Netanyahu ends US visit with no Gaza deal but progress on reconstruction Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has departed Washington with little to show for his meetings with President Donald Trump. Israel
US envoy Barrack pushes deal between Syria's Sharaa, Kurdish commander Kobane The talks come amid shifting dynamics on the ground and a reduced US military presence in the northeast. Syria
As wildfires ravage Latakia, Syria seeks EU support: What to know Syria has been combating massive wildfires in coastal Latakia province for six days. Syria
Iran talks, Gaza war set to dominate Netanyahu-Trump meeting President Donald Trump is set to host Prime minister benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where they are expected to focus on Iran as well as Gaza ceasefire talks. Israel
Analysis Netanyahu looks to Trump for Gaza ultimatum to leverage against far right By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Exclusive US Syria envoy Barrack calls Kurdish SDF chief Kobane as Turkey mulls meeting Sources tell Al-Monitor that Turkish officials have proposed a high-level meeting with SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in Damascus, contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks with Syria’s interim government. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place. Syria
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war. Syria
Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus. Turkey
Tom Barrack makes first Syria visit, raises US flag over ambassador's residence Barrack's visit marks the most senior for the Trump administration since taking office. The envoy said the US is planning to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism listing, and floated a "non-aggression agreement" with Israel. Syria
Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday. Syria
Analysis US sanctions relief key to Syria’s recovery but hinges on global coordination The levies include secondary sanctions targeting individuals or companies who engage with Damascus, so private sector companies will only move after a US green light. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
US grants Syria initial sanctions relief The Treasury Department said the move is meant to facilitate activity across all sectors of Syria's economy and encourage new investment. Syria
Exclusive US set to unveil sweeping Syria sanctions relief The Trump administration is preparing to issue a general license for Syria and a Caesar Act waiver. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness." Syria