From UK to Jordan: Delegations pour into Damascus, meet Syria's al-Sharaa

Officials from the Arab world, Turkey, the US and Europe have sent delegations to Syria since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Turkey’s Erdogan says end near for PKK, Syrian offshoots

The Turkish president's remarks come amid growing speculation of an imminent Turkish-backed rebel offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

Turkey

Analysis

Turkey in post-Assad Syria: Balancing PKK, jihadist threats & opportunities

Although pleased with the rebel takeover in Syria, Ankara wants to avoid the instability that gripped Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

China seeks to protect Syria interests, work with HTS on Uyghur 'threats'

With a new administration in Damascus, China is revaluating its relationship with Syria and increasingly focused on rise of Islamists' threats.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Analysis

Two months on, Iran’s ‘inevitable’ retaliation against Israel stalls, fueling frustration

The Islamic Republic is facing questions about its regional strength, and ferocious criticism from its loyalists, as it rethinks a promised response to Israel's October missile attack amid massive defense setbacks and fears of a yet more devastating cycle of escalation.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Analysis

Turkey, Israel on collision course in Syria over incursions, Kurdish support

Ankara is concerned that Israel may seek to solidify its territorial gains in Syria, leveraging regional instability and pro-Israel US policies.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Al-Monitor: First stop for understanding the Middle East in 2024

…with more to come for 2025.

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Analysis

Were Israel's Yemen strikes trial run for major attack on Iran?

Some analysts consider the large-scale attack on Yemeni sites a test run for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, but others now view destabilizing the mullahs as the best approach.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Turkey's Erdogan offers help in Syria state structure ahead of Fidan visit

The Turkish president said his top diplomat will soon travel to Damascus to support Syria's interim government in its fight against groups that Ankara deems a threat to its national security.

Turkey

US scraps $10M bounty on HTS leader Golani after meeting in Damascus

A delegation including Assistant Secretary Barbara Leaf and hostage envoy Roger Carstens met with leaders of the powerful rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Syria

Ahead of Syria visit, Lebanon Druze leader Jumblatt says give HTS 'a chance'

The influential member of the Lebanese Druze community warned against the influence of Israeli Druze leader Mowafaq Tarif and called for Syria to remain united after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Syria’s hidden stash of chemical weapons hangs over post-Assad transition

Destroying what remains of the Syrian regime's chemical arsenal is a top concern for the United States and its partners following Bashar al-Assad's sudden ouster.

Syria