Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
EU to restore Syria cooperation pact ahead of May talks: What to know The European Union has proposed the full resumption of a decades-old cooperation agreement with Syria ahead of high-level talks next month. Syria
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue. Lebanon
Breakthrough on Syria refugee crisis unlikely as EU sends emissary to Ankara European-Turkish contacts are intensifying in an effort to stave off a disastrous refugee crisis on Turkey's border with Greece that could have repercussions across Europe. Syria
Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions Opinion polls show mixed feelings about Turkey’s declaration of a major offensive in Syria after an attack killed dozens of its soldiers. Public attention has also shifted hundreds of miles away to its borders with Europe after the government invited millions of refugees to leave. Syria
Syrians in northern Aleppo terrified as regime advances Displaced Syrians and Aleppo natives alike are living in fear that the Syrian regime and its allies will invade their last refuge and set off a humanitarian catastrophe. Syria
Pentagon says US will not retaliate for Turkey in Syria The United States will not take direct action in Syria despite a dramatic uptick in violence and calls for an immediate no-fly zone over Idlib, which would require the Pentagon to take out aircraft and airfields. Syria
Thousands stranded at Greek border as Ankara pressures EU over Idlib escalation Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said border security would continue to stand down Monday as thousands of refugees and migrants attempt to enter Greece by land and sea. Syria
Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces Turkey has downed two Syrian jets in launching Operation Spring Shield while also sending refugees to the Greek border. Syria
Syrian Kurds ponder Afrin’s recapture in shadow of Idlib crisis The Syrian Kurds' partial collaboration with Syrian government forces in northwestern Aleppo has so far failed to expand amid whirlwind developments in Idlib. Syria
Will Russia, Turkey go to war over Syria's Idlib? Matters have gone from bad to worse in Idlib and the stakes for Moscow and Ankara are rising. Syria
Deciphering Turkey’s darkest night in Syria All eyes are on Ankara and Moscow in the wake of the severe attack on a Turkish military convoy in Idlib, which threatens to unleash developments that could change all equilibriums in Syria. Syria
Turkish losses rise in dangerous escalation over Syria's Idlib Reports came in of massive losses among Turkish troops as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continued his hawkish posturing toward the Syrian regime. Syria
Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces claim gains in Idlib The Syrian military has launched a new ground offensive in south Idlib to take control of the key M4 highway and says it is making major gains against the opposition. Syria