Putin, Trump follow winding path to latest Syria agreement

Logistic challenges apparently detoured a definitive Washington-Moscow statement on Syria, but haven't derailed it — so far.

Syria

Iran, Turkey have own plans for Iraq's strategic Sinjar

The Islamic State has been largely driven out of Iraq, but Turkey and Iran both remain intensely interested in certain areas.

Iraq

Is US counseling restraint to Saudi crown prince?

Saudi Arabia claims two "acts of war" in one week; Israel and Syria both back the Druze.

Saudi Arabia

Key Iraqi border town retaken amid regional power plays

With the liberation of the city of Qaim, along Iraq’s westernmost border with Syria, IS has been eliminated almost completely from Iraqi territory.

Iraq

Turkey’s misguided Middle East policy: From Syria, Iraq to the Gulf

Turkey’s misguided foreign policy has increasingly become apparent in three main spheres: Syria, Iraq and the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia

Kurds divided over blame for loss of Kirkuk

The recapture of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces in the aftermath of the independence referendum is a heavy blow for Kurds in Iran, Syria and Turkey.

Iraq

Syrian refugees in Lebanon face eviction

Eviction campaigns targeting Syrian refugees have ramped up in recent weeks across Lebanon’s municipalities while the Lebanese government turns a blind eye.

Lebanon

Syria conflict takes its toll on Golan Druze

While the Syrian war has taken quite a toll on Syrian Druze in the occupied Golan Heights, some of the Druze fear Israel could use them as a pretext for expanding cross-border military moves.

Palestine

Israel chooses sides in Syria

Israel warned that it would not tolerate attacks on the Syrian Druze town of Hader in the Golan Heights.

Israel

Digital archive preserves creative side of Syrian revolution

A project called "The Creative Memory of the Syrian Revolution" is building an online archive of artistic expression during the Syrian revolution, posting thousands of cartoons, songs, pictures and other mediums in which Syrians express resistance and hope.

Syria

Upcoming Putin, Trump talks should prove interesting

What is the agenda for the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin? Trump wants to talk North Korea, but Moscow is seeking a broader, more in-depth conversation on the Middle East.

Syria

Middle East developments rattle sidelined Ankara

Some argue that Ankara has to return to its former position of active neutrality if it is to regain lost influence in the region and contribute to stability.

Saudi Arabia