Syria foils Hezbollah-linked plot to attack Homs refinery: What to know Syrian authorities have intensified a crackdown against Hezbollah’s alleged plans to launch attacks inside Syrian territory as well as smuggling attempts. Syria
Lawmakers urge Commerce Dept to ease Syria investment restrictions Syria may be off the terrorism blacklist, but the Commerce Department’s export controls have yet to catch up. Syria
Explainer Meet Muzna al-Atrash, Syria's new Druze adviser for peace affairs Atrash, from the Suwayda province and a member of the Druze community, will advise Damascus on peace affairs as it looks to assert authority in the south. Syria
Analysis How Syria is balancing public anger, regional stability after Jordan's strikes By Shelly Kittleson In Middle East, reporting on regional politics
Analysis Gaza progress, Syria pullback: What Turkey wants from Israel’s next government By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Arab parties key in Israel’s coalition fight By Gabrielle Debinski In New York City, reporting on the Middle East
Interview US oil firm HKN aims to double output in Syria's formerly Kurdish-run fields Matthew Zais HKN vice president for government affairs
Special operations forces reflect on lessons of terror fight The Pentagon’s command for elite special operations forces is assessing how repeated deployments to the Middle East during the war on terror have impacted the forces' core values. Iraq
As Idlib burns, Turkey focuses on another corner of Syria Last year, Turkey helped stave off an attack on Syria’s last rebel stronghold of Idlib, but the truce may be crumbling as regime and Russian bombardments kill dozens. Syria
US envoy holds talks in Ankara as Turkey threatens to invade Syria James Jeffrey, the special representative on Syria, met with senior Turkish officials amid renewed threats Ankara could send forces to a region controlled by a US-allied militia. Syria
Life is no bowl of cherries in Idlib's groves Constant shelling by regime forces has disrupted Idlib's centuries-old tradition of cultivating cherry groves. Syria
Kurds gain support, perhaps invitation to Syrian talks There appear to be serious attempts to include the Kurds in the negotiations aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. Syria
How Russian business could shape Mideast's future security architecture Russia has been engaged in the Levantine oil and gas sectors for some time, but now Moscow could use that foothold to help build lasting security in the region. Iraq
Syria safe zone: Can US reconcile conflicting demands of Turkey, YPG A US delegation is visiting Turkey for "safe zone" talks amid the Turkish army's increasing activities along the Syrian border, which are signaling a possible new military operation. Syria
Special Forces face down impacts of war on terror The Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is planning to study the impacts of the 17-year war on terror in the Middle East on the force. Near East
While the world focuses on Iran, a tragedy is ‘unfolding before our eyes’ in Idlib Trump asks Putin to protect Idlib; Putin seeks options to capitalize on impasse in Syria safe zone talks; Russia wins on S-400 sale to Turkey. Syria
PMU decree unlikely to shift power balance in Iraq's Qaim As some Popular Mobilization Units prepare to comply with the prime minister’s recent decree incorporating them into other national security forces, the Shiite-led, non-local PMU seem to have the final say for now over who enters this Iraqi border city and who crosses into and out of Syria. Syria
Can Russia, the US find new basis for cooperation in Syria? A US-Russian quid pro quo in Syria may still be possible if the parties get down to the nitty-gritty of their respective interests in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Will Erdogan risk an operation in Syria? Turkish media reports suggest that an incursion by the Turkish army east of the Euphrates is imminent. Syria