Analysis Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible The SDF commander-in-chief reflected on a fragile integration deal with Damascus, growing Kurdish backlash and ongoing talks with Turkey as questions mount over Rojava’s political future. Mazloum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon. Lebanon
Erdogan open to hosting Assad, Putin as Syria-Turkey channels widen The remarks came as both Erdogan and Assad raised the possibility of resuming dialogue between Ankara and Damascus. Turkey
Erdogan reassures Syrian rebels but says Turkey open to talks with Assad The Turkish president also ruled out a potential withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria in the near future, citing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
7 killed in Syria as Turkey detains nearly 450 people over anti-refugee riots The detentions follow protests that broke out Sunday night and spread to other provinces on Monday. Turkey
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
