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
Pentagon floats plan for its Syrian Kurd allies to partner with Assad against ISIS The proposal, which the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces denounced as a "rotten plan," comes as part of a renewed review of Syria policy by the US State Department. Syria
Turkey treads cautious line amid Iran-Pakistan flareup Turkey’s highly cautious tone over attacks by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Iraq and Pakistan reflects Ankara’s approach of not wanting to involve outside players in its disagreements with Tehran. Turkey
Turkey's operation in Syria could happen in 'upcoming months': Erdogan The Turkish president’s comments come after the top Turkish diplomat leveled rare public criticism at Russia. Turkey
Syria extends humanitarian aid deliveries via Turkey to rebel-held zone The crossing is the sole artery for UN supplies for the rebel-held northwest of the country. Syria
As Captagon war heats up, Jordan escalates airstrikes in Syria Jordan has clashed with and struck alleged drug smugglers several times in recent weeks as the Captagon trade continues to thrive the region. Syria
Syrian Kurdish village breeds ancient Saluki dogs amid ravages of war Wealthy Arabs from the Gulf — sheikhs, emirs and princes included — are some of the top customers of Syria's Saluki breeders. Syria
Israel launches strikes in Syria, Lebanon, targets 'Hezbollah infrastructure' The airstrikes near Damascus follow the Christmas Day death of a top Iranian commander in Syria in a strike widely attributed to Israel. Syria
Suspected Islamic State attack leaves nine dead in Syrian desert Syrian soldiers and pro-government fighters in eastern Syria came under a surprise attack attributed to the Islamic State, which remains active in the area despite losing territory. Syria
2023 in review: Syria triumphant in Arab League as Israeli strikes, Iran ties continue Coming in from the cold, Damascus — still riddled with economic challenges and Western sanctions — restored crucial relations with Saudi Arabia and the Arab League, fortifying its regional position after being frozen out for over a decade. Syria
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander tells Washington not to sell F-16s to Turkey In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, SDF commander-in-chief Mazlum Kobane called on the United States to shore up flagging Kurdish faith in Washington and block any new F-16 sales to Turkey. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
2023 in review: From Sudan to Syria, here are Mideast's forgotten conflicts More than 12,000 people were killed in the war in Sudan this year, while violence persisted in parts of Syria, Iraq and other countries across the Middle East and North Africa. North Africa
With world's eyes on Gaza, Turkey attacks Syria's Kurds again As of the beginning of 2023, at least 32 civilians have died in Turkish attacks in northeast Syria, including seven women and five children, according to local monitoring organizations. Syria
