Syrian Kurd commander Kobane kicks off European tour amid scrutiny from Damascus Commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces Mazlum Kobane is on a European tour and will likely meet French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris. Syria
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid Trump’s proposal faces resistance from Damascus, skepticism from experts and opposition across Lebanon’s political spectrum. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
'Let Syria take care of Hezbollah': Trump criticizes Israel, leans on Sharaa to help in Lebanon President Donald Trump insisted he has a great relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but criticized the scale of Israel’s strikes in Lebanon. Syria
Analysis Erdogan-Netanyahu war of words signals deeper rivalry for regional influence The latest Erdogan-Netanyahu clash underscored how Turkey-Israel tensions have grown beyond the Palestinian issue and into a wider regional rivalry spanning Syria, Lebanon, Iran and the eastern Mediterranean. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Interview Top Syrian Kurdish official slams parliamentary vote in northeast as 'undemocratic' Foza Yusuf Top Syrian Kurdish official
UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen steps down after six years Pedersen is leaving as Syria continues to grapple with political upheaval, humanitarian crises and ongoing conflict. Syria
In first visit in 25 years, Syrian FM pushes sanctions relief in Washington Asaad al-Shibani’s visit to Washington comes as Syria seeks sanctions relief and engages in US-mediated talks with Israel on a security agreement. Syria
Turkey’s spy chief in Damascus as Israel, Syria weigh new security map Ibrahim Kalin’s visit comes as Israel presses Syria on a buffer zone plan and Turkey frets over Kurdish autonomy. Turkey
Syria, Jordan, US unveil road map to stabilize Suwayda after clashes: What to know The news comes along with reports that Syria has withdrawn heavy weaponry from the south, seemingly complying with Israel's demands for a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. Syria
Syria holds first post‑Assad parliamentary vote: What to know Syria’s first post-Assad parliamentary elections — with seats chosen by local committees rather than a public vote — spark backlash as the government postpones voting in Druze- and Kurdish-majority regions. Syria
Top US general discusses SDF integration with Sharaa in Damascus The CENTCOM commander's involvement adds heft to US diplomatic requests as lawmakers float future defense ties between Washington and Damascus. United States
Syria claims Hezbollah cell plotting attacks arrested in Damascus: What we know Syrian authorities have announced the arrest of a Hezbollah cell in Damascus. Syria
Russia sends second Syria delegation since Assad’s fall to safeguard military interests Russia has been engaged with Syria’s new authorities as it seeks to maintain its presence and role in the region after the fall of its long-time ally, President Bashar al-Assad, last year. Syria
As youth unemployment nears 50%, can conscription ease Jordan's economic woes? Jordan is reinstating mandatory military service for young men to address rising youth unemployment, promote national identity, and counter domestic and regional security threats. Jordan
Exclusive UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds Gulfsands Managing Director John Bell outlines his company’s plans and Syria’s energy prospects in an exclusive interview. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
Syria exports first oil in 14 years after sanctions lifted: What to know The shipment marks a major step forward for Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war for 14 years and under Western sanctions for more than four decades. Syria
