Analysis Kurds, Damascus step back from brink as SDF signs fresh deal with Syrian government After intense US-led diplomacy, Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led SDF agreed to a ceasefire and phased integration, averting all-out conflict. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Interview YPG spokesman: Syrian forces' strategy is to isolate Kurdish towns and cities In an interview with Al-Monitor, YPG spokesman Siyamend Ali said Kurdish forces were successfully repelling advances by the Syrian army, while Damascus accused the Kurds of launching unprovoked attacks. Siyamend Ali YPG spokesman
Turkey detains nurse over hair-braiding video in support of SDF Authorities say the nurse’s social media post amounted to terror propaganda, while critics argue that her symbolic protest falls under freedom of expression as tensions over Syria spill into Turkey’s fragile peace process. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s Syria gains come with risks as Damascus pushes Kurdish integration Turkey has benefited from the Syrian government’s rollback of the Kurdish-led forces, but whether those gains translate into lasting security, refugee returns and domestic de-escalation will depend on political inclusion in Damascus. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Could US shift on Syria’s Kurds unlock progress with Turkey? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Trump praises Syria's Sharaa after truce reached with SDF By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iran renews ultimatum for Iraq to disarm Kurdish opposition groups A September deadline set to disarm the groups will “not be extended in any way.” Iran
Turkey’s FM tackles long-held disputes with Iraq in first official visit Hakan Fidan chose Iraq for his first official visit as Turkey's new foreign minister, but the visit appeared to yield little progress on long-standing disputes between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkey
Turkey dismisses Assad’s tirade, says withdrawal from Syria 'unimaginable' now Turkey's defense minister says withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria would be "unimaginable" before his country’s national security concerns are addressed. Turkey
Turkey-Syria reconciliation slips away as Assad bashes Erdogan The top diplomats of Syria and Turkey met in Moscow earlier this summer, but little substantial progress seems to have been made in their path toward reconciliation. Turkey
Six Turkish soldiers killed in clashes with Kurdish militants in northern Iraq Escalating clashes between Turkey and Kurdish militants in northern Iraq have left six Turkish soldiers dead. Turkey
In first foreign policy speech, Turkey's FM asks NATO to be 'considerate,' slams PKK Laying out Turkey's foreign policy priorities, Hakan Fidan set forth a national security-oriented agenda, striking a more hawkish tone on the Kurdistan Workers Party while softening his language on regional ties. Turkey
Turkey conducts drone strike against Kurdish forces in Syria Turkey is escalating its attacks on the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Meanwhile, another Islamic State leader has been confirmed dead in the country. Syria
Turkey appoints first female admiral as part of military overhaul The overhaul in the Turkish army's top brass seems to be in line with Erdogan's long-term foreign policy and security agenda, a prominent analyst says. Turkey
US, Russia mum as Turkey escalates attacks against Kurdish groups in Syria, Iraq Both the White House and the State Department remain silent as Turkey's military campaign against the PKK continues "full blast." Turkey
US presses Turkey to lift opposition to Sweden's NATO bid as summit nears US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said the administration wants to see Sweden's inclusion in the Western military alliance "as soon as possible." Turkey
Turkey's Erdogan to meet Sweden's PM for last-ditch talks on NATO bid With five days to go to NATO’s Vilnius summit, the NATO secretary-general says he will bring together the leaders of Turkey and Sweden to break the deadlock on Sweden’s NATO membership bid. Turkey
Turkey extends flight ban on Iraqi Kurds' Sulaimaniyah airport over alleged PKK support Turkey said its latest ban is in response to "the intensification of activities by the PKK terrorist organization in Sulaimaniyah." Turkey
