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
Islamic State escalates operations against Syrian forces during Ramadan The Islamic State has recently stepped up its operations against the Syrian government forces and their allied militias as IS cells spread in more areas in Syria. Syria
Russia reveals deployment of nuclear-capable bombers to Syria airbase Moscow has reportedly landed Tupolev Tu-22 bombers at Syria's Hmeimim Air Base for the first time. Syria
Turkey touts assassination of top PKK militant as retribution to US The Turkish media has trumpeted the killing of a high-ranking PKK militant by Turkish security forces in northern Iraq as a reprisal of the US support of the Syrian Kurdish groups, while Turkey seems to be a major blockade before Syrian Kurds’ desire for political recognition. Turkey
Biden administration poised to ax US oil company’s waiver for Kurdish-led northeast Syria The decision to withdraw the waiver to produce and sell oil in Syria has been presented by administration officials as a policy correction, not a shift. Syria
Little-known groups target Turkish military presence in Syria Two little-known groups in northwest Syria are claiming responsibility for attacks against Turkish troops in the area, which some say may benefit al-Qaeda against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
Turkey, Russia pressure SDF to restore electricity to northeast Syria The Syrian Democratic Forces continue to cut power in the areas under the control of the Turkish-backed opposition in northeast Syria, under the pretext that Turkey is responsible for the drop in water levels in the Euphrates River. Syria
Syrian refugees’ long walk: why Amal is more than a puppet A giant puppet of a young Syrian girl will travel nearly 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) from the Turkish-Syrian border to the United Kingdom. Turkey
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham expands recruitment to all of Idlib province Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is offering young Syrians in the northwestern province of Idlib many incentives to join the militant group's ranks. Syria
Syrian government calls on Turkey to release Euphrates water The Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accuse Turkey of being behind the dramatic drop in water levels flowing into Syria, something that could spell a major economic and environmental crisis. Syria
How Syrian refugees contributed to Turkish economy Syrians have established nearly 14,000 companies in Turkey. Syria
Young Syrians flee regime areas for Turkey Dozens of young men from areas controlled by the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cross daily smuggling routes to the areas under the Syrian opposition to reach Turkey and flee to Europe to escape conscription in the Syrian army. Syria
Political, military wings of Islamist movement clash in Idlib Ahrar al-Sham, which was once one of the largest factions of the Syrian armed opposition in Idlib, has formed a new leadership council that is being perceived as a coup against the movement’s political leaders, who fear the group's integration into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria