Syria’s Sharaa leaves Washington with warm assurances but no security agreements Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa departed Washington without clinching major security agreements or long-term economic relief. Syria
Syria's Sharaa says no direct talks with Israel, open to US military presence In an interview on Monday, President Ahmed al-Sharaa dismissed direct negotiations with Israel concerning the Abraham Accords, but left the door open to US-brokered diplomacy. Syria
Syrian President Sharaa arrives at White House in historic first Sharaa met with Trump as the administration weighs easing sanctions and expanding cooperation on Syria. Syria
Exclusive SDF commander Hemo: Syria’s Kurds prepare for threat of war as Damascus talks falter As US-brokered talks stall, Kurdish forces are preparing contingencies while continuing dialogue with Damascus to secure Syria’s future, SDF commander Sipan Hemo told Al-Monitor in an exclusive interview. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Five years later, calls for accountability over fall of Mosul continue On the fifth anniversary of the fall of Mosul, people decry that no one has been held accountable for the tragedy. Iraq
Islamic State in Iraq is not over yet Several terrorist attacks have occurred over the last several days across Iraq, raising concerns over a resurgence of the Islamic State. Iraq
West Bank security arrests alleged IS recruit targeting Israel Palestinian Authority security services tell Israeli media they arrested a Palestinian woman they believe was going to blow herself up in Israel for the Islamic State. Palestine
IS exploits disputed areas, sets Iraqi fields on fire A rash of farmland set on fire, allegedly by the Islamic State, threatens massive economic loss and more internally displaced persons. Iraq
Iraqi tribes seek to heal enduring wounds of IS legacy Sunni tribes in Iraq that were under the control of the Islamic State for about three years are working toward social reconciliation to end lingering conflict and incidents of revenge. Iraq
Iraq to handle foreign IS fighters' trials Iraq so far is holding roughly a dozen French nationals who fought for the Islamic State. France's response: Keep them. Iraq
Christians in northeastern Syria seek to revive Easter spirit following IS ouster After the fall of IS, Easter celebrations were held in only in some northeastern Syrian areas. Syria
Syria drawdown raises security risks for US troops The Donald Trump administration’s drawdown in Syria threatens to disrupt a fragile balance where US troops trade military power for Kurdish protection. Syria
Explosive hazards in Mosul a major threat for years to come After the military campaign to retake Iraqi territory from the Islamic State, particularly in Mosul, unexploded ordnance remains a big concern for residents returning to their homes two years after liberation. Iraq
Iraq revisiting security plan for Syrian border at Baghouz Following the liberation of the Syrian border town of Baghouz, Baghdad is planning a new border control strategy to make sure no terrorists find their way into Iraq. Iraq
Education and religion to fight IS mentality in Anbar At a college close to the Syrian-Iraqi border, surrounded by the harsh Anbari desert, many women with male relatives still missing have resumed their studies after the area was liberated from the Islamic State. Iraq
