Turkish ambassador calls joining EU Ankara’s 'strategic objective'

In a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor, Turkish Ambassador to France Hakki Akil discussed Turkey’s perspectives on a safe zone in Syria, the migration crisis, Turkey’s progress toward EU membership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian intervention in Syria and the possibility of international intervention in Libya.

Syria

Foreign terrorist fighters, reverse migration are global crises

There is a pressing need for international cooperation to deal with foreign terrorist fighters and overcome the "not in my backyard" mindset.

Iraq

Syria's first Kurdish university attracts controversy as well as students

Syrian Kurds have big plans to expand the first university based in Rojava, which they launched just last year.

Syria

Syria contact group urges air drops, expanded cease-fire

The International Syria Support Group, meeting in Vienna May 17, appeared to lower emphasis on Syria political talks as it urged shoring up a partial cease-fire and using air drops if needed to get aid to towns subjected to a type of "medieval" siege.

Syria

How Turkey’s recent political shakeup will have wide-ranging impact

The resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu could affect both the country’s economy and anti-IS efforts; new report scrutinizes US military aid to Egypt as human rights abuses persist; Al-Monitor’s reporter in the news.

Egypt

UNESCO steps in to protect what's left of Syria's Palmyra

Countless antiquities have been obliterated in the fierce fighting and rampant destruction in Syria, where the famous Palmyra archaeological site has lost a devastating portion of its treasures.

Syria

What's next for Hezbollah in Syria?

Hezbollah will have a difficult time finding a replacement for slain commander Mustafa Badreddine.

Lebanon

How long can Turkey afford growing refugee bill?

The monthly bill of hosting the Syrian refugees in Turkey has shot up to $500 million, in a further strain on the country’s already struggling economy.

Syria

Iranian official says prominent Saudi jihadist 'man in control' in Syria

In Syria, a Saudi jihadi is becoming a paramount figure for militants opposed to President Bashar al-Assad — but will he become the "new bin Laden"?

Syria

How will Turkey gain power abroad when it can't protect its borders?

Turkey's ineffectiveness in protecting the city of Kilis on the Syrian border points to how unlikely it is that the government will fulfill its ambition to become a regional power.

Syria

Who are Syria's Alawites?

Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect.

Iraq

How one journalist is going after false news on Syria

A Syrian journalist recently launched Verify, an online platform correcting and validating news on Syria.

Syria