In UN spotlight, Syria’s Sharaa meets Rubio in New York Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to become the first Syrian president since 1967 to address the annual United Nations summit. Syria
Sharaa’s New York blitz: Syria seeks economic revival in first UN visit in 58 years Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is in New York on a landmark visit during which he will address the UN General Assembly as he seeks to break Syria’s isolation. Syria
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
Turkish-backed rebels leave trail of abuse, criminality in Syria’s Afrin The serene topography of the Syrian enclave of Afrin belies the power vacuum and violence now afflicting many of the territories under the control of Turkish-backed forces in the war-torn country’s northeast. Syria
Serbia has its reasons for sending ambassador to Syria Belgrade breaks with EU consensus by being one of the first European countries to upgrade its relations with Damascus to ambassadorial level. Syria
New Druze political party, military faction take shape in Suwayda Suwayda has a new political party and an associated military arm after decades of Druze exclusion from the Syrian political scene. Syria
Syrian jihadi groups crack down on rivals in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is tightening the noose on the jihadi Jundallah group and asking it to join it or leave Idlib, in what observers described as an attempt on the part of HTS to get rid of non-Syrian fighters. Syria
Syrian man in Netherlands convicted of war crimes for soldier's execution A court sentenced Ahmad al Khedr to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2012 execution of a regime soldier, which was captured on film. Syria
Syrian government shelling in Idlib kills 9, including 3 children Syria's last rebel stronghold has seen an uptick in government attacks, with at least 10 children killed in the past two weeks. Syria
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham kicks Chechen jihadis out of Idlib After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham told the Chechen jihadi group Jund al-Sham it could either join its ranks or leave Idlib, the group's members evacuated their military positions in the countryside of Latakia. Syria
Idlib authorities begin restoration of historic mosque The government affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s Idlib is restoring the historic Great Mosque, which was severely damaged by Syrian government shelling. Syria
What does Saudi ban on Syrian produce mean for Assad’s government? The kingdom's decision to ban the import of produce from the government-held areas is viewed as a sign that the kingdom has not changed its position toward the Syrian government. Syria
Kurdish parties split over Russian invitation for dialogue with Syrian government Kurdish politicians in Syria split over Russia’s invitation to hold a dialogue with the Syrian government, with some accepting the invitation based on conditions, while others were skeptical about such a move. Syria
Relatives murder Syrian girl in honor killing The killing of an 18-year-old girl who refused to marry her cousin at the hands of her relatives in the countryside of Hasakah sparked anger and ignited controversy on social media. Syria
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia While Moscow does not yet have the resources to eliminate Iranian influence in Syria, it would be in its interests to at least prevent the expansion of the activities of pro-Iranian paramilitary structures. Syria