Syrian official slams UN envoy's report

According to information a Syrian official shared with Al-Monitor, it doesn’t seem the report on Syria that UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura submitted to the Security Council recently will have long-lasting effects on the ground.

Saudi Arabia

Syria’s lords of war

Car dealer and amateur astronomer Hatim Ali Staiti became a warlord and now commands a notorious militia known for fighting for the regime.

Syria

Kidnapped Lebanese soldiers spared despite arrest of Salafist cleric

The Lebanese General Security’s arrest of Ahmad al-Assir raised concerns about the life of the kidnapped soldiers in the Bekaa, although a security official confirms that there are no apparent ties between Assir and Jabhat al-Nusra, which is holding the soldiers hostage.

Lebanon

Security Council: Syria 'largest humanitarian crisis in the world'

UN, Russia and Iran coordinate new diplomatic effort on Syria; what did Zarif tell Nasrallah?; Egyptian government rejects mediation with Muslim Brotherhood; did US-trained force coordinate with Jabhat al-Nusra?

Qatar

Will Jordan agree to set up a 'safe zone' on Syrian border?

Jordan is considering the option of establishing a safe zone along its border with Syria, amid lack of US support for Turkey’s attempts to do the same on its southern border.

Jordan

Exploring the 'other Syria'

Syria’s regime-controlled cities defy the image that outside observers paint of the country and the Assad government.

Syria

Fighting returns to Zabadani after truce fails

After negotiations in Turkey failed, Syrian regime forces and Hezbollah have resumed their attacks in Zabadani while opposition factions, mainly Ahrar al-Sham, have resumed military operations in al-Fawaa and Kefraya.

Syria

Beirut close to striking deal with Jabhat al-Nusra for release of servicemen

A source confirmed to Al-Monitor that Lebanon might be holding negotiations with al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra over the possible release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange for financial compensation.

Lebanon

US plays politics with Patriot missile removal

Patriot batteries deployed in Turkey against possible air and missile threats from Syria are being withdrawn in controversy.

Syria

Violence in Turkey could push US to pick sides in Turkey, PKK battle

The escalation of violence in Turkey is reaching such a magnitude that Turkey may not be an effective coalition partner against Washington’s priority, the Islamic State.

Iraq

Aleppo's businessmen blame Turks for damaged factories, looted equipment

While the large industrial complexes in northern Syria were once reminders of the strong economic ties between Ankara and Damascus, Aleppo's businessmen now hold Turkey responsible for the destruction and looting of their factories.

Syria

Turkish, Iranian media trade barbs

Analysts say angry reports and comments in the pro-government media of both sides reflect official thinking, but expect the legacy of maintaining relatively good ties between the two countries to prevail.

Yemen