Syria lodges UN complaint against Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Bogota’s move marked a foreign policy shift under new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, reversing Petro-era policies that strained ties with Israel. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death Turkey’s Fidan to visit Libya; Iran’s Khamenei appoints six military commanders; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad, brother to death for war crimes Ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother Maher al-Assad were both sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes along with several other defendants. Syria
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 By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign defense pact By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
McCain calls Homs a ‘huge victory’ for Assad Senator’s comment comes as Syrian opposition leaders seek congressional allies in their bid for more weapons. Syria
Aleppo's rebel fighters disillusioned with war Rebel fighters in Aleppo look to Homs as a potential model for a cease-fire to end the war in the city. Syria
Syrian Kurd leader urges Turkey to join fight against jihadists In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim says his Democratic Union Party will not participate in Syria’s presidential elections, and questions why the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is not helping Syria’s Kurds. Iraq
Former US diplomat warns of possible 'grave mistake' in Syria Ryan Crocker, former US ambassador to Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, warns against a regime change plan that would depose the Alawite power structure in Syria and advises the Obama administration to contain the fighting by backing US regional allies, but not to intervene militarily. Syria
Turkey's Syria borders an open door for smugglers Guns, people and stolen goods move with surprising ease and regularity over a sensitive border. Syria
Turkey’s endless Syrian refugee crisis There may be a limit to Turkey’s open-door policy for Syrian refugees, one that is taxing Turkey’s economy and society. Syria
My perilous journey from Aleppo to Turkey The journey from Aleppo to the Turkish border once took 45 minutes but is now a 6.5-hour drive fraught with danger. Syria
The myth of Obama’s failure in the Middle East US diplomacy is actively engaged on all fronts in the region, while the president’s critics offer no feasible alternatives. Saudi Arabia
Hezbollah sends Israel message in Shebaa bombing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has claimed responsibility for the Shebaa Farms bombing that wounded Israeli soldiers, and Israel has filed a complaint at the United Nations, signaling that Israel understood the message. Palestine
Syrian government to intensify offensive before election After its victory in Yabrud, the Syrian regime may try to retake Aleppo, strengthening its position ahead of presidential elections scheduled for early June. Syria
Aleppo's children struggle to stay in school A first-hand report from Aleppo on local initiatives in rebel-held east Aleppo trying to keep children in school. Syria
KRG trench divides Syrian, Iraqi Kurds The ditch dug by the Kurdistan Regional Government at Rojava, separating Syrian and Iraqi Kurds, adds another layer of complexity to the regional conflict. Iraq
