Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them Israeli officials remain skeptical of Turkish and Syrian denials over Ankara’s military ambitions in Syria, warning that a deeper Turkish foothold could threaten Israel’s security and strain its ties with Washington. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey signals restraint as war of words with Israel escalates over Syria The Turkish president’s top communications aide says Ankara will not be drawn into the Israeli government's “games” as Washington pushes a Turkey-Israel-Syria deconfliction mechanism. Turkey
Syria’s FM pays Pakistan first visit in 19 years amid new regional alignments Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is paying his office's first visit to Pakistan in nearly two decades after Islamabad, Ankara and Riyadh signed a joint defense pact. Syria
Turkey looks to expand Syria energy footprint into oil, gas Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said state oil giant TPAO and private companies are ready to explore for oil and gas onshore and offshore in Syria. Turkey
Syria announces capture of senior ISIS official near Manbij: What to know By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
What we know about Israeli strikes on Syrian air base tied to Turkey By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Syrian refugees recount harassment, abuse in Turkey Syrian refugees in Turkey are living in constant fear among rising attacks, while the Turkish government increases restrictions on them. Syria
Syrian Kurds, Arabs join forces to defend Manbij ahead of Turkish military operation The Syrian Democratic Forces are seeking Arab tribes’ support in Manbij, northeast of Aleppo, ahead of the anticipated Turkish military operation in northern Syria. Syria
Why are Turkey’s allies fighting each other in Syria? Turkey’s handling of recent clashes between allied groups in Syria has called its intention into question, with some arguing that the jihadi outfit controlling Idlib has gained a foothold in Afrin by using a Turkish-linked group as a Trojan horse. Syria
NATO blinks as Turkey maintains threats to block Sweden, Finland from alliance Turkey's strategy in blocking Sweden's and Finland’s NATO memberships could soon start to pay off. Turkey
Analysis UN: Majority of Syrian refugees don't plan to go home within year Most Syrian refugees in the Middle East do not plan to return to Syria in the near future. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Egypt-Lebanon gas deal awaits US decision on Syria sanctions A State Department spokesperson said the administration will review the final contracts and financing terms to address any sanctions concerns. Lebanon
Idlib sees new escalation between Syrian government, opposition forces Government forces escalated tensions on the battlefronts in Idlib in response to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham targeting the town of Kassab in the Latakia countryside after installing a statue of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Syria
Russia, Iran won't endorse Turkish military operation in Syria At the latest Astana Group meeting on Syria, Russia and Iran tried to soothe Turkey by rejecting the Kurdish-led self-rule in northern Syria in a joint declaration this week. Russia
Kurdish, Syrian, Iranian forces coordinate ahead of Turkish operation Kurdish units and Iranian-affiliated factions in Syria have formed a joint operations room under Russian supervision to counter a possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria. Syria
Senior Islamic State leader detained in US raid in Syria A senior IS leader was detained by US-led forces during a pre-dawn raid in northern Syria on Thursday. Syria
Israel puts Syria on notice over Iran According to foreign reports, Israel is increasing its offensive activities in Syria against Iran-related targets. Israel
Turkish-backed factions form military councils in north Syria ahead of possible Turkish operation The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions are getting ready to manage Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the countryside of Aleppo after expelling the Kurdish forces following an expected Turkish military operation. Syria
