Analysis How militias in Anbar could complicate Iraq’s energy ambitions Securing western Anbar is emerging as a key test of Iraq’s ability to curb armed factions, attract foreign investment and unlock the province’s vast energy potential. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Exclusive How Syrian Air is braving regional turbulence to rise from the ashes In an interview with Al-Monitor, CEO Anwar Akkad lays out his ambitious plans to expand the carrier’s fleet, destinations and role in reconnecting Syria to the world. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? The absence of a Trump meeting would have been awkward for Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself to Israeli voters as uniquely close to the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks "We need a new mindset that these sort of discussions ... can happen at an Iranian-American level, it should also take place at an Iranian-Arab level," Gargash told Al-Monitor. United Arab Emirates
Turkey forcibly deports dozens of Syrians Turkish authorities have deported about 150 Syrians, even though most had official papers to reside in Turkey, including university students studying at Turkish universities. Syria
Idlib's displaced traumatized by operation that killed IS leader Residents of the displacement camps near the site of the recent US operation that killed IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi are still terrified of not only a possible return by the Islamic State, but also by the US-led coalition. Syria
Three takeaways from US raid that led to the death of IS's Hajji Abdullah IS launched its deadliest attack in years just two weeks before Abdullah Qardash was killed during a US special forces raid in Syria. Syria
The death of ISIS’s ‘Hajji Abdullah’: Views from Idlib, Iraq and more Erdogan’s mediation bid in Ukraine; Tartars in spotlight. Syria
After Qurayshi's death, who are Mideast's most wanted terrorists? Following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraysh, here's a look at what Middle East terrorists remain at large. Syria
Women and children among residents killed in US-led Idlib raid Survivors of the attack near the town of Atmeh in Idlib described a night of terror and uncertainty, listening to the sound of helicopters and gunshots from the raid that killed IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. Syria
Islamic State leader killed in overnight US raid in Syria The operation near the Turkish border followed a deadly Islamic State prison break in Syria last month. Syria
Blizzard overwhelms displaced in northwest Syria A blizzard has destroyed hundreds of tents in the camps of northwest Syria, where thousands of displaced residents live without heat or medical services. Syria
Low-cost internet services reach Syria's al-Bab Internet access in the countryside of Aleppo are rapidly expanding thanks to private companies and intense competition. Syria
Turkish-backed rebels step up attacks on Islamic State in north Syria The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army is cracking down on the Islamic State cells, amid an uptick in suicide attacks in north Syria. Syria
Fighting resumes at Islamic State prison in Syria Syria's Kurdish-led alliance had declared the prison secure yesterday. Syria
How Russian moves in Syria are linked to Moscow's Ukraine strategy Large-scale exercises in the Mediterranean are meant both to increase capabilities in Syria and to send a message to NATO. Russia