Could Syrian Kurdish issue facilitate Erdogan-Assad rapprochement?

Damascus’ low-key reaction to Turkey’s recent strikes on Syrian Kurdish targets suggests it might acquiesce to Turkish military moves that would contribute to ending the US military presence in the north.

Turkey

Syrian Kurdish commander slams US response to Turkish attacks as US diplomats evacuated from Syria

The United States' top ally in Syria warned that unless Washington and the Kremlin push back more firmly Turkey will launch a ground offensive against his forces that will further undermine the battle against the Islamic State.

Syria

Escalating Turkish strikes cripple civilian infrastructure across northeast Syria

Since the launch of Operation Claw-Sword, Turkish strikes have widely targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, wreaking havoc and paralyzing economic life in northeast Syria.

Syria

US again tries to thwart Turkish invasion of northern Syria

Erdogan says military operations are "just beginning" against Syrian Kurdish groups, while teasing possibility of talks with Assad.

Turkey

Artists from Middle East stand out in women-dominated Venice Biennale

This year’s edition of the world’s longest-running art show corrects a history of gender inequality by putting female artists at its center.

Turkey

Syrian National Army police clashes with peaceful protesters in al-Bab

The police of the Syrian National Army assaulted protesters near the city of al-Bab following civil protests calling for controlling the security situation in the city and holding the killers of a prominent activist accountable.

Syria

Erdogan says meeting with Syria's Assad is 'possible'

The Turkish president adds that "there is no resentment or bitterness in politics."

Turkey

Two Egyptian girls murdered in Syria's notorious Islamic State camp al-Hol

Two Egyptian girls have been found killed in the Kurdish-run Al-Hol camp that holds many Islamic State fighters and their relatives in northeastern Syria.

Syria

Turkey’s strikes in Syria put US troops in danger, Pentagon says

A Turkish drone strike on a top Kurdish commander’s headquarters came within 130 meters of US troops in Syria on Tuesday.

Turkey

Analysis

The Takeaway: Syria's Kurds turn to US as Turkey threatens ground operation

Plus, a look at Iran's enrichment activities, twin bombings in Jerusalem and the detention of another US citizen in Saudi Arabia.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Syrian Kurdish commander says Kobani likely target of threatened Turkish ground offensive

Following Turkish airstrikes on his headquarters in northeast Syria, SDF commander Mazlum Kobane spoke with Al-Monitor about Erdogan's threats of a new ground offensive.

Turkey

Turkey strikes near US base in Syria after Pentagon calls for de-escalation

The US military says it opposes Ankara's plans to send ground troops against Syria's Kurds, but it has stood down in the face of similar attacks in the past.

Syria