Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria restores Raqqa oil field in former ISIS stronghold: What to know Before Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, national oil production stood at between 400,000 and 500,00 barrels per day before falling to under 100,000 bpd during the conflict. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Ghalibaf: US must accept Tehran proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey's border reopening unlocks new sphere of influence in Syria Turkey reopened the Akcakale-Tell Abyad crossing on Monday, ending an 11-year closure along the Syria border. Turkey
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon French President Francois Hollande is expected to visit Lebanon on April 16 as a part of a tour in the Middle East, although the trip will not achieve a breakthrough in the presidential crisis. Saudi Arabia
Turkey plays both sides in Iran, Saudi conflict Does Turkey courting Iran and Saudi Arabia simultaneously mean Ankara is moving away from Sunni-based policies? Saudi Arabia
Keeping the Islamic State in check in Libya The international community hopes the new Libya government can bring together militias in an coordinated effort against Islamic State fighters. Iraq
Why the PKK is so interested in Mosul The PKK is looking to join the Iraqi army and the Kurdistan Regional Government to liberate Mosul. Iraq
Currency crash adds to Syrians’ woes The crash in the Syrian pound’s value against foreign currencies has resulted in higher food prices and increased demand for other currencies. Syria
The collapse of Iraq's Shiite alliance Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr co-opts popular reform movement; Erdogan’s bid for empowered presidency linked to war with PKK; Turkey feels pressure to intensify fight against Islamic State; Backlash over Egyptian government crackdown on media. Egypt
Aleppo sees cautious calm amid cease-fire The truce agreement between opposition and government forces has allowed life to return to many areas in Syria, but many residents worry that it won't last long. Syria
Syria's withering agricultural sector Five years into the raging revolution, Syria's once-flourishing agricultural system is threatened with complete collapse. Syria
Can the Islamic State be defeated without Kurds? Turkey insists Rojava's People's Protection Units must be excluded from the fight against the Islamic State on the Menbic-Jarablus front. Syria
Private collectors fuel demand for looted Mideast antiquities Archaeological experts say social dislocation and terrorism are increasing the ability of organized gangs to traffic artifacts to clients in Europe, Asia and the United States. Yemen
Syrian refugees boost Turkish economy, but for how long? Syrian refugees provided a much-needed boost to the slowing Turkish economy last year, but their contribution is not expected to last. Syria
Jordan blocks 50,000 Syrian refugees near border Jordan cites security concerns as it blocks thousands of Syrian refugees at its border and leaves them stranded in the rocky desert. Jordan
