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
Erdogan to discuss trade, military plans in Pakistan Pakistani and Turkish officials have a variety of topics to address when they meet this week, including investment, foreign policy, China and defense. Saudi Arabia
Clash with Syrian regime forces kills five Turkish troops in Idlib Syrian regime forces have killed five Turkish soldiers in the rebel-held province of Idlib in an escalation that highlights Turkey’s failure to persuade Russia to pause hostilities. Syria
Turkey, Syrian regime at last exit before all-out confrontation The following weeks will be crucial for Turkey, Russia and the Syrian government as Idlib escalation threatens to provoke an all-out confrontation between Ankara and Damascus. Syria
How Idlib escalation could affect Syrian Kurds Syrian Kurds are pondering how to take advantage of Turkish-Russian tensions over Idlib, focusing on Turkish-controlled Afrin and not ruling out the prospect of fighting along with government forces if the conflict escalates. Syria
Intel: Five Turkish soldiers killed in Idlib amid Russian-Turkish de-escalation talks Five Turkish troops were killed and five wounded in shelling by the Russian-backed Syrian regime today as the Turkish and Russian delegations were in talks in Ankara to wind down the clashes in Idlib. Syria
Following Russian expansion, roadblocks in northeast Syria delineate zones of US control US forces have been preventing Russian patrols from advancing along the M4 highway and around al-Malikiyya in northeastern Syria near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. Syria
Intel: What's behind Russian Defense Ministry anger at Israeli strikes in Syria? The Russian Defense Ministry slammed Israel on Feb. 7 for what the ministry considered a provocation in the skies over Syria. Israel
Syria’s Kurds embrace resilience, beauty in wake of Turkish attack Turkey's invasion of northeastern Syria has changed the lives of Kurdish residents in myriad ways, from a bump in confidence-boosting cosmetic surgery to pervasive anxiety over whether Turkey will strike again. Syria
Erdogan, Putin endure marriage of convenience The Turkish and Russian leaders may be unhappy partners, but it is clear that they are committed to each other in Syria's Idlib. Syria
Waves of displacement continue amid Idlib escalation Idlib residents continue to flee toward the border with Turkey as Syrian regime forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, advance on the country’s last opposition stronghold. Syria
'There's no mercy': Kurdish Red Crescent perseveres in northern Syria Heyva Sor a Kurdistane, the Kurdish Red Crescent, has been doggedly rescuing the wounded and attending to the sick in northeastern Syria since 2012. Syria
SDF benefits from letting IS prisoners go, capturing more The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are said to be releasing Islamic State prisoners in Raqqa through mediation with Arab tribes, raising concerns among locals about a resurgence of the group. Syria