Russia, US to maintain contacts on Syria despite sanctions

US and Russian officials will try to maintain contacts concerning world hotspots within the limits imposed by US sanctions on the Kremlin.

Syria

Rebel groups weigh options in Syria's east

Armed opposition groups from Syria's eastern province of Deir ez-Zor are working on how to retake their city from the Islamic State before the Syrian regime does without having to ally with Kurdish forces.

Syria

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham plots its next move in northern Syria

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is consolidating its influence in northern Syria, mainly in Idlib, and trying to position itself as a de facto interlocutor in political agreements reshaping the country.

Syria

Despite cease-fire, shelling continues in Eastern Ghouta

Civilians in Syria's Eastern Ghouta hoped for a full implementation of the cease-fire and access to humanitarian aid, but regime forces have continued missile strikes under the pretext that extremist groups remain.

Syria

Fate of Russian detainees in Turkey still unclear

Turkish officials have yet to decide the future of three Russians — including a toddler — who were intercepted as they were allegedly traveling to Syria to join the Islamic State.

Syria

US pushes back on Turkish media claims about Syrian Kurds

US Embassy in Ankara refutes fevered claims about aid deliveries to Syrian Kurds.

Syria

Trump says al-Qaeda received US weapons intended for Syrian rebels

In a July 25 interview made public Tuesday, the president said he canceled a CIA program to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels after weapons ended up in the hands of Al-Qaeda.

Syria

Turkey in uproar over McGurk

The Turkish media's outlandish attacks on US envoy Brett McGurk hint at the anxiety in Ankara over US relations with Syrian Kurds.

Syria

Syrian regime says it's time for the displaced to return

Hundreds of people displaced from al-Waer neighborhood in Homs, Syria, have now left the Zoghra camp outside of Aleppo and returned to the regime-controlled Homs.

Syria

Despite probe, questions remain after Syrians die in Lebanese custody

Four Syrians detained by the Lebanese army in a raid on Syrian refugee camps in Arsal died less than 48 hours into their detention, thus raising questions about the reason behind their deaths, as several photos showed signs of torture on their bodies.

Lebanon

Pentagon says US-backed forces have almost surrounded Raqqa

Pentagon officials say the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have liberated about half of the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa.

Syria

Ankara decries ‘provocative’ remarks by US anti-IS envoy

Turkey continues to be concerned about the relationship between the United States and the Syrian Kurds.

Iraq