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
Desperate to sell its oil, Iraq turns to Turkey amid standoff with Kurds As Iraq looks to reroute oil to Turkey, Baghdad is also using the plan to push the Iraqi Kurds to greenlight exports through their territory. Iraq
Exclusive Syrian Kurdish officials say 66 Turkish ISIS fighters transferred for relocation to Iraq By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Feature Syrian Kurds say US ignored pleas for help as ISIS detainees turned on them in al-Hol By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US, Turkey sanction ISIS smuggling group linked to Istanbul church attack The Treasury Department said three of the sanctioned individuals were part of a human-smuggling network operating in Turkey. Turkey
Biden’s nominee for Iraq ambassador vows to counter resurgent ISIS The career diplomat emphasized the role of economic development and good governance in combating the terrorist group. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress
Iraq recovers over 6,000 stolen historical artifacts, government says An Iraqi official says the Iraqi government’s efforts to get back historical artifacts smuggled out of the country were focused on Mosul, which was overrun by ISIS in 2014. Iraq
ISIS resurgence in Iraq sees fresh attacks, clashes after commander killed The Islamic State is suspected of killing soldiers in eastern Iraq in the latest sign of the group’s persistence. Iraq
Turkey expands ISIS crackdown, detains over 100 in a week Eight more people were detained on Monday in a raid on individuals who were allegedly planning to carry out a bomb attack. Turkey
ISIS takes advantage of Israel-Iran spiral to mount resurgence in Syria Amid the relocation of Iranian-backed forces due to Israeli and US airstrikes and the lack of coordination between the SDF and Damascus, ISIS has intensified its operations, clawing back parts of the vital highway separating Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Syria
Syria’s Kurds face ISIS threat, US indifference as Turkey destroys critical infrastructure Turkish strikes have left hundreds of thousands without water and electricity, as well as undermining security at prisons and detention centers where tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families are being held. Syria
What’s behind ISIS threat to Champions League soccer matches? The threats follow an ISIS-linked shooting in Belgium in October. The group remains particularly active in Iraq and Syria, though it no longer holds territory there. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
From Russia to Iran and Turkey: Understanding rise, narrative of ISIS-K The jihadi group has been raising its profile since the beginning of 2024 through suicide attacks in southern Iran in January and the armed attack on an Istanbul Roman Catholic church last month. Russia
Iraq says it killed prominent ISIS leader as group resurfaces The Islamic State remains active in Iraq as Baghdad and Washington discuss winding down the US presence in the country, though the group is relatively weak at present. Iraq
Amid Biden-Netanyahu split over Rafah, Pentagon leans on lessons from Iraq As the Biden administration seeks to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah, former US commanders told Al-Monitor there are key ways the Israeli military can shape an operation to protect civilians. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
