Analysis Sharaa in Washington: Can US charm offensive boost Syria’s reconstruction? The trip signals strong support for the new Syrian government, as President Sharaa seeks the breakthroughs needed to end economic isolation and speed up reconstruction, while US sanctions continue to paralyze investment. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Even as Putin shields Assad, Syria’s Sharaa seeks to 'redefine' Moscow ties Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow in a visit overshadowed by the presence of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Russia and Moscow’s attempts to maintain its military presence in Syria. Syria
Russia sends second Syria delegation since Assad’s fall to safeguard military interests Russia has been engaged with Syria’s new authorities as it seeks to maintain its presence and role in the region after the fall of its long-time ally, President Bashar al-Assad, last year. Syria
As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctions The move comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next month. Syria
Analysis Pragmatism outweighs animosity as Syrian, Russian FMs bargain at Kremlin By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Israeli FM's Ukraine visit signals shift from Russia to anti-Iran alignment By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis In Azerbaijan, Syria’s Sharaa extends reach to South Caucasus, worries Iran By Emil Avdaliani
Syrian Kurdish commander says Russia opposes further Turkish land grabs Mazlum Kobane, commander in chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, also says Damascus is not yet ready for negotiations. Syria
Hopes dim in stranded Syrian camp near US military base Some 10,000 displaced Syrians living in a squalid camp miles away from the American garrison of al-Tanf had hoped the Biden administration would resolve their plight. Syria
Israel's room to maneuver in Syrian skies faces new constraints Recent geopolitical changes in the region are reducing Israel’s ability to act against the Iranian presence in Syria. Israel
Bennett meets Putin in Sochi to discuss Iran, Syria The meeting in Sochi between Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Russian President Vladimir Putin covered a large range of strategic and economic issues, focusing on Israeli concerns over Iranian military entrenchment in Syria and the Iran nuclear talks. Israel
Turkey tells Syrian opposition forces to increase military readiness The timing and extent of the anticipated operation against Syrian Kurdish forces are still uncertain and will likely depend on Ankara’s weighing of tradeoffs with Washington and Moscow. Syria
The Takeaway: Iraq shadowed Colin Powell, but his character showed through even then Pinkwashing in Tunisia?; Russia, Iran, Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus; Breast reconstruction surgery still taboo in Gaza; Wheelchair basketball scores — all in less than 1,500 words! Iraq
Ankara-backed Syrian forces 'fully prepared' for Turkish operation Turkey has threatened to launch a military operation against the SDF in the wake of attacks carried out by the latter in north Syria. Syria
Russia hasn't cleared Turkish attack on strategic Syrian town Ankara has yet to secure a go-ahead from Moscow for an anticipated assault on the Syrian town of Tell Rifaat, which is controlled by Kurdish groups. Turkey
Erdogan’s latest threats in Syria test limits with Biden, Putin The Turkish president’s warnings are targeted as much at Washington and Moscow as they are at Syria’s Kurds. Turkey
Syrian opposition chief: US sanctions a deterrent for Turkish proxy fighters During an interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian National Coalition President Salem al-Meslet discussed recent US sanctions on Ahrar al-Sharqiya, the human rights situation in northern Syria and the US military presence in the war-torn country. Syria
Russia ramps up strikes on Islamic State in Syrian desert Moscow is intensifying its airstrikes on Islamic State targets in the Syrian desert. Syria
Erdogan's personalized diplomacy with Putin may have been point of Sochi summit The latest summit between the Turkish and Russian presidents in Sochi may have been more about style than substance. Turkey