Top US general discusses SDF integration with Sharaa in Damascus The CENTCOM commander's involvement adds heft to US diplomatic requests as lawmakers float future defense ties between Washington and Damascus. United States
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 By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Intra-Syrian Kurdish tensions rise amid Turkey's new anti-PKK offensive The latest flare-up further hampers US efforts to resume peace talks between the two major parties. Syria
Islamic State escalates attacks in Syrian desert The Islamic State has recently intensified its attacks against regime forces and their allied militias in the Syrian desert, in what seems to be revenge for the killing of their leader in northeast Syria in February. Syria
Factional infighting escalates in northern Syria Infighting continues among the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions in light of a power and influence struggle, conflict over crossings and smuggling corridors, and the lack of a unified military institution. Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham organizes soccer league for fighters, angers Idlib jihadis Commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s military wing Abu Hassan al-Hamwi sparked widespread controversy among rival jihadis in Idlib after attending the final game in the soccer league recently organized for HTS fighters. Syria
Possible closure of Turkey-Syria crossing alarms aid groups Fears are mounting about a looming humanitarian catastrophe amid concerns that Russia will close the last border crossing through which UN and NGO aid passes to reach millions of needy in north Syria. Syria
Price hikes make life harder in Idlib Prices have increased dramatically ahead of Ramadan in opposition-held areas of Syria, where residents accuse Hayat Tahrir al-Sham of failing to help. Syria
Can Erdogan coax Assad into dialogue? Hopeful that the Ukraine war will tip the scales to its favor in Syria, Turkey is taking escalatory steps on the ground on one hand and testing the diplomatic waters with Damascus on the other. Turkey
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader seeks more popular support in Syria's Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has recently visited the Jabal al-Zawiya area in Idlib upon an invitation by locals, to stress his organization’s ongoing support for the town. Syria
Syrian regime, Russian forces escalate attacks in Idlib amid stalled war in Ukraine The residents of Idlib in northwest Syria fear a military escalation at the battlefronts where the regime and opposition are escalating their military activities. Syria
Pentagon could have done more to prevent casualties in key Syria battle, report A 2017 decision to encircle the Islamic State's capital at Raqqa inhibited the possibility of civilian escape corridors, a Pentagon-sponsored report found. Syria
HTS explores rapprochement with Turkey-backed factions in north Syria Regular meetings between the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders in northwestern Syria will open a new page in relations between the two parties and might pave the way for military integration in the future. Syria
Syrian Christian militia leader ready to join Russian forces in Ukraine war The leader of a Syrian Christian militia loyal to the Syrian government is mobilizing fighters willing to fight in Ukraine alongside the Russian army by luring them with high salaries. Syria
