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 military options in Iraq and Syria hinge on US and Russia Any Turkish military move into northern Iraq or northern Syria seems highly unlikely without US or Russian consent respectively. Iraq
Putin boxed in by Iran, Turkey on Iraqi Kurdish referendum The Russian president could find himself at odds with Iran if he misplays a weak hand. Iraq
Russia tempers Erdogan's threats against Iraqi Kurdistan Major Russian interests in Iraqi Kurdistan’s energy sector are seen as having a bearing on Turkey’s threatening response to the Kurdish independence referendum. Iraq
Kurdish referendum a double-edged sword for Russia Although Russia says it respects Iraqi Kurds' desire for self-determination, their independence is probably not in Russia's best interest. Iraq
Some Turks blame US for Kurdish independence vote Sources close to Turkey's ruling party say the United States secretly supports Iraqi Kurds' bid for independence as part of US plans for a "second Israel" in the region. Iraq
Turkey's threats against Kurdish referendum vague but deliberate Turkey’s National Security Council convened Sept. 22 to decide what measures to take against the Kurdistan Regional Government if it holds its independence referendum. Iraq
Turkey-PKK 'drone wars' escalate The armed conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been rapidly becoming drone-centric, with this dynamic radically altering the basic characteristics of this conflict while amassing legal and moral issues. Syria
Mob attack on Kurdish funeral sparks outrage in Turkey A mob attack on the funeral of a prominent Kurdish politician’s mother is seen as an indication of the high level of polarization Turkey has reached. Turkey
Turkey’s spectacular growth has darker side Turkey may have achieved an impressive 5.1% economic growth in the first half of the year, but the risks are still there with myriad problems accumulating on the other side of the coin. Business
Gauging aftermath of Turkey’s great intelligence gaffe Turkey's government and media are keeping mum about what appears to be the biggest blunder in the recent history of Turkish intelligence. Turkey
Turkish drone bombs picnickers without cause, says pro-Kurdish opposition A Turkish air force drone bombed four men picnicking in a remote province sympathetic to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), as authorities claim they were assembling with terrorists. Turkey
Ankara must go through US, Russia to get to YPG Recent developments on the ground suggest that any new Syria incursion by Turkey could encounter unexpected obstacles. Syria
