Exclusive Rubio said 'no meeting' with Syria’s Shibani in Munich unless Kurdish commander included Rubio’s insistence was aimed at satisfying lawmakers demanding stronger US support for the SDF. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria begins prisoner exchange with Druze militia in south: What to know The Suwayda area has seen significant instability since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, complicating government efforts to address sectarian factionalism. Syria
Turkey to repatriate its ISIS fighters from Iraq as jihadis escalate Syria attacks Ankara will repatriate its nationals from among thousands of fighters transferred from Syria, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said. Turkey
Canada becomes latest Western country to lift Syria sanctions: What to know Like the US, Canada had strained relations with Syria during the civil war but is now showing signs of engagement. Syria
Feature After SDF-Damascus truce, is Kurdish haven still safe for Syria's Alawites? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US military pulls out of Syria’s Al-Tanf garrison in major shift By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Syrian Kurdish unity talks crumble as Turkey escalates anti-PKK campaign The breakdown between sides serves Turkey’s agenda of keeping its Kurdish foes divided and weak. Syria
Tribal violence haunts northeastern Syria The de facto authorities controlling northeastern Syria stand idly by as tribal violence escalates, leading to casualties and tension in the area. Syria
Difference over Syrian refugee policy behind unseemly feud between Turkish politicians The founder of a small right-wing party challenges the interior minister in row over repatriations — but is it an attempt to gain support as Turks grow weary of refugees? Turkey
US announces $800M in Syria aid as border-access vote looms US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the international community to ensure the latest Syria aid "actually reaches those in need." Syria
Erdogan’s plan for return of Syrian refugees unlikely to succeed Erdogan’s new plan to encourage the voluntary return of Syrian refugees promises little success as long as fighting, militia violations and insecurity continue in Syria. Turkey
Syria's Assad makes rare visit to Tehran Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders. Iran
Syrian opposition wary of Erdogan’s plan to return 1 million refugees Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that his country is preparing to return 1 million Syrian refugees to the northern Syria areas controlled by the Turkish-backed opposition, but he fell short of announcing the mechanism by which such numbers would return. Syria
Family of American missing in Syria feels 'left behind' by White House The family of Majd Kamalmaz, a US citizen who disappeared in Syria in 2017, question whether President Joe Biden is prioritizing his case. Syria
Erdogan unveils plans to send 1 million Syrians back as anti-refugee sentiment escalates As anti-refugee sentiment rises higher in Turkey during the Eid, Erdogan pledges a build-and-return project enabling more than a million Syrians to return “voluntarily” to northern Syria. Turkey
Analysis US report offers few clues on Assad family wealth The State Department report said the estimated net worth of President Bashar al-Assad and his family was between $1-2 billion. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Smuggling across Syrian-Turkish border grows despite risks Illegal border entries lead to arrests, deportations and even death. Syria
Turkey steps up attacks on Syria’s Kurds amid Iraq operation Ankara is using the cover of Ukraine’s war to weaken the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and associated groups in the region. Syria
