Analysis Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups In a break from past policies, the new governments in Damascus and Baghdad are clamping down on militant groups with the capacity or desire to harm regional partners. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Culture Syria reopens Aleppo's 1,300-year-old Great Umayyad Mosque after 13 years Syrian authorities are working to restore cultural landmarks and ancient sites that had been damaged or destroyed during the civil war. Syria
Analysis Why Syria sending troops to Yemen would be a risky bet for Sharaa Syria insists it will not send troops to fight the Houthis alongside Saudi Arabia, but its economic dependence on Riyadh could complicate Damascus’ resistance to the idea. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel's Oct. 7 accountability debate Houthis strike Yemen airport, claim new attacks on Saudi Arabia; How language barriers are bringing Syria’s Kurds and Arabs closer; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Israeli missiles hit Syria for second week in a row Israel reportedly struck targets in southern Syria on Wednesday. This follows suspected Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian military in late December and November. Syria
IS cells escalate attacks on civilians, regime soldiers in eastern Syria Despite the elimination of the Islamic State from its last official territory in Syria in March 2019, IS cells that have been holed up in desert areas in eastern and central Syria remain active and terrorize civilians and soldiers alike. Syria
Syrian soldiers killed in second bus attack in less than a week The deadly ambush in central Syria followed an attack on Syrian soldiers last week that was later claimed by the Islamic State. Syria
Iran, Hezbollah lead mediation to restore Hamas-Damascus ties Mediation efforts led by Iran and Hezbollah to restore ties between Hamas and the Syrian regime seem to be making progress amid rising tensions with their mutual rivals in the region. Palestine
Bus attack leaves dozens dead in eastern Syria Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed when a bus was ambushed in the Deir ez-Zor province. There is significant conflict in the area where Kurdish, government and Islamic State forces all have a presence. Syria
Turkey plays role in livestreaming of northern Syria soccer With the support of Turkey, a Syrian soccer tournament is being broadcast live on the internet, pushing many to follow the games, and advancing the sports sector in the area. Syria
Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian targets outside of Damascus The missiles reportedly killed a Syrian soldier in an air defense unit. Syria
Humanitarian disaster looms over camps during winter The lives of thousands of Syrian families in the Idlib camps lives turn into hell every year with the start of winter amid the lack of heating and rainwater drainage. Syria
Authorities in northeast Syria seek alternatives due to Turkish disruption of water supplies The Kurdish-led autonomous administration in northeast Syria is looking for alternative projects to make up for the suspension of operation of the Alouk water station in Ras al-Ain after the Turkish state repeatedly cut off water. Syria
Syria’s Kurdish-led administration calls on Biden for political recognition SDF commander Mazlum Kobane told Al-Monitor last month he hopes the Biden administration will double the US troop presence in northeast Syria. Syria
US Syria Envoy ‘categorically rejects’ statement by UN rapporteur about Caesar Sanctions US Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn says the blame for Syria’s economic and humanitarian crises rest with Assad, not the US, after Alena Douhan of the UN Human Rights Council said the Caesar Act is hurting Syrians' chances to rebuild infrastructure and live comfortably. Syria
Syrian Kurds deny deal with Russia, Assad government over Ain Issa The Syrian government and Russian media sites are promoting a new agreement between Russia and the Syrian Defense Forces that guarantees the regime's takeover of the Ain Issa area in northern Raqqa. Syria