Trump says Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by three weeks President Trump said the second meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese envoys went "very well." Lebanon
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? Damascus is making limited but tangible progress in its engagement with Syrian Kurds, even as Ankara seeks to shape the terms of any settlement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US troops depart Syria, ending decade of presence in fight against ISIS The last major American bases in Syria have been turned over to the government in Damascus, US military officials confirmed to Al-Monitor. Syria
Islamic State's ‘Beatles’ could finally face justice for alleged role in beheading Americans Following a phone call with Attorney General William Barr, the parents of Americans killed by the Islamic State (IS) are hopeful two IS detainees will face justice. Syria
Tribal assassinations spark Iraqi-Syrian border concern The assassination of a prominent tribal figure and reports of continuing smuggling of individuals from Syria into Iraq have raised concerns on both sides of the border. Iraq
Health workers in Syrian camp for ISIS families test positive for COVID-19 Humanitarians warn that poor conditions in the camp put it at great risk for an outbreak of the virus. These are the first known cases there. Syria
Yazidi activist Nadia Murad to appear on 'The Daily Show' Murad's appearance on the popular US talk and news satire show could showcase her efforts to combat sexual violence and trafficking to a new and big audience. Iraq
The latest reason Australia won’t take back citizens detained in Syria’s prisons for IS? Coronavirus Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne says COVID-19 has further complicated the possibilities of repatriating Australians captured during the war against the Islamic State in Syria. Syria
Iraqi army aircraft damaged in rocket attack on Camp Taji The attack is the latest in a long-running series of low-level attacks believed to be carried out by Iran-sponsored militias in Iraq. Iraq
Turkey helps Moldovan family escape Islamic State camp in Syria The woman and her family had been living in al-Hol since 2019, but their exact connection to IS is unclear. Syria
Islamic State recruit Shamima Begum can return to UK to appeal citizenship removal, court rules The Court of Appeal said Begum, who is currently detained in Syria, should be allowed to return to her home country to fight the UK’s decision to revoke her British citizenship. Syria
Intel: US CENTCOM commander meets with head of Syria’s Kurdish forces The head of Syria’s Kurdish-led militias said he met today with the top commander of US forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, in northeast Syria. Syria
US military consolidates footprint in Iraq amid pressure from Baghdad The Pentagon's top general overseeing forces in the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, visited Baghdad this week amid a reshuffle of the US troop presence in the country in coordination with plans to bring in more NATO advisers. Iraq
Assyrians caught in crossfire between Turkey, PKK fighting Wars, attacks by the Islamic State, pressure from remaining militia groups and now attacks by Turkey have emptied or destroyed many Assyrian communities in northern Iraq. Iraq
Counter-Terrorism forces take greater role in Iraq Iraq’s US-trained Counter-Terrorism Services have taken on a more prominent role in operations in recent weeks under the new government. Iraq
