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Politics & Security

Syrian security forces and people gather at the site of an explosion at a cafe in the capital, Damascus, on July 2, 2026.

At least 6 killed, 22 wounded in Damascus cafe explosion: What to know

Syrian authorities have yet to identify a perpetrator in relation to the incident, and armed groups opposing the transitional government did not immediately take credit.

Latest News

Turkish jets strike al-Shabab targets in Somalia: What to know

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks during the launch of an offshore energy exploration at the port in Mogadishu on April 10, 2026.

Who is Melat Kiros, the pro-Palestinian who unseated a longtime Democrat?

Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Explainer

Turkey eases job rules for 1M+ Syrians under temporary protection: What to know

Syrian textile employees work in a textile workshop in Gaziantep, Turkey, on Jan. 30, 2025.

Amberin Zaman

Chief Correspondent

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Diplomatic Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Ezgi Akin

Associate Editor (Turkey)

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Jared Szuba

Defense and Security Correspondent

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Turkish Foreign Ministry

Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know

The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus.

RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images

Tom Barrack makes first Syria visit, raises US flag over ambassador's residence

Barrack's visit marks the most senior for the Trump administration since taking office. The envoy said the US is planning to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism listing, and floated a "non-aggression agreement" with Israel.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan meets with United States special envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.

Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know

The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday.

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff delivers remarks during the swearing in ceremony for interim US Attorney for Washington, Jeanine Pirro, in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025 in Washington.

Trump envoy optimistic about Gaza ceasefire as US prepares new terms

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he had "good feelings" about prospects for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey's Erdogan angles to retain power despite denying plans for third term

As Turkey's president touts democratic reform, critics say he’s laying the groundwork to bypass term limits.

Amir Levy/Getty Images

UAE summons Israeli envoy over Jerusalem march, provocations

The United Arab Emirates has summoned Israel’s ambassador over recent tensions and violence in east Jerusalem, marking the first such diplomatic protest by the Gulf state since 2022.

United Arab Emirates

Airport employees stand next to a destroyed plane at the Sanaa International Airport on May 7, 2025, a day after Israel's military warplanes struck Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa.

Israel strikes Yemen airport, claims Houthis' last plane destroyed

In response to several missile attacks by the Houthis, the Israeli military struck Yemen's international airport in Sanaa on Wednesday morning.

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq (R) officially welcomes Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian at Muscat's Al Alam Palace, on May 27, 2025.

Analysis

Iran's delegations visit Oman, Russia as 'temporary' nuclear deal floated

With US-Iran nuclear talks stalled over nonnegotiable red lines, Tehran is ramping up diplomacy — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Oman and Security Chief Ali Akbar Ahmadian arrived in Russia — to push for a deal on its own terms.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Cholera patients are treated at a clinic in Sudan's Red Sea State on September 25, 2024.

Cholera outbreak in war-torn Sudan kills 172, infects over 2,700: What to know

Cholera cases are surging in war-torn Sudan, where an overwhelmed health system is struggling to respond amid a civil war that has devastated infrastructure and displaced millions.

MARTIN BERTRAND/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

Exclusive

EU could partially suspend Israel's association agreement within weeks: Sources

European diplomats told Al-Monitor that in view of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Commission is expected to present options to member states for pressuring Israel on the issue.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (2R), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2L) and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak (R) attend the Turkiye-US-Ukraine Trilateral meeting as Ukrainian, American and Russian delegates meet for peace talks at the office of Turkish President in Dolmabahce Palace on May 16, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey’s Fidan in Russia as Trump accuses Putin of ‘needless’ killing in Ukraine

The top Turkish diplomat’s Moscow visit follows Istanbul peace talks and the US president's rare criticism of the Russian leader.

A truck carrying humanitarian aid drives through the Kerem Shalom crossing between southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 22, 2025

US-backed aid group begins controversial relief operation in Gaza

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has faced controversy since its establishment over its plan to deliver aid to Gazans through a limited number of distribution points, without the involvement of UN agencies.