Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? Damascus is making limited but tangible progress in its engagement with Syrian Kurds, even as Ankara seeks to shape the terms of any settlement. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US troops depart Syria, ending decade of presence in fight against ISIS The last major American bases in Syria have been turned over to the government in Damascus, US military officials confirmed to Al-Monitor. Syria
Turkey detains 11 over ISIS-linked attack on Israeli Consulate: What to know The attack was likely designed to portray Turkey as protecting Israel by targeting the local police guarding the consulate, one observer notes. Turkey
Exclusive Syrian Kurdish officials say 66 Turkish ISIS fighters transferred for relocation to Iraq By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
After Qurayshi's death, who are Mideast's most wanted terrorists? Following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraysh, here's a look at what Middle East terrorists remain at large. Syria
Iraq tightens Syria border control after massive IS jailbreak Measures have been stepped up along the border with Syria in the now-defunct Islamic State leader’s native province to prevent hundreds of prison escapees from slipping across. Iraq
Islamic State leader’s death brings little solace to Iraq's suffering Yazidis Yazidis react to the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who played a central role in orchestrating the slaughter and trafficking of the minority group. Iraq
Women and children among residents killed in US-led Idlib raid Survivors of the attack near the town of Atmeh in Idlib described a night of terror and uncertainty, listening to the sound of helicopters and gunshots from the raid that killed IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. Syria
Islamic State leader killed in overnight US raid in Syria The operation near the Turkish border followed a deadly Islamic State prison break in Syria last month. Syria
Intel: Pentagon chief orders reform to civilian harm policies Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's initiative follows pressure from lawmakers and fruitless attempts at reform under the prior administration. Washington Pulse
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq
Iraqi parliament speaker’s home targeted amid power plays At least three rockets landed near a residence of the Iraqi parliament speaker in his native Anbar region on Tuesday as political wrangling, disappearances and threats from Iran-linked militias continue. Iraq
UK appeals court says woman in Syria unlawfully stripped of citizenship The woman, who is living in the Al-Roj camp in northeast Syria, had sought repatriation to the United Kingdom. Syria
Syria’s Kurdish-led forces regain control of Islamic State prison Some two dozen hostages were freed and more than a thousand IS detainees surrendered after a six-day firefight that left at least 200 dead. Syria
Islamic State prison break reinforces value of US military protection for Syria's Kurds ‘Cubs of Caliphate’ are among 700 boys held in Islamic State prison, as Syrian Kurdish forces keep up the battle to retake control Syria
Islamic State escalates violence across Baghdad Belt Terrorist attacks increase as Iraq continues government formation process. Iraq
