Turkey says PKK attack kills Turkish soldier in northern Iraq

The attack comes at a time when Turkey has intensified its offensive against the militant group in an effort to clear the PKK from the Iraq-Turkey border areas and establish up to a 40-kilometer-deep (24 miles) security zone in northern Iraq.

Turkey

Strikes in south Lebanon, Syria as Israel's northern front heats up

The situation in Lebanon is at a boiling point amid growing fears of an Israeli retaliatory strike to a deadly rocket attack in the Golan Heights that could lead to a wider regional conflict.

Lebanon

Analysis

As Assad softens tone, can Turkey and Syria normalize relations?

As news of normalization between Turkey and Syria and a meeting between the Turkish president and his Syrian counterpart abound, many strategic and technical questions need to be addressed.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Italy appoints ambassador to Syria in latest sign of European thaw

Syria’s relations with the international community are gradually improving amid the ongoing civil war.

Syria

Russia, Turkey FMs meet in Laos, discuss Syria reconciliation efforts

The two top diplomats’ talks come after the Russian and Syrian presidents discussed the Turkish president’s invitation to hold a three-country leaders' summit with his Syrian counterpart after more than a decade of hostilities.

Turkey

Syria’s Assad meets Putin in Russia amid Turkey dialogue push

Russia has been the main backer of President Bashar al-Assad’s forces against rebels throughout the Syrian civil war.

Syria

Syrian businessman with ties to Assad killed in suspected Israeli airstrike

If confirmed, the strike would be a bold step for Israel's clandestine operations in Syria, taking out an Assad regime insider from a family that has long brokered oil shipments, arms deals and illicit financing across the civil war's front lines.

Syria

Syrians in Turkey change attire, avoid cars after mob attacks

Mob attacks on Syrians in Turkey are forcing Syrians to make themselves invisible.

Turkey

Iraq aims to host first meeting between Turkey's Erdogan, Syria's Assad

Baghdad is throwing its hat into the ring in hopes of brokering a historic restoration of ties between Turkey and the Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus, as Syria's neighbors hope to return refugees back to the war-wracked country.

Syria

Analysis

As Erdogan woos Assad, is Turkey-Syria reconciliation rhetoric or reality?

While the Turkish president has signaled he’s open to mending fences with his Syrian counterpart, the path to reconciliation is full of pitfalls.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances

The move signals a new step toward further developing the relations between the two countries.

Syria

In managing water crisis, can Turkey and Iraq bridge gap without Syria?

Turkey and Iraq need to bring Syria into the fold to resettle the historical water sharing problems between the three countries, according to experts and officials.

Turkey