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August 27, 2026

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Mazloum Kobane, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), speaks during a televised speech at the People's Palace in Damascus on Aug. 25, 2026.

Analysis

Capitulation or compromise? What SDF's dissolution means for Sharaa, Turkey and Syria's Kurds

The Syrian Democratic Forces' dissolution ends an era of Kurdish self-rule while opening a new political chapter in Damascus.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

A Syrian Air passenger jet lands at Aleppo airport on March 18, 2025, the first aircraft to land after it was shut during the offensive that toppled former President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian Airlines expands Europe comeback with Vienna, Copenhagen flights

Syrian Airlines currently flies to 14 destinations across eight countries, with four additional routes planned.

Latest News

Exclusive

Israel recalibrates Syria policy, explores path to security deal

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C) watches as US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack prepares to sign an agreement in Damascus on September 16, 2025. Shaibani announced on September 16 a plan backed by Jordan and the United States to restore calm to Druze-majority Sweida province, which witnessed deadly violence in July. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images)

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

Explainer

SDF chief Kobane’s Damascus visit a high wire act for Syria’s Kurds

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Kobane speaks during a press conference in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on Dec. 6, 2024.

US lifts Syria's terror designation after 47 years

ANKARA, TURKEY - JULY 08: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) meets with Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria (L) for bilateral talks at Beştepe Presidential Compound during the NATO Summit on July 08, 2026 in Ankara, Turkey. Leaders from NATO's 32 countries, plus NATO allies like Ukraine, gathered in the Turkish capital to discuss a range of issues involving spending targets, defense industrial production, and support for Ukraine, among other topics. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Beatrice Farhat

Associate Editor (Lebanon)

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Danny Makki

In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received His Excellency Ahmad Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, who is on a working visit to the country.

Syria’s Sharaa in UAE seeking investments amid Israel talks push

The UAE has concerns about Syria’s new Islamist government, said one expert, but is nonetheless seeking to engage with Damascus politically and economically.

United Arab Emirates

TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference in Jerusalem on May 21, 2025. Netanyahu said on May 21 that he was ready for a "temporary ceasefire" to guarantee the return of hostages held in Gaza, of whom 20 are "certainly" alive. (Photo by Ronen Zvulun / POOL / AFP) (Photo by RONEN ZVULUN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

From strikes to strategy: Netanyahu seeks cover — and credit — in Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister arrives at the White House victorious after Trump's decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites, his trial dates postponed, and Gaza on the radar.

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa delivers a speech at the presidential palace during the unveiling of the country's new national emblem, Damascus, July 3, 2025.

Syria unveils gold eagle emblem: What it means

The new national emblem is another step in the removal of symbols from the Assad dynasty, which ruled the country for more than five decades.

Palestinians carry their belongings as they flee Gaza City, May 16, 2025.

Analysis

Netanyahu looks to Trump for Gaza ultimatum to leverage against far right

The ultimatum, to counter far-right threats to bring down the government if a ceasefire is reached with Hamas, is one of several items on the wish list he's taking to Washington.

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

People shop in a market on June 17, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.

Norway removes sanctions on Syria: What to know

Norway has moved to increase humanitarian assistance to Syria.

IDF Military Drone Unit seen training with drones near Kibbutz Merom Golan, on the Syrian border in northern Golan Heights, Israel on June 26, 2025.

Israel announces capture of 'Iranian cell' in Syria: What to know

The operation comes amid potential progress in Israel-Syria normalization talks.

BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Israel-Syria peace push mulls US troops by Golan, ‘reformulating’ armistice agreement

With the difficulty of negotiating the Golan Heights, Israel and Syria are considering something less than a peace treaty and full normalization.

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

President Donald Trump, joined by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and other lawmakers, holds up an executive order after signing a series of bills related to California’s vehicle emissions standards during an event in the East Room of the White House on June 12, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Trump signs executive order ending decades-old Syria sanctions

The sweeping directive unwinds layers of sanctions but maintains Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

An aerial view shows a bridge, destroyed in an Israeli airstrike, in the town of in Qusayr in Syria's central Homs province on December 14, 2024. Islamist-led rebels took Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by AAREF WATAD / AFP) (Photo by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)

French company revives Syria agreement to rebuild bridges: What we know

The agreement covers 37 bridges in Syria, where infrastructure was severely damaged during the civil war, but may now be rebuilt following the lifting of Western sanctions.