Analysis Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Interview Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible The SDF commander-in-chief reflected on a fragile integration deal with Damascus, growing Kurdish backlash and ongoing talks with Turkey as questions mount over Rojava’s political future. Mazloum Kobane SDF commander in chief
Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Ghalibaf: US must accept Tehran proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Iran doubts US goals in Syria talks Iran's deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said Iran will decide whether to participate in the next round of Vienna II talks on Syria after reviewing whether the United States is working behind the scenes to push its own agenda. Saudi Arabia
Kurdish infighting complicates Sinjar offensive In the wake of a massive assault on the Islamic State for the city of Sinjar, Iraq, there is speculation about how disagreements among Kurdish factions will play out. Iraq
Lebanon continues to struggle under weight of Syrian refugee crisis Lebanon is struggling to cope with the Syrian displacement crisis amid weak international action. Lebanon
Has Syria been a military success for Iran? Iran was willing to negotiate its nuclear situation with world powers, but it wants everyone to know it is far from ready to abandon its strategic interests in the region. Syria
'Under 50' Iranians killed in Syria An Iranian security official has addressed several hot-button topics in the media, including the implementation of the nuclear deal and the rising Iranian death toll in Syria. Saudi Arabia
Despite ongoing war, is trade between Turkey, Syria rebounding? As the number of Syrian companies set up in Turkey increases, the trade between the two countries is returning to prewar levels. Syria
Will G-20 summit improve Erdogan’s international image? Europe’s need for Turkey’s cooperation in the refugee crisis is forcing EU leaders to moderate their tone against Erdogan’s undemocratic ways. Syria
Kurds in postelection Turkey: Silver lining or tough times? The Kurdish peace process, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once described as frozen but not dead, is not likely to thaw soon. Syria
Why Iran and Russia aren't as closely aligned on Syria as you might think Despite the shared short-term goals that have currently united them on Syria, Iran and Russia's differences over Syria's future are bound to lead them into conflict. Syria
Is Erdogan waging a war of choice against the PKK? Erdogan and the AKP win by emphasizing the threat from Kurdish terrorism; Palestinian martyrs on the rise with intifada violence; Al-Monitor backs UNICEF education program for Syrian children. Palestine
Russian involvement in Syria brings about another siege for Aleppo The second siege of Aleppo was more than the sad tale of a once-proud Syrian city. Syria
Syria's 'moderate jihadis' elated by Turkish election results The Syrian opposition wants to know what kind of support it can expect from the AKP government after the AKP won solid support in the recent election. Syria