Why new Russia-Turkey deal on Idlib matters

The new deal between Russia and Turkey over Syria’s Idlib is temporary — but important.

Syria

Syrian Kurds worry IS camp could riot as Turkey weaponizes water

As Turkey and Russia reach an agreement to stop the fighting in Idlib, the Kurdish-run administration in northern Syria has said Ankara's restrictions on its water supply could pose a major threat to security.

Syria

Pentagon says Patriot sale to Turkey still on table

The United States is reportedly still considering supplying Patriot missile systems to Turkey in what the administration may see as an opportunity to convince Ankara to walk back from the Russian system it acquired last year.

Syria

Turkey looks to Russia for 'quick cease-fire' in Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will discuss a truce in Turkey's offensive against the Syrian army during talks in Moscow, seeking to avert a new refugee influx even as another humanitarian crisis deepens on Turkey's border with Greece.

Syria

Some Syrian regime fighters defecting when forced to front lines

With renewed fighting in northern Syria, regime officers are transferring conscripted young men from Daraa in the south to the front lines of the battles, leading to defections.

Syria

Situation remains heated in Syria's Idlib as Putin, Erdogan reach deal

The Syrian regime and opposition factions are racing for military control on the ground in Idlib, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow to discuss a cease-fire.

Syria

US not planning to send new weapons to Turkey for Syria campaign

The State Department clarifies its special envoy's remarks that the United States would be supplying ammunition to Turkey — which has been engaged in battle in Idlib, Syria — saying only that the United States is considering Turkish requests for assistance.

Syria

What's behind Ankara's decision to lift visit ban on jailed PKK leader?

The Turkish government's decision to allow family visits for Abdullah Ocalan may be linked to Ankara's ongoing operation in northwest Syria.

Syria

Iran risks confrontation with Turkey over Idlib

While Iran's military command in Syria has issued direct warnings aimed at Turkey, President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian foreign ministry continue to insist on the role of diplomacy and dialogue.

Lebanon

Breakthrough on Syria refugee crisis unlikely as EU sends emissary to Ankara

European-Turkish contacts are intensifying in an effort to stave off a disastrous refugee crisis on Turkey's border with Greece that could have repercussions across Europe.

Syria

Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions

Opinion polls show mixed feelings about Turkey’s declaration of a major offensive in Syria after an attack killed dozens of its soldiers. Public attention has also shifted hundreds of miles away to its borders with Europe after the government invited millions of refugees to leave.

Syria

Syrians in northern Aleppo terrified as regime advances

Displaced Syrians and Aleppo natives alike are living in fear that the Syrian regime and its allies will invade their last refuge and set off a humanitarian catastrophe.

Syria