Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Explainer How Macron seeks to carve out France's role in new Syria French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, showcasing Paris' support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa while seeking to secure a share of the country's emerging reconstruction market. Syria
US to drop Syria from terror blacklist The terrorism label remained a key obstacle to Syria's postwar reconstruction. Syria
Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
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
Syria FM visits Tunisia in latest Arab embrace of Assad Mekdad's three-day visit to Tunis marks the first by a Syrian official since the North African country cut ties with the Syrian regime in February 2012 over its brutal crackdown against peaceful protests. Syria
Fresh Turkey strikes in Syria kill 10 Kurdish militants: Ankara Turkish troops have killed 10 Kurdish militants in a cross-border escalation ongoing since the weekend, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. Turkey
US forces kill senior Islamic State official in pre-dawn Syria raid: official Local reports said several US helicopters were involved in an operation in an area controlled by the opposition Suqour al-Sham militia. Syria
US citizen sues Syria over torture amid regional embrace of Assad Obada Mzaik filed a federal lawsuit against the Syrian government over torture he says he endured during his three-week detention in 2012. Syria
Turkey’s opposition foreign policy promises gradual departure from Erdogan’s Turkey’s opposition alliance vows to prioritize diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in Ankara’s foreign ties, yet it might adhere to policy continuity on many issues should it win the elections next month. Turkey
Arab initiative offers best chance for Syria in years The Saudi-brokered meeting and Jordanian road map could boost the long stalled Syrian political process; Turkey is still key to settlement; Assad also has his cards to play. Syria
Jordan proposes Syria peace plan during Arab FM Saudi meeting The plan includes steps to tackle the refugee crisis and smuggling across borders. Jordan
Turkey hopes Iran will play constructive role in Syria thaw Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu acknowledged difficulties so far but called on Iran to make a constructive contribution to the high-level talks between Turkey, Syria and Russia. Turkey
Islamic State kills three truffle hunters in Syria Truffle hunting is potentially profitable for Syrians amid the bleak economic situation in the country, but the activity is also dangerous due to targeting by the Islamic State. Syria
Turkey accuses Iraqi Kurdish party of being under ‘full control’ of PKK Turkey's top diplomat tore into an Iraqi Kurdish group following an April 8 drone strike targeting the US-led coalition’s top ally in Syria, saying the PKK had taken “full control” of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. Turkey
US softens rhetoric on Arab outreach to Syria’s Assad The Biden administration says "real steps to improve the situation for the people in Syria" should be part of any engagement with the long-boycotted regime. Syria
