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
Turkey’s parliament votes to extend mandate for troops in Iraq, Syria The main opposition CHP announced an hour before the session that it would vote against the motion. Turkey
Turkey tells Syrian opposition forces to increase military readiness The timing and extent of the anticipated operation against Syrian Kurdish forces are still uncertain and will likely depend on Ankara’s weighing of tradeoffs with Washington and Moscow. Syria
Suspected Turkish drone strike targets three people in Syrian Kurdish town Turkey's latest strike comes on the four-year anniversary of the Kurdish fighters' capture of Raqqa from the Islamic State. Syria
Ankara-backed Syrian forces 'fully prepared' for Turkish operation Turkey has threatened to launch a military operation against the SDF in the wake of attacks carried out by the latter in north Syria. Syria
Will Turkey’s opposition blow golden opportunity to beat Erdogan? Opposition head Kemal Kilicdaroglu accuses Turkish government of "mafialike" activities. Turkey
Erdogan’s latest threats in Syria test limits with Biden, Putin The Turkish president’s warnings are targeted as much at Washington and Moscow as they are at Syria’s Kurds. Turkey
Ankara hints at new Syria operation after spate of attacks near border Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the nation “would do what is necessary” to clear Syrian border areas of Kurdish militants after missile attacks killed two Turkish police officers Sunday. Turkey
The Takeaway: Khamenei warns neighboring Azerbaijan over Israel ties Egypt’s Nile encroachers; Morocco and Ethiopia; Turkey and Syria; Israel’s looming budget showdown; Lebanon’s zoo animals; Egyptian mummy faces revealed; Gilles Kepel talks with Alaa Alaswany — all in about 1,400 words! Iran
Turkey’s opposition parties drop hints of future cooperation In expressing support for the reinstitution of a parliamentary system and revisiting the Kurdish question, Turkey’s opposition parties appear to be reaching across ideological divides to counter President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in future elections. Turkey
Syrian Kurds, opposition take cases to Washington Delegations from Kurdish-held northeast Syria and the Turkey-backed Syrian National Coalition will meet separately with US officials this week. Syria
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear diplomacy shows faint pulse at UN Signs of life at an extraordinary meeting of senior Middle East officials; also, updates from our correspondents on Israel, West Bank, UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq … and more … all in about 1,400 words! Iran
Turkey's latest attack on PKK militant in Iraqi Kurdistan meant as show of strength In recent months, Turkish drones have picked off a string of mid-level commanders in Iraqi Kurdistan and northeast Syria. Iraq
