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
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
Biden administration calls on Syria to return missing journalist Austin Tice White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the United States is committed to "following all avenues and talking to anyone" who can help return Tice, a journalist and Marine veteran who disappeared in Syria nine years ago. Syria
Syrian jihadi group in Idlib goes after gas stations Security forces affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forced gas stations to close in areas controlled by Turkish-backed factions and set up a temporary checkpoint there. Syria
How Syrian jihadi group is laundering money in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders in Idlib are investing their money in various economic sectors, as part of money laundering operations to control resources and economic activity in their areas of control. Syria
Russia's new twist in Syria policy: Restore archaeological sites Russia is restoring several archaeological sites in Syria, which many Syrians believe aims to polish the Russian presence in Syria and portray it as not a military or political presence but rather a humanitarian one. Syria
Germany detains Syrian man accused of Yarmouk grenade attack The suspect, identified only as Mouafak AI D, is charged with the murder of seven people in the Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus. Syria
Russia recalibrates coordination with new Israeli government in Syria There are indications the Kremlin is about to revise its approach to Israel in order to force the Israel Defense Forces into accepting new rules of the regional game. Russia
Intel: US-led coalition reaffirms support for prisons holding IS fighters in northeast Syria The coalition commander called the Syrian Kurdish fighters' achievements against the Islamic State "astounding" and reaffirmed international support. Syria
Iran's Revolutionary Guards dig tunnels in city of Palmyra Syrian opposition sources report that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is digging trenches in the city of Palmyra to reinforce the group's presence in the area. Syria
More women prisoners linked to Islamic State released from al-Hol camp The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces continue to empty al-Hol camp of Islamic State-affiliated Syrians. Syria
Fighting between government, rebels intensifies in Syria's Daraa The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said eight government-affiliated forces and three opposition fighters died in the clashes Thursday. Syria