Syria claims Hezbollah cell plotting attacks arrested in Damascus: What we know Syrian authorities have announced the arrest of a Hezbollah cell in Damascus. Syria
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
Israel carries out airstrikes in Aleppo, Syria: local media The incident near Aleppo followed suspected Israeli strikes on a Hezbollah center in central Syria over the weekend, and as Arab foreign ministers meet in Jordan to normalize relations with Assad. Syria
US does not confirm Turkey’s claim of killing Islamic State leader in Syria The US administration said it had no information to support Ankara’s claim to have killed the Islamic State leader. Turkey
Jordan hosts meeting to facilitate Syria’s return to Arab League Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iraq are meeting in Jordan as Syria’s political reintegration into the Arab world accelerates. Jordan
Syria's Arab League return still uncertain, even as Assad normalization continues The Saudi-led tide of normalization with Syrian President Assad may end his regional isolation, but just on a diplomatic level for now. Syria
Syrian refugees abused, shot at by Turkey's border guards: HRW report Syrian refugees are under mounting pressure in Turkey as the president seeks to mend ties with the Syrian government. Syria
Turkey, Syria defense chiefs meet in Russia, discuss ‘normalization' The Moscow meeting was described as “positive” by both sides since Syrian-Turkish rapprochement took off last year. Turkey
EU slaps Captagon sanctions on relatives of Syria's Assad The European Union adopted new restrictive measures today against Syrian individuals and entities accused of trafficking narcotics and supporting the oppressive Syrian government. Syria
Turkey, Syria send defense, intel chiefs to meet in Russia The meeting will mark the second round of talks that began late last year. Turkey
Israel shells Hezbollah targets in Syria in latest escalation The shelling targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Syria, local outlets reported, but the Syrian government notably has not commented. Israel
Lebanon deports dozens of Syrian refugees amid spike in racist rhetoric The deportation of more than 50 Syrians to the war-torn country comes amid growing anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria’s Kurds make their own pitch as Arab states court Assad Syrian Kurds, whom Bashar al-Assad once labeled “traitors” and “collaborators,” now seek a new peace with the Syrian government. Syria
Analysis Jordan's king visits Saudi, UAE with Syria normalization topping agenda Jordan’s King Abdullah II traveled to meet Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed this week as discussions about bringing Syria back to the Arab League continue. By Salim A. Essaid
