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)

Thomas Barrack, nominee to serve as the US ambassador to Turkey, testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on April 1, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know

Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness."

Barzani

Iraqi Kurdistan PM Barzani backs cautious engagement with Syria’s new rulers

Speaking at an Al-Monitor Global Institute Event in Washington, Masrour Barzani urged Kurdish unity and said Damascus must prove it can lead a divided Syria.

OMAR ALBAW/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

As Israel deconfliction talks proceed, Turkey and Syria discuss military ties during visits

A senior Turkish military delegation traveled to Damascus as Ankara and Washington hold talks on Syrian Kurdish groups and Syrian stability.

A portrait of Russia's President Vladimir Putin hangs above next to a torn out one of the ousted Syrian president, as Russian soldiers stand guard at the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024.

3 killed in attack on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria: Monitor

Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently sheltering at the Hmeimim air base.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Rubio warns Syria’s government could collapse in weeks, triggering civil war

The top US diplomat made the case for sanctions relief and renewed engagement with the transitional government in Damascus to prevent "full-scale civil war."

Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin gives a press conference following talks with Sweden and Finland over their bids to join NATO at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on May 25, 2022.

Turkey’s intel chief Kalin makes surprise visit to Syria, meets Sharaa

Kalin's visit comes as a Turkish delegation arrives in Washington to discuss sanctions relief on Syria with the Trump administration.

Kaja Kallas

EU greenlights lifting of all economic sanctions on Syria

The European Union and the United Kingdom had already lifted some sanctions on Syria in certain sectors including aviation, energy and media.

Fidan, Rubio, Al Shibani

Turkey delegation heads to US to discuss Syria sanctions relief: What to know

The talks will follow a landmark meeting between the United States, Syria and Turkish and Saudi leaders.

This picture taken on Jan. 25, 2000, shows a close-up of a postage stamp commemorating Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was executed by Syria in Damascus in 1965.

Israeli Mossad retrieves entire archive of Eli Cohen from Syria: What we know

The announcement of the secret operation that recovered 2,500 documents from Syria coincided with the 60th anniversary of Cohen’s execution.

A couple walk through the remains of the Yarmouk refugee camp, Syria’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, Damascus, Jan. 27, 2025.

Analysis

With Trump’s Syria sanctions relief, Turkey eyes refugee returns, regional gains

Sanctions relief opens the door to Syria's postwar reconstruction and other investment, with Turkish firms and Gulf money poised to lead the charge.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know

Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) reacts.

US-Syria thaw advances as Rubio meets Shaibani in Turkey: What to know

Top US, Syrian and Turkish diplomats discussed counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability in a landmark Turkey meeting.