Syria Conflict

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives to attend the second day of the first Syrian-Emirati (United Arab Emirates) Investment Forum, at the People's Palace in Damascus on May 12, 2026. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria

UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

A Syrian citizen exchanges old banknotes for new notes released and distributed by the central bank, at a bank in the capital, Damascus, on Jan. 3, 2026.

Interview

UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home

The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Mazloum Kobane, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), speaks during the pan-Kurdish "Unity and Consensus" conference in Qamishli in northeastern Syria on April 26, 2025.

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible

The SDF commander-in-chief reflected on a fragile integration deal with Damascus, growing Kurdish backlash and ongoing talks with Turkey as questions mount over Rojava’s political future.

Mazloum Kobane

Mazloum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

Khaled Hablas

Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know

Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon.

Latest News

Syria restores Raqqa oil field in former ISIS stronghold: What to know

Pictured in this undated image is the Al-Thawra oil field in Raqqa governorate, as rehabilitation works continue to restore production capacity.

Turkey's border reopening unlocks new sphere of influence in Syria

Turkish Red Crescent's cars and trucks cross the Turkish border as they leave the Syrian city of Tel Abyad on Oct. 19, 2019, in Akcakale, Turkey.

EU restores economic pact to pursue fuller trade ties with Syria

Kaja Kallas

Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know

A young man stands in the entrance of tunnels that were used by the ISIS and the Assad's regime for fighting. Tadamon, Syria, February 7, 2025. (Photo by Raghed Waked / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by RAGHED WAKED/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and US special envoy for Syria Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack (R).

US Syria envoy Barrack says troop drawdown to continue, support for Kurds to remain

Trump’s ambassador to Ankara told a Turkish TV news outlet that American troops will eventually draw down to a single base in Syria, but that Washington is unlikely to abandon the Kurdish-led forces.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

A photo taken from the Lebanese side of the northern border crossing of al-Arida shows Syrian rebel fighters assisting with the passage of Syrians back into their country, Dec. 10, 2024.

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.

Armed personnel of SDF and public security forces of the new Syrian government stand guard as nearly a hundred prisoners are exchanged between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the new Syrian government in al-Ramun district of Aleppo, Syria, on April 3, 2025.

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.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Aerial view of the amount of destruction left in the Maarat al-Numan neighborhood after the end of the Syrian civil war in Idlib, Syria, on March 13, 2025. Located between the three major cities of Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus, the city of Idlib is a historically and strategically important city that went through years of destruction in the course of the Syrian civil war. (Photo by Omar Albaw / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by OMAR ALBAW/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images

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.

A handout picture from the Syrian state news agency SANA showing members of the security forces in Syria's coastal region

EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds

As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy.

Syria electrical poles

Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity

Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war.

Turkish Foreign Ministry

Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know

The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with United States special envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.

Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know

The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday.

People celebrate in Damascus' Omeyyad square after US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions in Syria, on May 13, 2025

Analysis

US sanctions relief key to Syria’s recovery but hinges on global coordination

The levies include secondary sanctions targeting individuals or companies who engage with Damascus, so private sector companies will only move after a US green light.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

A man carrying a stash of Syrian pounds, leaves the central bank in Damascus on May 21, 2025.

US grants Syria initial sanctions relief

The Treasury Department said the move is meant to facilitate activity across all sectors of Syria's economy and encourage new investment.

People celebrate in Damascus' Omeyyad Square after US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions in Syria, on May 13, 2025.

Exclusive

US set to unveil sweeping Syria sanctions relief

The Trump administration is preparing to issue a general license for Syria and a Caesar Act waiver.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights