Analysis How militias in Anbar could complicate Iraq’s energy ambitions Securing western Anbar is emerging as a key test of Iraq’s ability to curb armed factions, attract foreign investment and unlock the province’s vast energy potential. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Exclusive How Syrian Air is braving regional turbulence to rise from the ashes In an interview with Al-Monitor, CEO Anwar Akkad lays out his ambitious plans to expand the carrier’s fleet, destinations and role in reconnecting Syria to the world. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Can Netanyahu turn Israel's UN isolation into strength at home? The absence of a Trump meeting would have been awkward for Netanyahu, who has long portrayed himself to Israeli voters as uniquely close to the US president. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
UAE's Gargash expects 'prolonged' war, calls for Iran-Gulf security talks "We need a new mindset that these sort of discussions ... can happen at an Iranian-American level, it should also take place at an Iranian-Arab level," Gargash told Al-Monitor. United Arab Emirates
Turkey's Erdogan eggs on Syria's Arab tribes against US-backed Kurds Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria "poses a threat to its national security." Syria
Jordan downs drone carrying drugs from Syria in 9th incident this year The incident is the ninth this year as Jordan battles increasing drug smuggling attempts from neighboring Syria. Jordan
Syria’s Assad abolishes notorious military field courts Thousands of civilians are believed to have been executed after being tried at these courts. Syria
Syria’s Kurds struggle to contain backlash after detaining allied Arab militia leader Kurdish-led forces guarding Syria’s Islamic State prisons have been on high alert amid spreading clashes in Deir Ezzor province. Syria
Syria: clashes in Damascus countryside with Maher Assad brigade leave 5 dead The residents of Zakia town had been raising anti-regime banners, and a man was killed by local militias affiliated with Maher al-Assad’s Fourth Division this week. Syria
Will Syria’s Assad resort to violence as Suwayda protests grow? No longer neutral, Suwayda province's Druze minority now demand the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Turkey’s Fidan to visit Russia as Ukraine's grain deal, Syria talks stall Ankara’s efforts to revive the Black Sea grain deal and stalled high level talks between Ankara and Damascus are expected to be high on the agenda of the talks between top Russian and Turkish diplomats. Turkey
Suspected Israeli airstrikes knock Syria’s Aleppo airport out of service The attack is one of several suspected Israeli strikes against Syrian airports this year. Syria
Syria protests enter second week, activists close Baath headquarters The protests now calling for the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule were initially prompted by the government's decision to cut fuel subsidies. Syria
US lawmakers make unannounced trip to northwest Syria The three Republican lawmakers visited a school for displaced children during their short visit. Syria
Prigozhin’s death spells end of Wagner, but Russia won't abandon its missions With the Wagner Group's top leadership reportedly dead in a likely assassination, Moscow is continuing to quietly replace the private mercenary outfit in its overseas operations. Syria
Protests in southern Syria gain momentum, spread to Aleppo Anti-government protests in government-held areas have been driven by a fuel price hike on top of the generally dismal economic situation in war-torn Syria. Syria