Amid coronavirus concerns, some US-funded aid work paused in northeast Syria

The United States intends to focus more on stabilizing Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah provinces as it suspends humanitarian operations in northeast Syria due to COVID-19.

Syria

How the pandemic, plummeting oil prices could reshape Middle East

COVID-19 will weaken fragile states, raising risk of failure but creating openings for diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia

Assyrian new year canceled in Syria amid fear of coronavirus outbreak

Syriac and Assyrian authorities suspended New Year festivities and called on people not to gather for celebrations.

Syria

Religious authorities across Syria join fight against the coronavirus

Most religious authorities in Syria called on their constituents to abide by the government’s preventive measures aimed at containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Syria

Syrian students turn to e-learning amid pandemic

The opposition-led government in Syria has activated distance learning for students in the areas under its control to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools and universities, though some students aren't able to benefit from the program.

Syria

Intel: What’s next for Russia-Turkey cooperation after Erdogan, Putin call?

On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss potential cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the next steps in joint efforts in Syria as well as the developments in Libya.

Syria

Families of Americans detained abroad want more US government attention, study finds

An analysis of US hostage policy found that efforts to free Americans wrongfully detained abroad are hampered by unclear policies and confusion.

Lebanon

Putin sees opportunity in Syria's COVID-19 crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the dispatch of medical assistance to help Syria combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, but his real objective is far from altruistic.

Syria

Syrian Kurds hunker down amid fears of COVID-19

Most people in northeastern Syria seem to be obeying a lockdown imposed by the Kurdish autonomous administration to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but many are wondering how they will survive financially.

Syria

Is COVID-19 changing Astana allies' dynamics in Syria?

The coronavirus outbreak in Syria may give Russia an opportunity to limit the Iranian presence.

Syria

Syrian Kurds say no escapees after IS prison revolt

Kurdish forces have put down a prison revolt in northeast Syria, where Islamic State detainees were apparently protesting their conditions, likely in fear of the coronavirus pandemic.

Syria

Many in northern Syria live off rubbish dumps

Years of war pushed many people to the brink of poverty, leading children and women to beg for money or search through garbage in order to make ends meet.

Syria