Syrian government, opposition swap 36 more prisoners

A new prisoner swap between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian government took place at al-Eiss crossing, while the Syrian opposition is looking for more exchanges in the future.

Syria

More Arab protests expected against Kurdish SDF in Syria

Al-Monitor traveled recently to Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, an area of deadly unrest between Arab civilians and Kurdish-led factions, to speak with victims' families.

Syria

Who are the heroes, hustlers and innovators of Kurdish wedding music?

In marathon-like Kurdish weddings that can last for days, local wedding singers steer their audiences between folk songs, national anthems and even techno music.

Syria

Syrians head home from Turkey for holiday

The Bab al-Salama border crossing in Aleppo’s countryside opened for Syrian refugees coming from Turkey to spend Eid al-Fitr at home with their families.

Syria

Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib?

Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress.

Jordan

Aleppo beekeepers no longer feel sting of war

Honey production, a long tradition in the Aleppo countryside, is showing signs of recovery.

Syria

Turkey squeezed between Russia, US in Syria

Turkey, pressed between Russia and the United States, is headed toward a foreign policy crash in addition to an economic one.

Syria

Congress forgoes Iran war restrictions to save anti-Assad bill

In order to assure passage of a long-stalled Syria sanctions bill, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted down legislation restricting President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran.

Syria

Idlib exposes Turkey’s weak hand against Russia

Despite the gains Turkey believes it's made through growing its relations with Russia, the two countries' priorities in Syria are anything but aligned.

Syria

SDF arrests Syrians who refuse to serve

Residents of Syria’s Raqqa governorate are protesting the conscription efforts by the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces as young men who refuse to enlist are arrested.

Syria

Russia may have designs on Iran's trade with Syria

Observers wonder whether Russia will cut into Iran's trade volume with Syria.

Syria

Afrin musician teaches region's musical heritage to children

Mostafa Bakr has opened a music school in downtown Afrin where he teaches children and adults to play the string instruments of the region, from buzuq to tanbur.

Syria