Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers Home to many of the world's largest wheat importers, the Middle East and North Africa face acute food security risks as the US-Israel-Iran war disrupts global fertilizer flows and pushes up prices. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know Amjad Youssef appeared on video, allegedly killing dozens of civilians in 2013; he is the latest member of the Assad regime to be captured by the new Syrian government. Syria
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey squashed by Idlib pressure Despite the usual bluster in his traditional Ramadan address, Turkey's president said not a word about the destruction in Syria's Idlib, where Ankara's balance is wobbling. Syria
US investigates claims that Syria used chlorine gas again Syria is accused of shelling the opposition-controlled Kabana area in northern Latakia with chlorine gas after failing to advance in the area. Syria
How Russia defends its Syrian air base from attacks Russia has been using attacks on its air base in Khmeimim as a leverage in talks with Turkey over Idlib, but has also taken some practical steps to counter the assaults. Syria
Failure to ensure equity sows seeds of conflict, UN development chief says In an interview with Al-Monitor, the head of the UN Development Program discusses his agency’s work in conflict zones like Syria and the future of multilateralism. Syria
Syrian government, opposition swap 36 more prisoners A new prisoner swap between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian government took place at al-Eiss crossing, while the Syrian opposition is looking for more exchanges in the future. Syria
More Arab protests expected against Kurdish SDF in Syria Al-Monitor traveled recently to Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, an area of deadly unrest between Arab civilians and Kurdish-led factions, to speak with victims' families. Syria
Who are the heroes, hustlers and innovators of Kurdish wedding music? In marathon-like Kurdish weddings that can last for days, local wedding singers steer their audiences between folk songs, national anthems and even techno music. Syria
Syrians head home from Turkey for holiday The Bab al-Salama border crossing in Aleppo’s countryside opened for Syrian refugees coming from Turkey to spend Eid al-Fitr at home with their families. Syria
Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib? Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress. Jordan
Aleppo beekeepers no longer feel sting of war Honey production, a long tradition in the Aleppo countryside, is showing signs of recovery. Syria
Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria Turkey, pressed between Russia and the United States, is headed toward a foreign policy crash in addition to an economic one. Syria
Congress forgoes Iran war restrictions to save anti-Assad bill In order to assure passage of a long-stalled Syria sanctions bill, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted down legislation restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran. Syria