due to Israeli and US airstrikes and the lack of coordination between the SDF and Damascus, ISIS has intensified its operations, clawing back parts of the vital highway separating Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Syria
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander says resolve of US-led anti-ISIS coalition weakening In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, SDF chief Mazlum Kobane said the conflict in Gaza has boosted ISIS and warned that the conditions exist for a "resurgence" of the group to its former strength. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Iran says killing of commanders in suspected Israeli strike ‘won’t go unanswered’ Fears grow over a wider regional conflict as Iran's leadership pledges retaliation against Israel, which is accused of having killed over a dozen senior Iranian commanders during the course of the Gaza war. Iran
Syria: Over 40 killed in alleged Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah warehouse The attack reportedly hit at least one weapons warehouse belonging to Hezbollah near Aleppo International Airport. Syria
PKK kills Turkish soldier in northern Iraq as Ankara threatens major offensive The militant group killed one Turkish soldier and wounded four others in northern Iraq, as Turkey threatened a major offensive to "annihilate" the Kurdish militant group by summer. Turkey
Russia sets up observation points in Syria near Golan Heights New Russian observation posts have popped up in southwest Syria amid increased tensions between pro-Iranian groups and Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war. Syria
Congress pushes White House to toughen anti-Assad policy The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation meant to combat the normalization of Syria's long-shunned regime. Syria
