Analysis Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit Worried about the increasing empowerment of Turkey across the Middle East, Israel is making a show of neighborhood strength with Greece and Cyprus. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
A year on, uncertainty shadows Washington's bet on Syria The Trump administration has embraced Syria's new leadership, but engagement is being tested by security risks and unresolved questions about Damascus' control. Syria
Analysis In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon With 2025 ending, Israelis are frustrated over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to fully end the Gaza war, solve the Hezbollah problem, reach a deal with Syria or find a way to constructively impact talks on the Iranian nuclear program. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Syria's Shibani talks defense, economic ties with Russia's Putin during Moscow visit The visit is the second to Russia for Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra, and follows other signs of rapprochement. Syria
Analysis Syrians relieved as Caesar sanctions lifted, but recovery may take time By Danny Makki In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture
Reports: Children among the dead after Syrian rebels clash in Turkish-held Afrin Clashes between Syrian rebel groups in the northern city of Afrin left at least two children dead Thursday. Syria
Turkey's assault against Syrian Kurds leaves trail of misery and spin Was a burn victim hit by white phosphorus during Turkey's invasion of Ras al-Ain in October? Whatever the reason, he and many others are still suffering. Syria
Russia to negotiate with Syria on more military bases: Interfax Russia, which currently has two permanent military facilities in Syria, will reportedly hold talks with Damascus over obtaining more. Syria
Intel: Pompeo discusses Syria with Jordan’s foreign minister Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed Syria today on a phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Jordan
Intel: EU renews sanctions on Syrian regime The European Union renewed its sanctions against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for another year. Syria
Report: Russia building new military base in northeast Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the news coincides with tensions between Kurdish and Russian forces over the M4 highway. Syria
Intel: Russian jets intercept US Navy plane over eastern Mediterranean Two Russian fighter aircraft intercepted a US Navy patrol plane over the eastern Mediterranean. Syria
Syrian government lifts nightly curfew despite uptick in coronavirus cases The Syrian Ministry of Health has registered 121 coronavirus cases and a death toll of four in areas under regime control. Syria
US may try to raise the stakes for Russia in Syria The politics of humanitarian corridors; Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tries a shakedown in Idlib; Ben Caspit to interview former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Al-Monitor podcast. Syria
Two Islamic State leaders killed in joint coalition-SDF raid in Syria The raid comes amid a string of SDF operations against suspected IS members over the past week. Syria
Intel: Russia, China holding UN ‘hostage’ on Syrian aid deliveries, US envoy says Continued Russian and Chinese obstruction at the UN Security Council imperils the millions who depend on humanitarian aid in Syria, said US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft. Syria
Intel: Top adviser signals Biden would keep troops in Syria as leverage Under a Joe Biden presidency, the United States would retain a military presence in northeast Syria as leverage against the regime, the presumptive Democratic nominee’s top foreign policy adviser suggests. Syria
