Russia sends second Syria delegation since Assad’s fall to safeguard military interests Russia has been engaged with Syria’s new authorities as it seeks to maintain its presence and role in the region after the fall of its long-time ally, President Bashar al-Assad, last year. Syria
As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes? Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats. Jordan
Exclusive UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds Gulfsands Managing Director John Bell outlines his company’s plans and Syria’s energy prospects in an exclusive interview. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
Syrian airline Fly Cham launches flights to UAE’s Sharjah as ties warm By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
4 dead in northern Syria protests following Turkey's anti-refugee riots The riots targeting Syrian refugees in central Turkey have led to anti-Turkey protests in northern Syria. Turkey
As Assad 'welcomes' mending ties with Turkey, can Russia or Iraq mediate? The stalled Ankara-Damascus dialogue is likely to see some fast developments, one expert says, though he warns not to expect too much thanks to complications including the upcoming US elections. Turkey
Israel strikes Syria, hits deeper in Lebanon as Hezbollah tensions grow Strikes believed conducted by Israel have increased inside Syria in response to repeated attacks by pro-Iranian groups against Israel since the Gaza war began. Syria
Paris court upholds France's arrest warrant for Assad: What we know Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is wanted in France for his alleged involvement in a 2013 chemical attacks in Ghouta and Douma that left as many as 1,000 people killed. Syria
How Israeli strikes are raising the cost of Iran's presence in Syria The IRGC's promise to retaliate for the killing of one of its officers comes as it has been rolling back its Syria presence since the outbreak of the Gaza war, which has placed an increasing number of Iranian forces in Israel's crosshairs. Iran
Iraq's PM says Baghdad mediating potential Syria-Turkey reconciliation The Iraqi prime minister says he is in contact with the Turkish and Syrian presidents as part of reconciliation efforts Turkey
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
