Congress pushes Trump to get tough on Idlib

Congress is calling on the State Department to get tougher on calling out reported Syrian war crimes as forces loyal to the Bashar al-Assad regime attempt to advance deeper into Idlib, one of the opposition’s last holdouts in the war-torn country.

Syria

Four years in Syria, Russia expands military base, eyes challenges ahead

After four years of fighting in Syria, Russia expands military facilities, but the nature of looming challenges is political.

Syria

Looming dilemma for the US: Disarm the YPG or not?

The Trump administration has to decide whether it will disarm the Syrian Democratic Forces and the People's Protection Units to assuage Turkey.

Syria

Syrian reconstruction expo draws Russian businesses

Russian companies continue to explore investments in Syria's reconstruction, which could be a boon to them given the Western sanctions against Russia.

Syria

Russia’s future in Iran looks brighter as Europe, US fade

Moscow hopes its efforts to help Iran work around US sanctions will pay off in trade, finance and politics.

Russia

Interview

Israel’s UN ambassador says crisis with Iran 'brings us closer' to Arab states

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Danny Danon says Iran is "lying all the way" about its nuclear program — "We proved it to the world.”

Will Idlib’s displaced return under government pressure?

The Syrian regime is accusing the opposition of preventing the return of the displaced in northern Hama through the recently opened Abu al-Duhur crossing.

Syria

Does Russia benefit from attack on Saudi oil facility?

The attacks on Saudi oil production facilities may bring Russia some short-term benefits, but the picture becomes more complicated in the long run.

Legacy: Gulf

Two to watch at the UN General Assembly: Turkey’s Erdogan and Iraq’s Salih

Turkish leader meets Trump ahead of safe-zone deadline; Iraqi president offers new direction for Iraq and region.

Iraq

Iraq steps up search for advanced air defense system

Regional conflicts and international tensions, along with money, are roadblocks to Iraq's pressing interest in upgrading its missile defense system.

Iraq

Syrians fill language classes as Russian influence grows

Syrian students, aware that Russian influence is in their country to stay, see learning Russian as a key to both higher education and employment.

Syria

Intel: How Syria is driving a wedge between Russia and Israel

The show of unity during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Russia on Sept. 12 can’t paper over the sharp differences between the two countries over Syria.

Israel