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
The Takeaway: US-Palestinian ties get upgrade ahead of Netanyahu’s return Plus, US diplomats are evacuated from Syria and prospects sink for a revived Iranian nuclear deal. Palestine
Could Syrian Kurdish issue facilitate Erdogan-Assad rapprochement? Damascus’ low-key reaction to Turkey’s recent strikes on Syrian Kurdish targets suggests it might acquiesce to Turkish military moves that would contribute to ending the US military presence in the north. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish commander slams US response to Turkish attacks as US diplomats evacuated from Syria The United States' top ally in Syria warned that unless Washington and the Kremlin push back more firmly Turkey will launch a ground offensive against his forces that will further undermine the battle against the Islamic State. Syria
Escalating Turkish strikes cripple civilian infrastructure across northeast Syria Since the launch of Operation Claw-Sword, Turkish strikes have widely targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, wreaking havoc and paralyzing economic life in northeast Syria. Syria
US again tries to thwart Turkish invasion of northern Syria Erdogan says military operations are "just beginning" against Syrian Kurdish groups, while teasing possibility of talks with Assad. Turkey
Syrian National Army police clashes with peaceful protesters in al-Bab The police of the Syrian National Army assaulted protesters near the city of al-Bab following civil protests calling for controlling the security situation in the city and holding the killers of a prominent activist accountable. Syria
Erdogan says meeting with Syria's Assad is 'possible' The Turkish president adds that "there is no resentment or bitterness in politics." Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Syria's Kurds turn to US as Turkey threatens ground operation Plus, a look at Iran's enrichment activities, twin bombings in Jerusalem and the detention of another US citizen in Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Syrian Kurdish commander says Kobani likely target of threatened Turkish ground offensive Following Turkish airstrikes on his headquarters in northeast Syria, SDF commander Mazlum Kobane spoke with Al-Monitor about Erdogan's threats of a new ground offensive. Turkey
Turkey strikes near US base in Syria after Pentagon calls for de-escalation The US military says it opposes Ankara's plans to send ground troops against Syria's Kurds, but it has stood down in the face of similar attacks in the past. Syria
Turkey bombs Syria, Iraq in response to Istanbul terror attack Fears are rising in Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeast over a potential military incursion by Turkey. Syria
Syrian jihadist group HTS challenges Turkish-backed factions Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to enter the Turkey-backed factions’ stronghold to support Ahrar al-Sham that refused to support the newly formed leadership by some groups within the movement. Syria
