Syria opens trial of Wassim al-Assad, cousin of ousted president: What we know The trial follows another session in the case against Atef Najib, also a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian authorities continue prosecuting figures linked to the former regime and its remnants. Syria
Culture Amid political setbacks, Kurds shine at the World Cup Kurdish players and clubs are making rare global gains on football’s biggest stage, offering a brief lift amid ongoing political setbacks across the region. Turkey
Syria announces direct flights to Amsterdam as Europe links expand The head of Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport announced that after years of suspension, Syrian Airlines would restart direct services between Damascus and Amsterdam. Syria
Syria’s Sharaa says he had ‘multiple discussions’ with Trump on Lebanon, favors dialogue Syrian President Sharaa has again played down Donald Trump’s request that Syria could enter Lebanon and help disarm Hezbollah. Syria
Analysis Why Trump’s push for Syria to confront Hezbollah is an unlikely bid 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 Syria
Analysis Erdogan-Netanyahu war of words signals deeper rivalry for regional influence By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
US downs Turkish drone as Turkey bombs infrastructure in Syria’s Kurdish zone The reports came as Turkish forces pounded strategic economic installations today in the Kurdish-run zone, including oil installations and power stations. Turkey
Turkey's Fidan declares all PKK, YPG facilities in Syria, Iraq 'legitimate targets' High-level and open threats by Turkey have ramped up fears of a fresh escalation in northern Syria between Turkish forces and Syrian Kurdish groups that Ankara deems terrorists. Turkey
Turkey expands crackdown, airstrikes against PKK as Erdogan lashes out at West The Turkish Defense Ministry said 16 new targets, including caves, bunkers and warehouses in the northern Iraqi regions of Metina, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil and Assos, were destroyed in the strikes. Turkey
US captures Islamic State official in Syria as fighting renews among allies The US military said it captured a senior IS official in Syria on Saturday, as renewed fighting Monday between Kurdish-led forces and Arab tribes in Deir Ezzor raised new questions as to the open-ended nature of the US mission. Syria
In China, Syria's Assad gets political fanfare, but no funding commitments Since Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in January 2022, there have been no projects to show for it in the war-torn country. Syria
Red carpet, honor guard and flowers: Syria’s Assad receives lavish welcome in China Assad will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first visit to China since 2004, potentially turning a page in Syria-China relations as Damascus seeks reconstruction help. Syria
Al-Monitor/Semafor summit: Jordan’s King Abdullah II laments Syrian drug crisis, Iran’s regional role The monarch also addressed the refugee crisis, the importance of Israeli-Palestinian peace and other regional issues at the Al-Monitor/Semafor Middle East Global Summit. Jordan
Suspected Israeli strikes in Syria hit military sites in Tartus, Hama Several Syrian military sites were targeted in two rounds of airstrikes in Tartus and Hama, leaving at least two soldiers dead and causing material damage. Syria
US top general talks Syria, NATO with new Turkey counterpart Gen. Mark Milley's first announced call with newly appointed Turkish armed forces chief Metin Gurak follows reports that the United States is exploring alternate routes for Ukraine's grain exports. Turkey
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane acknowledges Arab grievances as tensions ease in Deir Ezzor In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish commander Mazlum Kobane discussed the recent clashes in Deir Ezzor between local tribes and Kurdish forces. Mazlum Kobane SDF commander in chief
UN mulls green Islamic bonds to fund climate change refugee projects The United Nations is reportedly interested in issuing Islamic bonds to help those displaced by climate change. Legacy: Gulf
