Syrian opposition 'interim government' takes control of Bab al-Salameh border crossing

The Free Syrian Army has handed over the administration of the Bab al-Salameh border crossing with Turkey to the co-called Syrian Interim Government, in what could positively impact the opposition on many levels.

Syria

Are Netanyahu, Liberman pushing Israel to war?

Instead of Israel’s traditional discrete approach on retaliating fire from the north, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman are multiplying their provocative declarations.

Israel

Moscow eyes working with tribes as its next move in Syria

Many major players are working to resolve the Syrian civil war, but Russia is finding that some smaller groups — local tribes — could play a significant role.

Syria

Syrian Kurds in uproar over US jabs at PKK leader

Some Syrian Kurds are furious over US attempts to placate Turkey at the expense of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, and their angry statements and videos are being shared widely via social media.

Syria

Turkey quietly concerned with Russia’s Kurdish policy

President Vladimir Putin’s idea for an all-Syria congress incorporating all ethnic groups has raised eyebrows in Ankara.

Syria

Artists in Istanbul grapple with migration, loss

The refugee crisis sparked by war and economic upheaval in the Middle East leaves its mark on the Istanbul Biennial and satellite events.

Syria

Following Islamic State ouster, tribes key to stability in eastern Syria

After the ouster of the Islamic State from the oil-rich Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria, several issues are expected to complicate efforts to stabilize the region.

Syria

Will new regulations help Palestinian-Syrians in Lebanon?

New regulations could put an end to legal challenges faced by Palestinian-Syrian refugees who have, in some cases, gone to extreme lengths just to get hold of even the most fundamental legal documents.

Lebanon

Russia sandwiched in Syria between Israel, Iran

Russia has many irons in the Mideast fire, and it must attend to them all to keep from getting burned.

Israel

Russian defense minister arrives in Tel Aviv as Israel strikes Syria

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman explained to visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Israel’s red lines in Syria.

Israel

Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict

The fall of the Islamic State capital could put the US military on a collision course with Assad.

Syria

Turkey's return riles Syria: It's 'blatant aggression'

Turkey's army has entered Syrian territory ostensibly to implement and ensure a de-escalation zone near Idlib, but some wonder what else the military might have in mind.

Syria