Syria Conflict

First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know

Syria's new government faces the daunting task of rebuilding an economy shattered by war and burdened with debt, ongoing sanctions and reconstruction costs.

Syria

Feature

Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power

A reopened nightclub in Raqqa spotlights the uneasy balance Syria’s new Islamist-led government is striking between ideology and public life.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Fragile optimism over Turkey-Israel deconfliction talks in Syria: What to know

As Turkey and Israel seek a better understanding of each other’s positions in Syria, deconfliction talks aim to prevent clashes but offer little hope for broader reconciliation.

By Ezgi Akin , Rina Bassist , Jared Szuba

Analysis

With Sharaa's visit, UAE opens door to post-Assad Syria, but how far will it go?

Does renewed contact between the United Arab Emirates and Syria signal a deeper political alignment or a cautious attempt to manage regional dynamics without fully endorsing the new Syrian order?

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Exclusive

Syria's Kurds say Trump aid cuts are feeding radicalism in ISIS camps

In an interview at Syria’s Roj camp, the head of intelligence for the Women’s Protection Units warns that US funding cuts are fueling a resurgence of ISIS ideology among detained women and children, deepening an already volatile security crisis.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

US weighs plans to slash troop presence in Syria by more than half

Fewer than 1,000 US troops could remain in the country in order to retain limited oversight of ISIS prisons controlled by Kurdish-led forces across the country’s northeast, according to officials briefed on the latest plans.

Syria

Analysis

Can Trump prevent Israel, Turkey from clashing in Syria?

Seeing opportunity in a new nuclear deal with Iran and eager to avoid entanglement in Syria, Trump appears to finally be making moves toward Middle East engagement. But don't call it a policy yet.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Fidan says Turkey-Israel deconfliction talks over Syria underway: What to know

As the two countries have initiated deconfliction talks, Israel sets a red line on military deployments near Palmyra.

Turkey

Feature

Syrian Jews urge US sanctions relief to revive ancient community

For Syria's Jewish diaspora, the country's economic crisis stands in the way of restoring their ancient heritage.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Analysis

Israel expanding Syria operations: Buffer zone or open-ended campaign?

Syria's options for responding to Israeli military's actions are limited as the war-torn country seeks international acceptance, according to experts.

By Adam Lucente

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

Analysis

​​Turkey's defense strategy in Syria: Stability, not confrontation with Israel

Turkey's military presence in Syria is focused on territorial integrity and regional security, which could align with long-term Israeli interests despite tensions between Turkey and Israel.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

As Israel pummels Syria, can it avoid collision course with Turkey?

Israel is concerned not only about the intentions of the new Syrian regime, but also about Turkey's growing presence and influence in the region.

By Ben Caspit

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