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
Turkey's Erdogan eggs on Syria's Arab tribes against US-backed Kurds Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria "poses a threat to its national security." Syria
Jordan downs drone carrying drugs from Syria in 9th incident this year The incident is the ninth this year as Jordan battles increasing drug smuggling attempts from neighboring Syria. Jordan
Syria’s Assad abolishes notorious military field courts Thousands of civilians are believed to have been executed after being tried at these courts. Syria
Syria’s Kurds struggle to contain backlash after detaining allied Arab militia leader Kurdish-led forces guarding Syria’s Islamic State prisons have been on high alert amid spreading clashes in Deir Ezzor province. Syria
Syria: clashes in Damascus countryside with Maher Assad brigade leave 5 dead The residents of Zakia town had been raising anti-regime banners, and a man was killed by local militias affiliated with Maher al-Assad’s Fourth Division this week. Syria
Will Syria’s Assad resort to violence as Suwayda protests grow? No longer neutral, Suwayda province's Druze minority now demand the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Turkey’s Fidan to visit Russia as Ukraine's grain deal, Syria talks stall Ankara’s efforts to revive the Black Sea grain deal and stalled high level talks between Ankara and Damascus are expected to be high on the agenda of the talks between top Russian and Turkish diplomats. Turkey
Suspected Israeli airstrikes knock Syria’s Aleppo airport out of service The attack is one of several suspected Israeli strikes against Syrian airports this year. Syria
Syria protests enter second week, activists close Baath headquarters The protests now calling for the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule were initially prompted by the government's decision to cut fuel subsidies. Syria
US lawmakers make unannounced trip to northwest Syria The three Republican lawmakers visited a school for displaced children during their short visit. Syria
Analysis Normalizing Assad won’t solve Syrian refugee crisis Even restoring the country to the pre-war status quo is unlikely to entice many refugees to return. By Nadia Almasalkhi , Shelly Culbertson
Russian airstrikes target Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria The al-Qaeda offshoot is focused on defending its territory from Russian-backed Syrian government forces, but it has also clashed with the Islamic State recently. Syria
