Supreme Court backs Trump move to end Syrians’ deportation protections The decision affects some 6,100 Syrians who live in the United States. Syria
Explainer Syria’s energy push could soon get a major boost from Chevron: What to know The country's leaders are seeking to translate a flurry of oil and gas agreements into concrete investments and rebuild an industry devastated by more than a decade of war, sanctions and isolation. Syria
Syria opens trial of Wassim al-Assad, cousin of ousted president: What we know The trial follows another session in the case against Atef Najib, also a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian authorities continue prosecuting figures linked to the former regime and its remnants. Syria
Culture Amid political setbacks, Kurds shine at the World Cup Kurdish players and clubs are making rare global gains on football’s biggest stage, offering a brief lift amid ongoing political setbacks across the region. Turkey
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syrian girls play soccer among ghosts of Islamic State Raqqa's first-ever girls' soccer team is blooming where Islamic State once terrorized the society. Syria
Intra-Kurdish tensions paralyze northeast Syria’s main border crossing Northeast Syria’s only external border crossing closed abruptly May 17 for an unknown period, disrupting trade, medical corridors and humanitarian access to the area. Syria
Qatar emir skips Assad's Arab League speech in Saudi Arabia The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt publicly praised Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s participation in the summit after Syria was readmitted to the Arab League. Legacy: Gulf
LISTEN: Syrian Kurdish leader says Assad's return to Arab League welcome, but won't amount to much Co-chairman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) Salih Muslim speaks to Amberin Zaman for "On the Middle East" podcast about the latest efforts to re-integrate Damascus into the Arab fold and what that means for Syria's Kurds. Syria
Syria's Assad lands in Saudi Arabia seeking financial incentives at Arab summit Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, said the Jeddah summit will likely end with “nice promises” in front of the cameras but a different outcome in reality as normalization with Assad, overriding sanctions and the return of refugees face mounting hurdles. Saudi Arabia
US lawmakers unveil bill targeting normalization of Syria’s Assad The legislation would expand the list of sanctionable targets under the Caesar Act and require an interagency report on the administration's counter-normalization strategy. Syria
Saudi Arabia seizes 8 million Captagon pills as it courts Syria's Assad to clamp down The kingdom and Jordan both want Syria to help stop the flourishing drug trade as they seek normalization with the Assad government. Saudi Arabia
First Turkey-Syria FM meeting in Russia agrees to work on refugees, terrorism Ankara, for its part, stressed the need for cooperation on the return of Syrian refugees, the top Turkish diplomat said ahead of Turkey's crucial elections. Turkey
Islamic State claims Damascus car bomb as Assad invited to Saudi The Syrian President's formal invite to the upcoming Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia marks a shift in Riyadh's relations with Damascus. Syria
Iran FM in Russia to talk Syria-Turkey reconciliation while vowing to boost Assad's military Prior to the Moscow meeting, Tehran pledged readiness to equip Syria with the latest Iran-made weaponry, the shipment of which has been eased by the 2020 expiry of a UN arms embargo on the Islamic Republic. Iran
After Arab League vote, US 'skeptical' Syria’s Assad will make concessions The Syrian government has yet to grant any major concession in exchange for its regional reintegration. Syria
Analysis Turkey Elections: A Kilicdaroglu election win could overhaul Syria policy The opposition leader is seen as someone who would have more clout at the negotiating table with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, especially on migration and security issues in northern Syria. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
