Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies. Israel
Rubio holds joint talks with Syria's FM, SDF commander in Munich SDF commander-in-chief Gen. Mazloum Kobane said it was a "positive session." Syria
US military completes evacuation of ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq The detainee transfer opens the door for US troops to further withdraw from Syria ahead of a potential military confrontation with Iran. Syria
Exclusive Syrian Kurdish officials say 66 Turkish ISIS fighters transferred for relocation to Iraq The detainees were handed over from SDF custody to the US-led coalition for transfer to Iraqi prisons. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Exclusive 100 non-Syrian Kurds return to PKK’s Qandil stronghold under SDF-Damascus deal By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Saudi-backed airline to test Syria’s aviation recovery By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Nine bodies unearthed in Latakia mass grave, one of dozens found in post-Assad Syria As part of the efforts by new Syrian authorities to bring justice to victims of the Assad regime, dozens of mass graves containing thousands of bodies — believed to be victims of former regime forces — have been discovered across Syria. Syria
US raid kills senior ISIS official near Syria's border with Turkey The US raid killed a senior ISIS official believed to be next in line for the group’s top leadership role, a US official said. Syria
Analysis Syria state media's Kurdish-language launch: tactical move or real shift? SANA's foray into the Kurdish language is largely symbolic and part of Damascus’ efforts to project an image of compromise amid tense negotiations. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM slams Fidan’s threats against Syria's SDF As Ankara increasingly threatens the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the opposition People's Equality and Democracy Party warns that a potential Turkish military operation against the Kurdish-led group could disrupt the peace process at home. Turkey
UN: Syria's March violence saw ‘likely’ war crimes by Damascus, Assad remnants The United Nations noted deliberate targeting of Alawite civilians in its report on the killings along the Syrian coast and called on the government to expand its efforts in taking steps toward accountability. Syria
After inking military pact, Turkey to provide Syria with weapons, training The initial phase of Turkey-Syria military cooperation will address building a regular army and basic defensive needs, analysts say. Turkey
Explosion kills 4 in Syria’s Idlib: What to know Syria remains littered with the waste of a Cold War arsenal and 14 years of civil war. Syria
Will Turkey follow through on threats to attack Syria's Kurds? This week we unpack the stakes around Ankara's threats to take military action alongside Damascus against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
Analysis Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Turkey, Syria ink defense cooperation deal as Ankara ups pressure on Kurdish-led SDF The military agreement comes amid Ankara’s warnings to the Pentagon-allied and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces over their refusal to integrate into Syria’s army. Turkey
Kurds, Damascus resume talks as Syria, Jordan FMs meet US envoy in Amman The meeting aims to address growing unrest and political demands amid Syria’s fragile efforts to rebuild. Syria