Interview US oil firm HKN aims to double output in Syria's formerly Kurdish-run fields HKN Vice President Matthew Zais tells Al-Monitor the company plans to double production at Syria’s northeastern oil fields while tackling pollution, as questions remain over the future of the Kurdish-run Jazira Oil Company. Matthew Zais HKN vice president for government affairs
Iraq's Zaidi meets Sharaa on first Syria visit: What to know Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sought to assuage concerns about his past militant activity in Iraq, whose oil trade and security cooperation with his two country is rising. Iraq
Syria slams Jordan over crossborder strikes, denies coordination: What to know Jordan said its airstrikes targeted ISIS fighters, while Syria said civilians were killed, sparking outrage. Syria
Culture Syrian women easy target in Sharaa’s drive to consolidate power Syria’s interim president is balancing Western demands for inclusion with pressure from Islamist hard-liners as he seeks to consolidate power and shed his jihadi past. Syria
Analysis What’s at stake for Turkey as Israel heads to the polls? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis How Israel’s elections could bring thaw with Syria By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Currency crisis threatens Turkey's Syria strategy Turkey’s economic turmoil might challenge Ankara's grip over opposition-held areas in Syria, where in-house rivalries among the armed factions over financial resources have escalated. Turkey
China provides grant to Syrian nonprofit The grant followed a phone conversation between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, about China's global economic initiatives and reconstruction in Syria. News Brief
Syrian jihadi group sees wave of defections in Idlib Schisms within Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are widening as its leader shifts to convey a moderate image and eliminate more radical rival groups. Syria
Syrian Airlines adds more flights to Dubai The United Arab Emirates and Syria continue to improve their relationship after years of Gulf states shunning the Assad government. News Brief
Iran expands economic reach into oil-rich region of Syria Iran exports to Syria are increasing, a sign of an improving economic relation between the two countries. Syria
Middle East sees most hostage-taking of journalists in 2021, report says Reporters Without Borders said of the 65 journalists held by nonstate actors worldwide, nearly all were abducted in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. News Brief
Intel: Final defense bill gives Congress more oversight of US Syria policy Lawmakers are grabbing the reins on the Biden administration’s dormant approach to Syria’s conflict. Syria
UK warplane shoots down 'hostile' drone near US base in Syria The latest drone incursion comes as indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran are on thin ice. Syria
Syrian airline launches flights to Pakistani city An official from Cham Wings Airlines said he hopes the flights to Karachi will help boost trade between Syria and Pakistan. News Brief
Israel focused on Syria as well as Iran A report by the Washington Post has attributed two attacks to Israel in the past year and a half against Syrian military facilities linked to its past chemical weapons program. Israel
Washington Post says Israeli air raids targeted Syrian chemical sites The newspaper reports that June 8 airstrikes in Damascus and Homs targeted military sites linked to Syria's former chemical weapons program. News Brief
Would-be Syrian refugees flown back from Belarus despite visas Belarus has given Syrians two options: cross the border into Poland or be deported. Syria
