Framework text: US, Russia reach deal to remove Syria chemical arms

After three days of negotiations in Geneva, the US and Russia have reached an agreement which requires Syria to declare all of its chemical weapons sites within seven days and submit to the removal and destruction of its chemical arms by mid-2014.

Syria

Islamic State works to win hearts, minds with bread

The Islamic State is investing heavily in social services in a bid to legitimize and consolidate its rule.

Syria

Pro-regime Syrians take risks to dodge draft

The Syrian army is continuing to conscript recruits for compulsory military service, but young men, including supporters of the regime, are avoiding conscription at the risk of arrest and imprisonment.

Syria

Islamic State urges Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Turkey's economy minister says that in addition to IS prompting Turkish businessmen to return to Iraq, trade with Israel remains unaffected despite the current crisis, and 2015 will see an increase in exports and decrease in deficit.

Iraq

Aleppo’s rebels struggle to hold on as regime, IS advance

Rebels in Aleppo say they are preparing a counterattack to recover the vital Sheikh Najjar Industrial City, which was captured by regime forces early this month.

Iraq

Hezbollah, Hamas repair political ties during breakup

The fraught relations between Hezbollah and Hamas could come to an end as Israel continues its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Palestine

Aleppo's streets empty as residents brace for siege

Rebel fighters and civilians in rebel-held east Aleppo have launched a collective initiative to combat an expected siege by government forces.

Syria

Personal appearance by Nasrallah could be target for attacks

While Hezbollah sources hint that Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah may appear in person to deliver this year's Quds Day speech, there are questions of whether he can, in light of genuine concerns for his safety.

Lebanon

Saudis see Houthi gains in Yemen as advance for Iran

Many Saudis are interpreting the Houthis’ sudden advance toward the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, as a message from Iran that it will not tolerate a Sunni Islamist advance on Baghdad.

Saudi Arabia

Gloves come off between Syrian regime, Islamic State

A deadly assault by the Islamic State on a regime-held gas field in Homs province marks a new chapter in Syria's civil war as government forces and Islamic State face off.

Iraq

Turkey’s Syrian refugee problem spirals out of control

Syrian refugees in Turkey are regularly subject to hostilities by locals, a trend Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan implies the opposition is responsible for.

Syria

Jabhat al-Nusra, IS compete for foreign fighters

Concerned that the Islamic State has an advantage in recruiting foreign jihadists with its declared Islamic caliphate, al-Qaeda’s official branch in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, has declared an Islamic emirate.

Syria