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
Syrian Kurds accuse Turkey of war crimes as Erdogan vows escalation Syria’s Kurds say Turkish forces are committing war crimes as Erdogan escalates against the US-Allied Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
Turkey’s Erdogan says ‘first phase’ of Syria operation has concluded The Turkish president also said the first phase of Turkey’s ongoing operations against outlawed Kurdish militants and dominant Syrian Kurdish groups was concluded. Turkey
Turkey expands strikes as Fidan, Blinken discuss deconfliction, 'terrorist threats' The US readout of a call between the top US and Turkish diplomats stressed the two countries share a common objective of defeating terror. Turkey
UAE reopens embassy in Lebanon as MBZ hosts Mikati in Abu Dhabi The move comes as Lebanon continues to face deteriorating political, economic and security conditions. Lebanon
US fails to deter Turkey's bombardment of Syria's Kurdish enclave Turkey continued to bomb infrastructure in Syria’s Kurdish-controlled region after a US F-16 shot down a drone that encroached within half a kilometer of a US base. Turkey
US downs Turkish drone as Turkey bombs infrastructure in Syria’s Kurdish zone The reports came as Turkish forces pounded strategic economic installations today in the Kurdish-run zone, including oil installations and power stations. Turkey
Turkey's Fidan declares all PKK, YPG facilities in Syria, Iraq 'legitimate targets' High-level and open threats by Turkey have ramped up fears of a fresh escalation in northern Syria between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara deems terrorists. Turkey
Turkey expands crackdown, airstrikes against PKK as Erdogan lashes out at West The Turkish Defense Ministry said 16 new targets, including caves, bunkers and warehouses in the northern Iraqi regions of Metina, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil and Assos, were destroyed in the strikes. Turkey
US captures Islamic State official in Syria as fighting renews among allies The US military said it captured a senior IS official in Syria on Saturday, as renewed fighting Monday between Kurdish-led forces and Arab tribes in Deir Ezzor raised new questions as to the open-ended nature of the US mission. Syria
In China, Syria's Assad gets political fanfare, but no funding commitments Since Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in January 2022, there have been no projects to show for it in the war-torn country. Syria
Red carpet, honor guard and flowers: Syria’s Assad receives lavish welcome in China Assad will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first visit to China since 2004, potentially turning a page in Syria-China relations as Damascus seeks reconstruction help. Syria
Al-Monitor/Semafor summit: Jordan’s King Abdullah II laments Syrian drug crisis, Iran’s regional role The monarch also addressed the refugee crisis, the importance of Israeli-Palestinian peace and other regional issues at the Al-Monitor/Semafor Middle East Global Summit. Jordan
