New deal reduces Russia’s military presence in Syria: What to know Under a deal announced by Syria, Russia’s military facilities would be turned into joint training centers. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Russia reach deal on Russian bases Iran says no reason to fear Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi security pact; Yemeni military reports 7 killed in Houthi attack; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign defense pact Houthi attacks kill 58 Yemeni government troops; Syria says bomb near Damascus wounds 14; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syria's Shibani updates Turkey on Kurds' integration, slams Israel during Ankara visit The visit highlighted Ankara's growing influence in post-Assad Syria, with the two neighbors expanding strategic coordination on security and regional affairs. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Cargo ship attack near Hormuz clouds US-Iran diplomacy By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Why Assad may be helping Islamic State’s offensive The latest regime airstrikes against rebels in Aleppo’s northern countryside seem to benefit the Islamic State, but also help the Syrian government divide its enemies. Syria
How Morocco plans to contain its Salafists Several prominent Salafists in Morocco have surprised the nation by joining mainstream political parties. Syria
Saudis' war effort struggles on three fronts The two contenders to the Saudi throne need signs of impending victory in their battles against the Houthis to secure their legitimacy to lead. Legacy: Gulf
Captured fighter details Islamic State's Turkey connection A Turkish citizen who joined the Islamic State in September and was captured in early June by Syrian Kurds explained IS' induction process with chilling clarity in a video shared exclusively with Al-Monitor. Syria
Will Israel reach out to Syrian Druze? Israel fears getting entangled in the Syrian civil war, but might find it difficult to categorically refuse to help the Syrian Druze community. Israel
Erdogan fears fall of Syria's Tell Abyad Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is angry with the joint Kurdish-Arab operation to get the Islamic State out of Tell Abyad. Syria
Senate to wrap up defense bill A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 15. Iraq
Will AKP's losses spark Turkish re-think on Syria? The ruling Justice and Development Party lost Kurdish support over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Syria policies; Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus to reassure Middle East Christian communities. Iraq
The Islamic State's scorched earth policy in Kobani Since the Islamic State was defeated in Kobani in January, the group has been setting ablaze the crops of the residents there. Syria
Artists help Syrian refugee women tell their stories Several artists have developed projects to highlight the lives of Syrian women in refugee camps, moving beyond the image of victimhood, as they are largely portrayed in the media. Lebanon
IS advances in northern Aleppo The towns and villages of northern Aleppo’s countryside have been witnessing heavy clashes between the Islamic State and rebel factions, while Syrian regime aircraft have bombed several sites, thus suggesting cooperation between the regime and IS. Syria
Former Iran ambassador: Saudis must accept Houthis In an interview with Al-Monitor, Seyed Ali Asghar Ghoreishi, former Iranian ambassador to Yemen, discussed the nature of Iran's support for the Houthis, elements necessary to end the fighting in Yemen and the possibility of extremist groups seizing large sections of territory in Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
