Russia names Dmitry Dogadkin new ambassador to Syria amid thaw: What to know The appointment of the new ambassador, who previously served as Russia’s envoy to Qatar, comes as Moscow recalibrates its ties with the new Syrian authorities to maintain its strategic foothold in the Mediterranean country. Syria
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
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
Humanitarian disaster looms over Idlib as raids escalate Rights and aid organizations in the Syrian province of Idlib are warning of the humanitarian disaster that could follow an imminent regime offensive on the last rebel-held territory. Syria
Residential complex to house 1,500 families in Euphrates Shield area With the support of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, the local council of al-Bab in the northeastern Aleppo countryside is building 1,500 residential units to accommodate families that have been displaced from eastern Ghouta. Syria
Four years after genocide, thousands of Yazidis languish in Turkey Displaced Yazidis who fled from IS' brutality to Turkey have been languishing in camps and tenements for years, hoping to reach the West. Their departure threatens the survival of one of the Middle East’s oldest religions. Iraq
Russian, Turkish officials meet, keep low profile on Idlib ideas Moscow and Ankara seem to share some common goals regarding Syria, but don't necessarily agree on how to reach them. Syria
Assad’s advances heighten Iran-Russia rift in Syria As the regime gains ground in Syria, the divergence of Iranian and Russian interests there becomes more apparent. Syria
Syrian regime forces seize Suwayda desert After eight days of fighting, the Syrian regime forces, with the help of opposition factions, managed to seize the Suwayda desert following the eviction of the Islamic State organization. Syria
Turkey wants its share of Syria’s reconstruction Turkey is bargaining with Russia for the reconstruction of Aleppo and to promote field projects in order to get a share in the reconstruction efforts of the war-torn country. Syria
Hezbollah's role evolving in Syria as Assad nears victory As the forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad move in on the last major rebel stronghold, speculation is turning to what the future might hold for Hezbollah in Syria. Israel
Iran readjusts its Syria strategy amid Russia’s changing role Having achieved military victory in the key southwestern region of Syria, Iran is actively maneuvering to redefine its approach to securing its aims in the war-torn country. Israel
Idlib locals worry as regime offensive looms Syrian officials’ statements about the coming battle for Idlib are alarming the residents of the rebel-held province. Syria
Turkey’s time running out in Idlib Syrian Kurds could be a wild card in a possible showdown between Damascus and Ankara; Russia keeps the peace, for now, on the Israel-Syria border; Israel may have opened a new front of secret assassinations; the political economy of Iran’s protests. Israel
Syrian rebel groups help fighters earn high school diplomas The Levant Front, an affiliate of the Free Syrian Army, built an institute and is helping members whose educations were interrupted by the war start focusing on their futures by returning to school. Syria