Beneath tough exterior, Putin may be ready to deal on Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to hold all the cards in the region, but is Moscow ready to show its hand?

Syria

Russia, Iran in tug of war over Syria military reform

Moscow and Tehran have disparate views on how the Syrian military should be reformed.

Syria

Distrust of SDF, unclear future divide Syrian tribal massacre area

Al-Monitor traveled to the Shaitat area of Deir ez-Zor, scene of a 2014 massacre in which up to 1,000 mostly men and boys were killed within a few weeks after the tribe rose up against the Islamic State, to understand how the people there are dealing with the Kurdish-led SDF.

Syria

US Syria envoy says ‘no role’ for Europe in proposed safe zone

The United States has a “general” deal in place to establish a safe zone in northeastern Syria, the Trump administration’s top Syria policy official said, but the effort will not include European countries.

Syria

Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face?

Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions.

Syria

Syrian farmers suffer as Kurds' crops set ablaze

Kurdish authorities in eastern Syria say politically motivated arsonists are setting fire to agricultural lands, destroying thousands of acres of farmers' crops.

Syria

What is Russia's strategy in Idlib?

Russia is playing the long game with Turkey in the battle for the Syrian provence of Idlib.

Syria

Syria's territorial divisions complicate reconstruction

Russia's efforts toward the reconstruction of Syria are hindered by the inherent challenges in the territorial fragmentation of the country.

Syria

Why Turkey is closing down Syrian refugee camps

The Turkish government has been systematically closing down Syrian refugee camps, citing high costs and integration problems, but are those the real reasons?

Syria

Turkey squashed by Idlib pressure

Despite the usual bluster in his traditional Ramadan address, Turkey's president said not a word about the destruction in Syria's Idlib, where Ankara's balance is wobbling.

Syria

US investigates claims that Syria used chlorine gas again

Syria is accused of shelling the opposition-controlled ​​Kabana area in northern Latakia with chlorine gas after failing to advance in the area.

Syria

How Russia defends its Syrian air base from attacks

Russia has been using attacks on its air base in Khmeimim as a leverage in talks with Turkey over Idlib, but has also taken some practical steps to counter the assaults.

Syria