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
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham kicks Chechen jihadis out of Idlib After Hayat Tahrir al-Sham told the Chechen jihadi group Jund al-Sham it could either join its ranks or leave Idlib, the group's members evacuated their military positions in the countryside of Latakia. Syria
Idlib authorities begin restoration of historic mosque The government affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s Idlib is restoring the historic Great Mosque, which was severely damaged by Syrian government shelling. Syria
What does Saudi ban on Syrian produce mean for Assad’s government? The kingdom's decision to ban the import of produce from the government-held areas is viewed as a sign that the kingdom has not changed its position toward the Syrian government. Syria
Kurdish parties split over Russian invitation for dialogue with Syrian government Kurdish politicians in Syria split over Russia’s invitation to hold a dialogue with the Syrian government, with some accepting the invitation based on conditions, while others were skeptical about such a move. Syria
Relatives murder Syrian girl in honor killing The killing of an 18-year-old girl who refused to marry her cousin at the hands of her relatives in the countryside of Hasakah sparked anger and ignited controversy on social media. Syria
Confrontation between US, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq poses challenges for Russia While Moscow does not yet have the resources to eliminate Iranian influence in Syria, it would be in its interests to at least prevent the expansion of the activities of pro-Iranian paramilitary structures. Syria
Humanitarian crisis looms in south Syria town amid ongoing government siege With the support of Russia, Syrian government forces are besieging 11,000 Syrian families in the neighborhoods of Daraa al-Balad in southern Syria, after former Free Syrian Army fighters refused to hand over their light weapons. Syria
UN extends Syria cross-border assistance in compromise with Russia The UN Security Council agreed to a six-month cross-border aid extension, followed by another six-month extension subject to reporting from the UN secretary-general. Syria
Biden's airstrikes fail to halt cycle of militia violence in Iraq The Pentagon says it is taking a recent spate of drone and rocket attacks "deadly seriously." Syria
Russia, Iran, Turkey wrap Syria talks as border vote looms The three countries gathered in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, for the 16th round of the Astana talks aimed at resolving the decadelong war. Syria
World Food Programme sounds alarm as food prices rise in MidEast Currency depreciation and pandemic job losses in neighboring Lebanon and Syria have contributed to major food inflation in both countries. Syria
Syrian opposition organizes Arabian horse festival In the areas controlled by the Turkish-backed opposition in the countryside of Aleppo, equestrian sports are alive with the first purebred Arabian horse festival. Syria