Feature

For Syria’s minorities, life under Kurds remains safest bet

Despite promises of reform from Syria’s new Islamist-turned-president, minorities fear retribution — and find uneasy refuge under Kurdish rule.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syria: 9 killed as clashes erupt in Druze-majority town

Clashes in a Damascus suburb pitted Druze residents against armed men from nearby Sunni-majority towns.

Syria

Assad's tycoon cousin, Rami Makhlouf, forms militia on Syria's Alawite coast: What we know

Rami Makhlouf, cousin of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said on social media he is working with former commander Suhail al-Hassan following the massacres of Alawites on the coast.

Syria

Qatar, Saudi Arabia to pay off Syria’s $15B World Bank debt: What to know

Both Gulf states have played a key role in the diplomatic outreach of Syria's new government.

Syria

Analysis

Syria’s Kurds reap benefits of Erdogan’s 'terror free Turkey' as Ankara halts attacks

Turkey’s softened stance signals a strategic shift in its approach to Syria’s Kurds and the PKK.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords

Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey.

By Ben Caspit

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

Analysis

Why Syria’s Sharaa is hinting at Israel ties 

Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who recently met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, said the Syrian leader told him he would “absolutely” be open to normalization with Israel if conditions are met.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Russia, Turkey to hold talks as Moscow seeks to keep Syria military bases: What to know

The talks come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated his openness to negotiating with Moscow over the future of Russian military bases in Syria.

Turkey

UK lifts sanctions on Syrian ministries, intelligence agencies

It marks the second raft of sanctions on Syria lifted by the United Kingdom since the toppling of long-time dictator Bashar Al-Assad in December and the formation of a new government.

Syria

IMF appoints first Syria mission head in 14 years: What to know

Syria's new government faces the task of revitalizing an economy that has been devastated by 14 years of war and ravaged by international sanctions.

Syria

Palestinian Islamic Jihad says Syria arrested 2 members: What we know

One of the US demands for sanctions relief on Syria is not engaging with Islamic Jihad, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

Syria

First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know

Syria's new government faces the daunting task of rebuilding an economy shattered by war and burdened with debt, ongoing sanctions and reconstruction costs.

Syria