Islamists in Syria Empowering PKK

The Islamization of the Syrian opposition is giving the PKK and its local affiliate, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), a new source of strength and local support, writes Denise Natali.

Syria

Iran, Israel and Their Red Lines Over Syria

Meir Javedanfar writes that a transfer of Syria’s chemical-weapon stockpiles to Iran may be a better option that the weapons falling into the hands of groups linked to al-Qaeda.

Israel

Time to Stop the Bleeding in Syria

Clovis Maksoud comments on the need for international support to end the conflict in Syria.

Lebanon

Lebanon Seeks More Aid For Syrian Refugees

Lebanon is looking to the international community for aid to cope with the influx of Syrian refugees, writes Nasser Chararah.

Lebanon

Israel's Prime Minister Has Several Fronts to Worry About

Warnings that Syria's chemical weapons may fall into the wrong hands are raising concerns in Israel of a regional conflict, writes Ben Caspit.

Israel

Sectarian Agenda Seeks 'Sunni Restoration' in Syria, Iraq

Geoffrey Aronson writes that the sectarian agenda of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Syria is really about a "'Sunni restoration" in Iraq.

Iraq

Iraq Sends Mixed Signals on Syria

Iraqi Shiites have not been quick to endorse the Syrian uprising, partly out of fear of the rise of Salafist groups, writes Mushreq Abbas.

Iraq

Whispers of Change In Turkey's Syria Policy

Tulin Daloglu reports on how, beneath the rhetoric of Turkey's hard line on Syria, there are signs that Ankara might be willing to call on Syria's opposition to show greater flexibility in dealing with the Syrian government.

Syria

Syrian Crisis Threatens To Draw in Lebanon

Lebanon is especially worried that the Syrian crisis could spread, writes Jean Aziz. 

Lebanon

Syria’s Reconciliation Minister: Turkish Role in Syria 'Very Bad'

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor from his office in Damascus, Ali Haidar, Syria's minister of national reconciliation, said that President Assad’s Jan. 6 speech constitutes "a step forward toward solving the crisis” and that Turkey's “role is based upon a sectarian position, and they are supporting some of the Syrian people at the expense of others.”

Syria

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Try to Keep Hope

Nasser Chararah reports on a young Syrian couple in Beirut who have fled from the conflict in Syria and, despite the tough conditions, maintain optimism that they will one day return.

Lebanon

Salafists Vow to Fight Until There Is 'Islamic State in Syria'

In a rare interview, an Ahrar al-Shams fighter tells Al-Monitor that the goal of his Salafi group is to establish an Islamic state in Syria and that "We will not let go until we achieve our goal." He explained that most of his comrades “don’t know anything” about the external Syrian opposition, and that he believes Turkey is profiting from the war.

Syria