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
Germany makes first deportation to Syria since 2011: What to know There are roughly 1 million Syrians in Germany, most of whom fled there during the country’s civil war. Syria
Syria seizes anti-aircraft missiles near Iraqi border: What to know The Syrian government is stepping up efforts to combat arms smuggling, including in relation to Hezbollah, Kurdish-led forces and ISIS. Syria
Turkey denies internal rifts as top officials in Syria ahead of SDF deadline Turkey’s ruling party denies there are internal rifts over the Syrian Democratic Forces and insists that the Kurdish-led group must disarm. Turkey
Analysis Syrians relieved as Caesar sanctions lifted, but recovery may take time By Danny Makki In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture
Analysis After Palmyra attack, Turkey adds pressure for SDF deal with Damascus By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Iran warns of Israeli plots in Syria amid its own anxieties over lost leverage By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Backlash after Islamist group in Idlib taxes olive crops The HTS-affiliated Salvation Government imposed Islamic taxes on olive crops, thus worsening farmers’ plight amid the water scarcity and drought. Syria
Report documents Syrian regime detaining, killing health workers A new report from Physicians for Human Rights found that health care workers who provided care to injured protesters in the early days of the Syrian civil war were at increased risk of abuse by the government. Syria
UAE foreign minister meets Assad in Syria Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s stressed support for stability and the need to end the war during the visit, which the US State Department said it does not support. News Brief
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
Two soldiers in Syria injured by suspected Israeli airstrikes Israel has fired missiles in Syrian territory a few times in recent weeks, according to Syrian media. News Brief
Iranian business fair coming to Damascus Iran is a strong ally of Syria and has significant economic interests in the country. By Al-Monitor Staff
Why are Turkish-allied formations collapsing in Syria? Factions pulling out of the recently formed Syrian Liberation Front raise questions about the future of Turkish-backed rebel groups. Syria
Egypt intensifies efforts to bring Syria back into Arab fold Cairo says efforts are also aimed at helping end the Syria crisis. Egypt
Iraq's elections weaken PKK in Sinjar Iraq's October elections may have strengthened the Iraqi Kurdistan administration's hands in the Yazidi enclave of Sinjar. Turkey
Iran presumed behind attack on US outpost in eastern Syria Drones that targeted US forces in the Syrian desert in late October were allegedly Iranian. Iraq
Turkish army coordinates with Syrian proxy forces ahead of possible military action Turkish military reinforcements pour into the frontlines with the Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, as Turkish-backed FSA factions stand on alert ahead of an imminent battle. Syria
Turkey eyes five new targets for possible offensive in Syria Turkey has ramped up military activity on the ground in Syria following a parliamentary extension of the government's mandate to carry out cross-border operations. Yet, such an operation still seems unlikely without Washington and Moscow’s approval. Turkey
