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
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham cracks down on Assad supporters in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out a spate of arrests in several areas under its control in Idlib, targeting pro-Syrian government individuals who supported President Bashar al-Assad in the recent presidential elections, as well as members of the Islamic State. Syria
Russia expands Syrian air base to boost regional presence Russia is working on expanding the Hmeimim air base in Syria to accommodate all types of aircraft. Syria
Bread crisis looms in Syria amid low wheat production The bread crisis in Syrian regime areas is expected to become worse in the next few months due to drought and its subsequent impact on wheat crop production. Syria
Abkhazia president pays show visit with Assad Russia appears to be trying to maximize gains from countries or entities it has strong influence with such as Abkhazia and Syria. Syria
Russia facilitates return of displaced Syrian families Under the auspices of the Russian forces and their affiliated militias, hundreds of displaced people are returning to their villages in the Lajat region located in the countryside of Daraa governorate to find extensively destroyed houses lacking basic power and water services. Syria
Turkish-backed Syrian groups prevent return of displaced The Turkish-backed opposition refrained from receiving displaced persons from the areas controlled by the Syrian government and opened fire on those who protested. Syria
Syrian Arab tribes put Kurdish administration on notice Syrian tribal leaders based in northeast Syria are calling out Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces over the killing of young tribesmen at the hands of the SDF in demonstrations against the increase of fuel prices. Syria
Syria's Assad wins fourth term in election US calls fraudulent By the regime's count, President Bashar al-Assad won 95.1% of the vote, handing him another seven-year term. News Brief
As Syrians vote in regime areas, Kurdish authorities close crossings The Syrian Democratic Forces closed the crossings connecting their areas in northeast Syria to government-held areas to prevent the participation of the areas' inhabitants in the Syrian presidential elections. Syria
HTS finesses tribes in Syria’s Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has increasingly been seen meeting with tribal elders in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, part of efforts to polish his image and that of his group. Syria
Why Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria canceled fuel price hikes The Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria took back its decision to raise fuel prices after protests condemning the decision led to several casualties. Syria
NGOs in northeast Syria warn of low water levels in hydroelectric dams Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River could shut down next month, which would affect electricity and water supplies for millions of people in autonomous administration, government and rebel territory. Syria