Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy Lebanon, Israel begin 7th round of talks in Rome; Turkey calls on Russia, Ukraine to ensure Black Sea safety after drone attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iraqi Kurdish president’s meeting with Syria’s Sharaa signals shift in SDF dynamics KRG President Nechirvan Barzani’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa underscored the Kurdistan Region’s growing role in Syria’s Kurdish politics. Iraq
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran denies negotiations with US after Trump calls off strikes Pakistan’s death toll rises to 17 after suspected suicide bombing; Syria’s Sharaa meets with KRG President Barzani; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
On eighth visit, Israel’s Netanyahu seeks to repair ties with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on Iran in his Tuesday meeting with President Donald Trump, while the US leader is more likely to want to discuss Lebanon and Syria. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran says it doesn’t seek to resume negotiations with Washington By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Washington ramps up diplomatic efforts to stave off Idlib operation The new US Syria diplomatic team ramps up diplomacy as it tries to bolster Turkish and European efforts to avert assault on Idlib. Syria
Russia pushes for constitutional committee amid uncertainty over Idlib As a military campaign on Idlib looms uncertain, Russia, Turkey and Iran make progress on a constitutional committee in Geneva. Syria
Kurds step up efforts to form self-government in northeast Syria The Syrian Democratic Council is forming an autonomous-area administration in parts of northern Syria controlled by US-backed Kurds and holding talks with the Syrian regime. Syria
Turkish-supported public services flourish in Euphrates Shield area The Turkish government has helped the local council in al-Bab to set up a plant to refill propane cylinders and Jarablus to build its first central bus station. Syria
Can Erdogan intimidate Assad into backing off Idlib? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed not to "watch from the sidelines" amid news of increased arms supplies flowing from Turkey to Syrian opposition rebels. Syria
Iraqi planes land in Damascus following 7-year hiatus Iraq begins direct flights from Baghdad to Damascus after improvements in Syria's security, much to the delight of religious tourists. Iraq
Turkish-Russian 'strategic ties' fail stress test on Syria's Idlib The recent Tehran summit placed a spotlight on differences between Ankara and Moscow over Syria, leaving the Turkish president rattled. Syria
Iran eyes major role in post-war Syria via reconstruction Iranian involvement in the reconstruction of Syria offers Tehran the opportunity to cement its influence, boost its economy and forge closer ties with China. Syria
Turkish influence in Idlib takes hit as Syria talks open in Geneva Talks in Geneva between Turkey, Russia and Iran will discuss the establishment of a constitutional committee for Syria, but diplomatic efforts could be torpedoed by developments in Idlib. Syria
What to do about 10,000 al-Qaeda-linked terrorists in Idlib? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stymies Turkey’s bid for cease-fire, welcomes Syrian assault. Syria
US friends in the Middle East lose a champion in John McCain The late senator from Arizona leaves behind a legacy as one of the Senate’s last prominent proponents of US interventionism. Iraq
Why did Putin disregard his Turkish partner? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared lonely and ignored at the Tehran summit. Syria
