Syria’s Reconciliation Minister: Turkish Role in Syria 'Very Bad'

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor from his office in Damascus, Ali Haidar, Syria's minister of national reconciliation, said that President Assad’s Jan. 6 speech constitutes "a step forward toward solving the crisis” and that Turkey's “role is based upon a sectarian position, and they are supporting some of the Syrian people at the expense of others.”

Syria

Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Try to Keep Hope

Nasser Chararah reports on a young Syrian couple in Beirut who have fled from the conflict in Syria and, despite the tough conditions, maintain optimism that they will one day return.

Lebanon

Salafists Vow to Fight Until There Is 'Islamic State in Syria'

In a rare interview, an Ahrar al-Shams fighter tells Al-Monitor that the goal of his Salafi group is to establish an Islamic state in Syria and that "We will not let go until we achieve our goal." He explained that most of his comrades “don’t know anything” about the external Syrian opposition, and that he believes Turkey is profiting from the war.

Syria

Iraqi Border Closures Affect Commerce in Sunni Regions

Iraq's decision to close border crossings in Sunni regions bordering Syria may be primarily for security, but it is also taking an economic toll, writes Omar al-Shaher.

Iraq

Syrian Silent Majority Demands'Transition to Rationality'

Syrians are voicing their desire for a new civil society based on rationality, negotiation and compromise, writes Geoffrey Aronson.

Syria

Assad's Speech and the Syrian Political Solution

Sami Moubayed analyzes prospects for a political solution in Syria following the speech by President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Displaced Syrians in Lebanon 'Beyond Our Control'

As the conflict in Syria intensifies, Elie Hajj speaks to an opposition activist in Beirut about the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon.

Lebanon

Russia Still Key to Syrian Transition

Fyodor Lukyanov analyzes Russia's role in a political transition in Syria, including President Assad’s proposal for dialogue with moderate opposition leaders.

Syria

Armed Syrian Opposition Enables Assad's Hold on Power

Tulin Daloglu reports on how the armed opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hindered efforts for a political solution in Syria. 

Syria

Syrian Refugee Wave Washes Over Egypt

The Syrian refugee crisis has spilled over into countries farther from the fighting, as tens of thousands seek refuge in Egypt and other North African countries, Ben Gittleson reports from Cairo.

Egypt

Assad Speech Reportedly to Propose Settlement Initiative for Syria

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad reportedly will soon, in coming days, offer a new proposal to resolve the crisis in Syria, writes Jean Aziz.

Lebanon

Turkey's Sectarian War With Iran Over Syria and Iraq

Semih Idiz examines the evolution of the sectarian conflict between Turkey and Iran over Iraq and Syria.

Syria