Feature

Syria’s post-Assad economy falters as US stalls on sanctions relief

Three months after Syria's rebel takeover, all eyes are on Ahmed al-Sharaa and whether he can stabilize the economy as promised.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Turkey accuses Israel of destabilizing region by driving wedge in Syria

Israel’s actions toward Syria's new interim regime risk fomenting further instability in the region, a Turkish official told Al-Monitor. 

Turkey

Four accused smugglers killed on Jordan-Syria border: What we know

Jordan’s border forces killed four drug smugglers attempting to cross from Syria, seizing weapons and narcotics in the latest crackdown on smuggling along the border.

Jordan

UK removes 24 Syrian entities from sanctions list, including central bank

The latest decision comes after the European Union lifted several sanctions across banking and energy on Syria on Feb. 24.

Syria

New Iran-backed group wants to fight plans to 'divide' Syria: What to know

A newly formed armed Syrian group called the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria, pledged to counter efforts by the United States, Israel and Turkey to divide the country following the fall of Assad.

Syria

Analysis

As it courts Syria's Druze, will Israel counter Turkey or get cold shoulder?

Concerned over the growing influence of Turkey in Syria, Israel seeks ways to increase its own influence there, including renewing its partnership with the Druze.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israel carries out fresh strikes in northwest Syria: What to know

Following last week’s strikes just south of Damascus, Israel’s military said it conducted another round of strikes on Monday on military targets in northwestern Syria.

Syria

In rare rebuke of Iran, Turkey's Fidan calls its proxy strategy 'heavy burden'

The top Turkish diplomat criticized Iran's regional strategy and warned against aligning with Kurdish-led forces in Syria.

Turkey

Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know

Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era.

Syria

Feature

Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jordan’s king hosts Sharaa amid Israeli escalation in Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Jordan on Wednesday, his third foreign visit since taking office, while Israeli airstrikes targeted military positions in Syria.

Syria

Syria's national dialogue conference calls for reforms, constitutional draft

Participants in Syria’s first national dialogue called for reforms in the political and judicial systems as the country navigates the transitional phase that followed the fall of the Assad regime.

Syria