Israel shells southern Syria, says Sharaa ‘directly responsible’ for threats Regional players have been mediating talks between Israel and Syria in an effort to reduce tensions amid Israeli strikes on the country. Israel
Syria courts Gulf investment with high-level Qatar visit amid $7B energy deal Led by the country’s top diplomat, Syria’s ministers of energy, finance and tourism held a series of meetings in Qatar on Tuesday. Syria
Exclusive Ankara’s direct talks with Syrian Kurds began last year in Europe, continue in Turkey The talks are part of a sweeping effort to end Turkey’s decades-long war with the PKK and reshape Ankara’s relationship with Kurdish-led forces in Syria. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria to reopen war-damaged border crossing with Lebanon: What we know The move comes as the new authorities in both Lebanon and Syria work to ensure border security and better relations. Syria
Exclusive Syrian Kurds, Damascus agree to prisoner swap following normalization talks By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Turkey's big Syria play: Rebuild, but only if Gulf can pay for it By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Can sanctions relief ignite Syria’s forgotten tech sector? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Exclusive US Syria envoy Barrack calls Kurdish SDF chief Kobane as Turkey mulls meeting By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place. Syria
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war. Syria
Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus. Turkey
Tom Barrack makes first Syria visit, raises US flag over ambassador's residence Barrack's visit marks the most senior for the Trump administration since taking office. The envoy said the US is planning to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism listing, and floated a "non-aggression agreement" with Israel. Syria
Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday. Syria
Analysis US sanctions relief key to Syria’s recovery but hinges on global coordination The levies include secondary sanctions targeting individuals or companies who engage with Damascus, so private sector companies will only move after a US green light. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US grants Syria initial sanctions relief The Treasury Department said the move is meant to facilitate activity across all sectors of Syria's economy and encourage new investment. Syria
Exclusive US set to unveil sweeping Syria sanctions relief The Trump administration is preparing to issue a general license for Syria and a Caesar Act waiver. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness." Syria
Iraqi Kurdistan PM Barzani backs cautious engagement with Syria’s new rulers Speaking at an Al-Monitor Global Institute Event in Washington, Barzani urged Kurdish unity and said Damascus must prove it can lead a divided Syria. Iraq