Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria restores Raqqa oil field in former ISIS stronghold: What to know Before Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, national oil production stood at between 400,000 and 500,00 barrels per day before falling to under 100,000 bpd during the conflict. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Ghalibaf: US must accept Tehran proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey's border reopening unlocks new sphere of influence in Syria Turkey reopened the Akcakale-Tell Abyad crossing on Monday, ending an 11-year closure along the Syria border. Turkey
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Russia adjusts Syria plan as Obama’s term nears end Russia is trying to figure out all the Middle East scenarios that might affect it under a Donald Trump presidency. Syria
Who will take charge in Raqqa after it's freed from IS? The Syrian Democratic Forces are making progress in northern Raqqa, cutting the supply lines of the Islamic State. Syria
How Iran's religious singers help frame the war in Syria In addition to assuming more clout in Iranian politics, religious singers are expanding their presence on the battlefield in Syria. Syria
Would Trump back Turkish military escalation in Iraq, Syria? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weighs risks and benefits of military interventions as Donald Trump transition signals possible Turkish tilt; Will Iraq's Baathists return after liberation of Mosul? Iraq
Ankara-PKK divisions could have major impact on Raqqa battle As the operation to clear Raqqa from IS continues, tensions are rising in the al-Bab region to the north of Aleppo, where a clash between Free Syrian Army forces supported by Turkey and local fighters backed by the People's Protection Units is becoming more likely. Syria
Iran, Turkey fight over Tal Afar As the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), with the support of Iran, expand their control over the recently liberated area of Tal Afar, which has a Turkmen majority, the tension between the PMU and Turkey has increased. Iraq
News of arrests of YPG-linked Czechs shocks Turkey Turkish authorities arrested two Czechs who allegedly confessed to working with the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units. Syria
Will Trump see eye to eye with Erdogan's plans in Iraq, Syria? Ankara is hoping to find harmony with the incoming US administration on its fight against the Islamic State. Iraq
As IS loses power, will group tap women jihadis to fight? As the Islamic State suffers successive defeats in Iraq’s Mosul and Raqqa in Syria, it's increasingly likely that the women of the organization will shift from their traditional supportive roles to become suicide bombers or fighters on the front lines. Iraq
Congress votes to box Trump in on Syria sanctions The House easily passed tough new sanctions amid concerns President-elect Donald Trump will cozy up to Syrian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syria
What fate awaits Kurds fighting for the Islamic State? The future seems desolate — and short — for Kurds who joined IS. Iraq
Trump win further distances US from GCC on Syria The Gulf Cooperation Council anxiously awaits to see how US President-elect Donald Trump plans to deal with the uncertainties surrounding US Middle East policies. Saudi Arabia
