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
Russia's new twist in Syria policy: Restore archaeological sites Russia is restoring several archaeological sites in Syria, which many Syrians believe aims to polish the Russian presence in Syria and portray it as not a military or political presence but rather a humanitarian one. Syria
Germany detains Syrian man accused of Yarmouk grenade attack The suspect, identified only as Mouafak AI D, is charged with the murder of seven people in the Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus. Syria
Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support. Syria
Iran's Revolutionary Guards dig tunnels in city of Palmyra Syrian opposition sources report that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is digging trenches in the city of Palmyra to reinforce the group's presence in the area. Syria
More women prisoners linked to Islamic State released from al-Hol camp The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces continue to empty al-Hol camp of Islamic State-affiliated Syrians. Syria
Fighting between government, rebels intensifies in Syria's Daraa The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said eight government-affiliated forces and three opposition fighters died in the clashes Thursday. Syria
US sanctions on Turkey-backed Syria faction offer solace to Kurdish victims It remains to be seen what practical and immediate effect Wednesday's sanctions will have. Syria
Syrian jihadi group in Idlib boasts about new, advanced weapons Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader has recently boasted about his group’s growing weapons arsenal and military capabilities, as the Syrian government forces escalate their attacks on Idlib. Syria
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Tunisia
US unveils Syria sanctions targeting regime prisons, rebel group The wave of sanctions targets eight military prisons, including the notorious Saydnaya prison outside the capital Damascus that rights groups have described as a “human slaughterhouse.” Syria
Israeli woman who crossed into Syria handed 8-month jail sentence The unidentified woman was released in February in a swap deal reportedly brokered by Syria's main ally Russia. News Brief
Syria blames Israel for destruction of evidence in Douma chemical attack The UN's chemical weapons watchdog warned Syria's government not to move or tamper with the gas canisters recovered at Douma. Syria
