Syria Conflict

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 youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes?

Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats.

Jordan

Exclusive

UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds

Gulfsands Managing Director John Bell outlines his company’s plans and Syria’s energy prospects in an exclusive interview.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom

The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving.

Syria

Syria exports first oil in 14 years after sanctions lifted: What to know

The shipment marks a major step forward for Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war for 14 years and under Western sanctions for more than four decades.

Syria

After weeks of threats, is Turkey softening line on Syrian SDF?

Turkey’s dialing down of rhetoric may be linked to ongoing Israel-Damascus security talks, an expert told Al-Monitor.  

Turkey

US eases export controls to boost Syria's recovery

The move is the Trump administration’s latest bid to assist the country's postwar reconstruction.

Syria

Syrian airline Fly Cham launches flights to UAE’s Sharjah as ties warm

The United Arab Emirates is relatively bearish on Syria’s Islamist government, though ties are advancing both politically and economically.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback

Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures.

Syria

Syria says six soldiers killed in Israeli drone strike as US pushes for security deal

There have been signs of progress in Israel-Syria talks, though tensions are flaring in the south and Syria has condemned a number of Israeli actions.

Syria

Syria partners with Nokia to rebuild digital infrastructure after years of war

The new Syrian government wants to expand internet access in the country after damage during the civil war and years of underinvestment due to sanctions.

Syria

Analysis

Will Israel’s potential Syria security deal intensify its rivalry with Turkey?

Israeli experts warn that a security deal with Syria won’t ease tensions with Turkey or end the ongoing battle for regional influence.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense