Baghdad could take oil in new direction — away from Turkey

Now that Iraq's central government in Baghdad has reclaimed oil-rich Kirkuk from the Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq is considering changes that could hurt Turkey's standing in the oil market there.

Iraq

FSA opens new business crossing in northern Syria

A Syrian rebel faction opened a business road crossing in the Aleppo countryside to collect funds for the local civilians and military.

Syria

US trains Syrian civilians to destroy explosives

The United States is getting scores of Syrian locals ready to deal with explosives left behind by the Islamic State.

Syria

Jerusalem, missile defense dominate Putin's quick Turkey visit

During his speed visit to the region, Putin stopped over in Ankara to discuss Trump's Jerusalem move with Erdogan as well as moving forward with the sale of the S-400 missile defense system to Turkey.

Palestine

Iran's envoy in Jordan: Support for Hezbollah maintains Arab security

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Ambassador to Jordan Mojtaba Ferdosipour discusses regional developments, including accusations against Iran of supporting terrorism in the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia

Northern Lebanon struggles to contain backlash against Syrians

The murder of a young Lebanese woman by her family's Syrian employee has set off reactions of violence and intimidation that have kept Syrian children out of school.

Lebanon

Syrian Kurds press on with elections despite divisions

Kurds supporting self-rule in Syria have two elections down and one to go in their march toward a federalist government, although not everyone in the territory is on board.

Syria

Putin's visit to Egypt inspires hope for growth in Cairo

Egypt could be seeing the revival of an otherwise lackluster alliance with Russia, a potential relationship that has much to offer both sides.

Egypt

Moscow’s leverage in Syria is strong, but limited

Many believe Russia aims to be the ringmaster of the Syrian show, but currently Moscow is walking a tightrope tethered between opposing forces.

Syria

The next battle in Syria

With the war on the Islamic State winding down, other tensions in Syria are dialing up as Israel and Turkey worry over forces amassing on their borders.

Israel

Syrian Kurds move closer to Russia

The Russian-Kurdish collaboration in Deir ez-Zor shows that after the United States, Russia, too, will be standing in the way of Turkey's efforts to block out Syria’s Kurds.

Syria

Pentagon acknowledges higher number of US troops in Syria

The United States now officially has 2,000 troops in Syria, up from 500 previously, despite the Islamic State’s collapse.

Syria