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
China eyes Lebanese port to launch investments in Syria, region As China looks to play an active role in the reconstruction of Syria, Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest port, is preparing for major investments. Lebanon
New crossing aims to restore Aleppo’s economic status Civilians and traders in northern Syria hope commercial activities will resume there now that the Abu al-Zandeen crossing is open, linking regime-controlled territory to Turkish-backed opposition areas for the first time. Syria
Netanyahu's bankrupt Gaza strategy The latest rocket attacks from Gaza and the regularity of air raid sirens in southern Israel prove that the Israeli government's strategy of blockading Gaza is a failure. Palestine
Putin, Aoun discuss Syrian refugee crisis, regional issues President Putin and President Aoun hold wide-ranging talks, including about the return of refugees to Syria, and Lebanon indicates that despite its issues with Washington, strong US-Lebanese government ties are going to continue. Lebanon
Nasrallah seeks to capitalize on US shift on Golan The Trump administration's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights has given the advantage in Lebanon to Hezbollah, whose opposition to the move puts it in line with public opinion. Lebanon
Border wall fight could jeopardize funding for US bases in the Middle East The fight over funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall could impact key US bases in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
Four-legged victims of war find peace in Jordan Forty animals from Rafah Zoo in the Gaza Strip, considered the worst zoo in the world, will join at the end of the month other rescue animals at Jordan's wildlife center aptly called New Hope. Palestine
Turkey relying on events to turn tide against Kurdish YPG A Turkish military operation in northern Syria does not appear to be in the cards, but Ankara is determined to use the threat of one to curb Kurdish aspirations. Iraq
House Democrats skeptical of Trump’s Golan Heights shake up Republicans want to codify President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights into law, but even the staunchest pro-Israel Democrats have reservations. Israel
Syrian Kurds remain wary of US plan for Turkish safe zone While the United States is pushing for a safe zone along the Turkish border in Syria to protect both sides, analysts warn that meeting their conflicting needs may prove impossible. Syria
New heights of irresponsibility over the Golan President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu do not care that recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights could destroy all chances for peace between Israel and the Arab world. Palestine
Pentagon sustains budget for arming local anti-IS forces amid US pullout The Donald Trump administration's envoy for Syria issues said the United States is keeping “very limited” numbers of troops in the country as the Pentagon continues to build up the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Syria