UN watchdog formally ends probe into Assad-era nuclear sites The vote follows last month's visit by international inspectors to two suspected former nuclear sites in Syria. Syria
Syria destroys 42 bombs in chemical stockpile purge: What to know The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has resumed its inspections in Syria and confirmed that at least 42 aerial bombs have been destroyed by Syrian authorities in the first such efforts since 2014. Syria
Newsletter: Business & Tech Oil rises amid renewed US-Iran fighting Iran launched a wave of attacks on US sites across the Middle East on Wednesday after an extensive American bombardment. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Newsletter: FutureVerse LEAP’s comeback The fifth edition of the gathering offers a temperature check for the Gulf’s AI ambitions amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis UAE gauges new Lebanon deals amid Levant economic stabilization push By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Why Turkey welcomes Israel-Syria talks despite mounting red lines By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon French President Francois Hollande is expected to visit Lebanon on April 16 as a part of a tour in the Middle East, although the trip will not achieve a breakthrough in the presidential crisis. Saudi Arabia
Turkey plays both sides in Iran, Saudi conflict Does Turkey courting Iran and Saudi Arabia simultaneously mean Ankara is moving away from Sunni-based policies? Saudi Arabia
Keeping the Islamic State in check in Libya The international community hopes the new Libya government can bring together militias in an coordinated effort against Islamic State fighters. Iraq
Why the PKK is so interested in Mosul The PKK is looking to join the Iraqi army and the Kurdistan Regional Government to liberate Mosul. Iraq
Currency crash adds to Syrians’ woes The crash in the Syrian pound’s value against foreign currencies has resulted in higher food prices and increased demand for other currencies. Syria
The collapse of Iraq's Shiite alliance Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr co-opts popular reform movement; Erdogan’s bid for empowered presidency linked to war with PKK; Turkey feels pressure to intensify fight against Islamic State; Backlash over Egyptian government crackdown on media. Egypt
Aleppo sees cautious calm amid cease-fire The truce agreement between opposition and government forces has allowed life to return to many areas in Syria, but many residents worry that it won't last long. Syria
Syria's withering agricultural sector Five years into the raging revolution, Syria's once-flourishing agricultural system is threatened with complete collapse. Syria
Can the Islamic State be defeated without Kurds? Turkey insists Rojava's People's Protection Units must be excluded from the fight against the Islamic State on the Menbic-Jarablus front. Syria
Private collectors fuel demand for looted Mideast antiquities Archaeological experts say social dislocation and terrorism are increasing the ability of organized gangs to traffic artifacts to clients in Europe, Asia and the United States. Yemen
Syrian refugees boost Turkish economy, but for how long? Syrian refugees provided a much-needed boost to the slowing Turkish economy last year, but their contribution is not expected to last. Syria
Jordan blocks 50,000 Syrian refugees near border Jordan cites security concerns as it blocks thousands of Syrian refugees at its border and leaves them stranded in the rocky desert. Jordan
