Feature Syria’s new order faces old problems: Sanctions, reconstruction and volatility Although President Ahmed al-Sharaa has obtained major commitments from potential foreign investors, the economic and political challenges ahead remain significant. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Lebanon-Israel direct talks pause operation against Hezbollah — but for how long? The US blocked Israel from widening its strikes on Hezbollah this week, yet another flare-up in their enduring conflict seems likely despite first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Ankara: Jailed PKK chief favors unitary Syria, no separate Kurdish defense force The militant leader called for “police-like” security units in Syrian Democratic Forces areas during his landmark meeting with a Turkish parliamentary delegation, according to a transcript summary. Turkey
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Analysis A Trump bargain: Pardon Netanyahu in exchange for Israel-Syria security deal? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive Top PYD official Aldar Khalil: 'Syria is telling Kurds to separate' By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Feature Can Syria’s new Islamist rulers win their broken nation’s trust? While Syrians widely celebrated the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorial regime, many reserve judgement on their new Islamist leaders. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Erdogan to host Syria’s Sharaa on first Turkey visit, discuss security ties The meeting between the Turkish president and Syria's new leader will focus on Syria's post-conflict reconstruction, economic recovery and security issues. Turkey
Tulsi Gabbard grilled about Assad, Iran views at confirmation hearing In her confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard was pressed on her relationship with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and walked back previous statements criticizing Trump's policy choices. United States
Syria suspends constitution, declares Ahmed al-Sharaa transitional president Syria's de facto leadership previously said that new elections could take up to four years and that it could also take several years to draft a new constitution. Syria
Israeli defense minister: Troops could stay in Syria buffer zone 'indefinitely' The Israeli military is gearing up to stay on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon and in the buffer zone on the Israel-Syria border at least throughout the winter. Israel
Russian delegation in Syria as Moscow scrambles to secure military presence The visit marks the first since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who had been Moscow's key ally in Syria. Syria
WEF: Arab businesses ‘very keen’ to invest in Syria after Assad’s ouster Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, attended the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this week, along with over 50 heads of state and hundreds of business moguls. Syria
Syria FM Shibani touts 'big opportunity for investment' in country at World Economic Forum Asaad al-Shibani said Syria is not a threat to its neighbors and defended the transitional government’s actions during the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the World Economic Forum. Syria
Rubio and Fidan hold first call as Turkey's role expands in Syria The congratulatory call comes as Ankara ramps up threats against the Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
UN chief optimistic for Lebanon's recovery, questions Syria's future Antonio Guterres cautioned that there is no guarantee the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire will hold or lead to a final peace agreement, but he expressed encouragement over Lebanon's election of a president on Jan. 9, following two years of political impasse. Syria
Turkey, Kurds move toward peace deal as lawmakers meet with PKK leader Ocalan Talks with the jailed PKK leader spark hope for ending Turkey's 40-year conflict amid shifting alliances and regional pressures. Turkey
Syria’s new government ends Russian lease of Tartous port: What we know The new authorities in Syria ended an agreement with the Russian company managing the key port of Tartous in the latest sign of Russia's waning influence in the country after the fall of the regime. Syria
