Analysis Seeking leeway on Gaza, Netanyahu backs Trump’s Syria pact push The US is working intensively to arrange a historic meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Syrian President Sharaa on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis From Palestine push to Sharaa’s UN debut: What to watch at UN summit The annual international get-together will feature a wave of Palestinian statehood recognition, the Syrian president’s United Nations debut and possible 11th-hour diplomacy with Iran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen steps down after six years Pedersen is leaving as Syria continues to grapple with political upheaval, humanitarian crises and ongoing conflict. Syria
In first visit in 25 years, Syrian FM pushes sanctions relief in Washington Asaad al-Shibani’s visit to Washington comes as Syria seeks sanctions relief and engages in US-mediated talks with Israel on a security agreement. Syria
HTS faces backlash from jihadis over Syrian revolution anniversary celebrations Hayat Tahrir al-Sham celebrated the anniversary of the Syrian revolution amid much fanfare, while preventing Islamic banners at the celebrations, in what provoked the jihadis who oppose it and led them to accuse HTS of trying to court the West. Syria
Nowruz not what it used to be for Afrin’s Kurds Kurds in Syria have been celebrating Nowruz in secrecy for the past years, under the Assad regime and now under the control of the Turkish-backed rebels. Syria
Syrians outraged by luxurious lifestyle of Turkish-backed rebel leaders Videos of Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army leaders and members showing off their luxurious lifestyle have sparked controversy in the opposition-held areas in northwestern Syria, where inhabitants live in poverty. Syria
Russia not sending Syrians to Ukraine just yet, top US general says US CENTCOM has seen no sign of widespread recruitment of Syrians to fight in Ukraine. Syria
Islamic State takes advantage of Ukraine war to increase attacks The Islamic State has recently intensified its activity against the Syrian government forces and its allies, setting up a number of ambushes in the Syrian desert and killing dozens. Syria
Jihadi group raises prices in Syria’s Idlib as war rages in Ukraine While some believe the Russian war on Ukraine has upped prices in northwest Syria, others accuse Hayat Tahrir al-Sham of exploiting the crisis to make gains. Syria
Child kidnappings haunt civilians in Syria’s Daraa Civilians in Syria’s southern province of Daraa are living in constant fear amid increasing cases of kidnappings. Syria
Analysis Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Islamic State mines kill truffle hunters in Syrian desert The country's economic collapse and widespread poverty have driven residents to risk their lives to make a living in the desert near Deir ez-Zor. Syria
Despite unrest, northwest Syria shows baby boom Births are rising in northwest Syria, including in the displacement camps despite conditions often not being suitable for babies and mothers. Syria
Islamic State names new leader after prior chief's death An audio statement from IS confirmed previous reports that Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi is its new leader, but his real identity and background is not clear. Syria
Biden administration to announce sanctions waivers for Syrian Kurds, Sunni opposition-held areas Sanctions exemptions are aimed at expediting humanitarian aid and diminishing the economic damage in certain areas. Syria