Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals Rising regional tensions and disrupted oil flows are giving Damascus leverage to balance Ankara and other neighbors while exploring alternative energy corridors. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria reopens key crossing after 11 years, aiding Iraq's oil exports amid war Iraq and Syria have shown a desire to cooperate on oil exports, and the matter has become more urgent due to the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Syria
In UK visit, Syria’s Sharaa doubles down on Western ties amid Iran war, refugee pressures After talks with UK leaders on Tuesday, Syria's president said the country would remain neutral in the Iran conflict unless it was targeted. Syria
Analysis Why Germany may struggle to meet Merz’s 80% Syria repatriation goal Germany, which hosts the EU’s largest Syrian refugee population, is pushing to repatriate Syrians, but Syria’s domestic issues and legal protections for asylum seekers complicate those efforts. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Turkish army coordinates with Syrian proxy forces ahead of possible military action Turkish military reinforcements pour into the frontlines with the Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, as Turkish-backed FSA factions stand on alert ahead of an imminent battle. Syria
Syrian jihadist faction establishes 'Women's Preaching Group' in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Syria’s Idlib province, is using women’s organizations and institutes to tighten its grip on civil society and expand its public base, despite its multiple violations against women. Syria
Hopes dim in stranded Syrian camp near US military base Some 10,000 displaced Syrians living in a squalid camp miles away from the American garrison of al-Tanf had hoped the Biden administration would resolve their plight. Syria
Syrian teachers demand better salaries in rebel-held areas Teachers have been protesting in the areas controlled by the Turkish-backed Syrian opposition in northwestern Aleppo, as they demand an increase in their monthly salaries amid the crumbling Turkish lira. Syria
Syrian government forces deploy in response to Turkish threat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces are sending military reinforcements to Tel Rifaat to confront any possible military operation that the Turkish army and the Turkish-backed Free Syria Army may launch. Syria
Turkish-backed factions outmaneuver Syrian jihadist group in Idlib The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in north Syria announced a series of mergers recently, derailing plans by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to seek rapprochement with some of the factions affiliated with the Syrian National Army. Syria
Iran’s new brigade infiltrates tribes in east Syria Iran is working on controlling and infiltrating the Syrian community by supporting local leaders affiliated with it, forming tribal councils and appointing new sheikhs from small clans and families to spread Shiism in its areas of control in east Syria. Syria
Turkish-backed Syrian groups pursue drug operations in Aleppo The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army is reportedly cracking down on drug dealers in the Aleppo countryside. Syria
'Big disappointment': Syrian constitutional negotiations fail again UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said the Syrian government's side did not present a new proposal as previously agreed. Syria
Turkey tells Syrian opposition forces to increase military readiness The timing and extent of the anticipated operation against Syrian Kurdish forces are still uncertain and will likely depend on Ankara’s weighing of tradeoffs with Washington and Moscow. Syria
Protests break out in Syrian city controlled by jihadist faction Protests erupted in Idlib against the Syrian Salvation Government, affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, amid high inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Syria
US base in Syria hit in suspected drone attack The remote Tanf outpost has been quiet for years, but Iran's pinprick provocations may once again be targeting the base, which plays a key role in Washington’s effort to obstruct Tehran's influence. Syria