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

Pentagon says 2,000 US troops in Syria, not 900

The shell games continue in Washington over how many American troops remain in the aftermath of the war against the Islamic State group.

Syria

Exclusive

US envoy works to reconcile rival Kurds in Syria as Turkey masses forces near Kobani

With the collapse of the Syrian regime in an offensive led by the Sunni militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its Turkey-backed allies, Syrian Kurds need to forge a common front as the new power constellation takes shape.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Turkey’s Erdogan in Egypt, holds first meeting with Sisi after Assad's fall

The Turkish and Egyptian leaders focused on Syrian reconstruction, humanitarian aid to Gaza and strengthening bilateral relations.

Turkey

Analysis

Russia, reeling from Assad loss, delays decision on Syria naval presence till March

Russia’s military withdrawal from Syria marks a strategic shift, with diplomatic efforts now focused on retaining influence.

By Anton Mardasov

Iran president pays rare visit to Egypt in latest sign of thawing ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to Cairo to attend a summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.

Iran

Israel strikes Yemen ports, power stations in retaliation against Houthis

Dozens of Israeli fighter jets struck three ports and two power plants in Sanaa, the capital.

Israel

Syria's crossing with Jordan reopens as Israeli military takes position in south

Jordanian and Syrian trucks are once again using the only border crossing between the two countries as Israeli troops take position in a buffer zone and European diplomats engage with the new authorities in Syria.

Syria

Iran’s Araghchi in Egypt as Tehran seeks to recover from regional blows

Iran is hoping the Cairo summit will serve as an opportunity for rapprochement with Egypt and a venue to pursue its diplomatic campaign against Israel.

Iran

HTS expands Syria rule with amnesty programs, minority outreach: What we know

Authorities in Syria, led by the Islamist rebel group, are calling for the dissolution of armed groups and are reportedly allowing alcohol to be served in Damascus as crime and economic issues persist.

Syria

Qatar emir in Turkey on surprise visit as efforts for Syria ceasefire intensify

The Qatari leader's unannounced visit came amid efforts to extend a ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria. The two also discussed reconstruction efforts.

Turkey

After 12 years, France reopens Syria embassy, EU to follow: What to know

For the first time since France severed ties with the Assad regime, its diplomats returned to Damascus and raised the tricolor flag over the old embassy building.

Syria