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
How Syrian jihadi group is laundering money in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders in Idlib are investing their money in various economic sectors, as part of money laundering operations to control resources and economic activity in their areas of control. Syria
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
