Analysis

With Trump’s Syria sanctions relief, Turkey eyes refugee returns, regional gains

Sanctions relief opens the door to Syria's postwar reconstruction and other investment, with Turkish firms and Gulf money poised to lead the charge.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know

Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials.

Israel

Syria inks $800M deal with UAE’s DP World to develop Tartous port: What we know

The agreement came days after Donald Trump announced the lifting of all US sanctions against Syria stemming from the Assad government's conduct in the 14-year civil war.

Syria

Joel Rayburn commits to helping lift Syria sanctions, boxing in Iranian influence

In a hearing with Senate lawmakers, the White House’s pick to become the State Department’s top diplomat on the Middle East argued for capitalizing on Iran’s losses in Syria and Lebanon while stressing that the Islamic Republic should not have the ability to enrich uranium domestically.

United States

Newsletter: Washington

Syria’s central bank chief says Trump sanction announcement a ‘turning point’

Today’s newsletter features my interview with Syrian Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husrieh, who discusses how US sanctions relief could impact Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

US-Syria thaw advances as Rubio meets Shaibani in Turkey: What to know

Top US, Syrian and Turkish diplomats discussed counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability in a landmark Turkey meeting.

Turkey

Interview

Syria’s central bank chief: US sanctions relief a ‘turning point’ 

Abdulkader Husrieh discusses how sanctions relief could impact Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system.

Abdulkader Husrieh

Syrian central bank governor

Exclusive

Syrian Kurdish negotiator Yusuf: No agreement yet with Damascus on Tishreen Dam

President Donald Trump’s meeting with Syria’s interim president has sparked Kurdish fears of being sidelined in future talks.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Erdogan thanks Trump for ‘historic’ Syria decision during Sharaa meeting

The Turkish president also said his country was ready to support Damascus in the fight against the Islamic State and in maintaining the security of ISIS camps.

Turkey

Trump to Syria's Sharaa: Recognize Israel, expel foreign fighters

During their 30-minute meeting in Riyadh, the two leaders also discussed combating the Islamic State and future American investment in Syrian oil and gas.

Syria

Analysis

Trump wants to lift all US sanctions on Syria: Can he?

Removing some sanctions on Syria could require congressional action, and one expert warned that rescinding all the measures could decrease the US’ leverage with the new government in Damascus.

By Rosaleen Carroll , Adam Lucente

Analysis

A first in 15 years, Rubio to meet Syria’s FM in Turkey: What to know

A landmark meeting in Antalya follows Trump’s surprise decision to lift Syria sanctions, handing Ankara a diplomatic victory.

By Ezgi Akin

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