Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
Explainer Syria arrests Mihrac Ural, ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey The Turkey-born militia chief and a longtime ally of the Assad-regime, was sought by Ankara over the deadly Reyhanli bombings and by Damascus over his alleged role in massacres on the Mediterranean coast. Turkey
In first, Israel’s Netanyahu says he held call with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa It is the first publicly disclosed contact between the leaders of Israel and Syria, which lack formal relations and have fought several wars. Sharaa’s government began US-mediated talks with Israel in 2025. Syria
Analysis Why Syria sending troops to Yemen would be a risky bet for Sharaa By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Firefight with US-led coalition leaves Syrian soldier dead, state-run news says A lethal clash between Syrian forces and a US patrol occurred after Syrian troops allegedly refused to allow a US patrol to cross a checkpoint. Syria
Turkish-backed armed groups clash in northern Syria Since the Turkish-backed FSA took control of areas north of Aleppo and some areas of the countryside of Raqqa and Hasakah, the bombings that claimed hundreds of civilian lives never stopped, nor did the kidnappings and assassinations, while clashes erupted among some factions allied with Turkey. Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrests US citizen Bilal Abdul Kareem in Syria’s Idlib The State Department has yet to publicly acknowledge the activist's disappearance Syria
Syria's Assad halts parliament speech over low blood pressure: state TV President Bashar al-Assad said he needed to sit down before suddenly exiting the room full of lawmakers. Syria
Can Erdogan reciprocate Macron’s Beirut stunt? Macron’s call for a “new order” in Lebanon conflicts with Erdogan’s regional ambitions, but the climate in Lebanon is no longer as welcoming to Turkey’s president as it was a decade ago. Lebanon
What are vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris' views on the Middle East? Joe Biden's running mate has views on Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria that fall in line with the Democratic party establishment. Saudi Arabia
Archive Upfront from Aug 11, 2020 How HTS leader in Syria's Idlib is attempting a makeover The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s Idlib has been making appearances in the streets and public places among the people in a bid to present himself as a political leader. Syria
First COVID-19 case among residents reported in Syrian IS camp Three health workers in the notorious al-Hol camp also tested positive for the coronavirus last week. Syria
State Department remains concerned by Turkey’s proxy fighters in northern Syria Turkey-allied fighters have faced widespread accusations of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings and other abuses in northern Syria. Syria
Full-fledged military escalation looms large in Idlib Developments in southern Idlib suggest that a five-month truce could soon come to an end with a fresh regime offensive to capture Syria’s last rebel stronghold. Syria
Parents of detained journalist Austin Tice urge Trump to talk directly with Syrian regime The new plea from Marc and Debra Tice comes on the heels of John Bolton's allegations that he and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thought it was a bad idea for President Trump to engage with his Syrian counterpart. Syria
Turkey joins Syria in slamming oil agreement between US firm, Syrian Kurds Ankara has spoken out against a new oil agreement between an American-based company and the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Syria
