Iran coy on support for Turkish assault on PKK in Iraq

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offensive appears linked to Turkish elections and Iraqi politics; Is Turkey staying or going in northern Syria? Putin and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri discuss Syrian refugees.

Iraq

Why Iran won’t leave Syria just yet

While Iran and Russia certainly have points of divergence in Syria, their bottom lines will likely continue to intersect, compelling Moscow to manage tension between Iran and Israel.

Syria

Turkey takes on Kurds in evolving Qandil operation

Although Ankara seems determined to reach the PKK stronghold of Qandil in Iraq, it faces many obstacles to sustaining such an operation against Kurdish militants in the punishing mountain region.

Iraq

Lebanon’s Hariri talks soccer, Syria in Moscow

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri took advantage of the World Cup to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss bilateral cooperation and the situation in Syria.

Lebanon

Assad says he's open to establishing Iranian bases in Syria

In a wide-ranging interview with Iranian Al-Alam TV, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discussed Iran's presence in Syria.

Israel

Too much at stake for full-on conflict in southern Syria

Prioritizing de-escalation in southern Syria appears to be the regional consensus, but the rebels’ opposition to any deals could lengthen the process.

Israel

How Russia-Israel engagement is benefiting Iran

Russia’s engagement with Israel and the United States on Syria does not pose a direct threat against Iran, and it could even turn out to be beneficial for Tehran in several aspects.

Syria

Turkey cultivating ever-deeper roots in Syrian territory

Turkey continues setting up parallel structures in Syria, the latest being a branch of Harran University in al-Bab.

Syria

Syrians injured in war find hope for employment

The Farah Organization provides vocational education to Syrians in Daraa and Quneitra provinces who have been injured during the civil war and those with congenital deformities.

Syria

Moscow’s take on US-Turkey Manbij deal: Wait and see

Russia is reserving judgment but also keeping a close eye on an agreement between Turkey and the United States regarding the Kurdish People’s Protection Units in Manbij, Syria.

Syria

Iranian nationalism grows amid rising US pressure

The US administration and its regional allies' policies toward the Islamic Republic appear to be fueling a rise in nationalist sentiment in Iran.

Syria

Syria's not waiting for peace to rebuild, and Iran wants to help

There's a lot of talk about reconstructing Syria, but at the moment, Iran seems to be the only country actively working toward that end.

Syria