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
Gulf thaw with Syria gains steam: UAE sends envoy, Saudi diplomats plan visit The reports about the Saudi visit come after the UAE’s first ambassador to Syria in more than a decade took up his post. Syria
Israel carries out strikes in Syria targeting south Damascus: government A number of Iranian IRGC members have been killed in strikes in Syria attributed to Israel in recent weeks. Syria
Iraq slams latest US airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah sites Latest strikes put new pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani over the US troop presence in Iraq. Iraq
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
