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
Eastern patriarchs meet in Damascus The Eastern patriarchs met in Damascus on June 8 to discuss the Christians’ situation in the region, following coordinating efforts between Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and the Vatican, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X Yazigi and Moscow. Lebanon
IS growing in numbers, money The Islamic State is gaining in influence while those opposing it search in vain for ways to counter the extremist organization. Saudi Arabia
Defense bill could keep sanctions pressure on Iran A look at the Middle East issues Congress will be addressing the week of June 8. Qatar
Will voters reject Turkey’s ‘precious loneliness’? Parliamentary elections on June 7 could signal a shift in Turkey’s foreign policy; Islamic State’s radicalization campaign extends to Iraqi Kurdistan; Iran not backing down in Syria; Soleimani promises "surprise" in battle against Islamic State. Iraq
Hezbollah's media machine changes gears The media has always been a focus for Hezbollah, but the group has recently changed its message. Lebanon
The 'Caliphate Cubs' of IS According to witnesses, the Islamic State has been recruiting children in Iraq and Syria and enrolling them in special training camps. Iraq
Why did Iran's Reformists shift on support for Syria? After having initially supported protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, some Iranian Reformists have changed their positions and now openly back Assad's fight against the Islamic State. Syria
Russia mulls strategy to solve Syrian conflict Moscow continues to see the Syrian president as an important ally in the struggle against extremists, and its support for an inclusive national dialogue prompted the Russian Foreign Ministry to host two inter-Syrian consultative meetings that appear to have played a positive role. Syria
Foreign, local workers at odds in Jordan's labor market The unemployment rate among Jordanians is increasing, as Syrian refugees in Jordan are willing to work for longer hours and lower wages. Jordan
Israel fears breakup of Syria Israeli experts are cautious about predicting events in Syria, but concede that despite losses by Hezbollah there, the organization might attack Israel unexpectedly from the Lebanese border. Israel
Erdogan: Journalist will pay 'heavy price' The Turkish president is furious with the editor of Cumhuriyet for publishing photos of the contents of the infamous MIT trucks stopped en route to Syria, but even more outraged that his policy of intimidation is failing to silence media criticism. Syria
Congress deals blow to IS looting in Syria The House passed legislation that would make it illegal to import stolen artifacts. Iraq
