Turkish incursion threatens to unleash Islamic State in Syria, US officials warn

The Donald Trump administration’s decision Sunday to allow a Turkish incursion into northeast Syria threatens to let loose thousands of Islamic State prisoners onto the battlefield, US officials are warning.

Syria

Why women in this Lebanese refugee camp opt for trade, not aid

A group of Syrian and Palestinian women from a refugee camp in Lebanon transitioned a struggling project into an enterprise that aims to export around the world.

Palestine

How teachers plan to overcome EU funding cuts to Idlib schools

The EU has cut some educational funding allocated for Idlib province, citing interference by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the sector.

Syria

Does Russia seek 'ideological alternative' to US with Gulf security concept?

Despite popular claims that Russia's policies in the Middle East are free of any ideology, the recent Gulf security concept released by Moscow may suggest that there should be one.

Syria

Congress pushes Trump to get tough on Idlib

Congress is calling on the State Department to get tougher on calling out reported Syrian war crimes as forces loyal to the Bashar al-Assad regime attempt to advance deeper into Idlib, one of the opposition’s last holdouts in the war-torn country.

Syria

Will Erdogan's plans for northern Syria be realized?

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may keep everyone guessing about his next move in Syria, but it is not certain if he has clear plans himself.

Syria

IS changes modus operandi in east of Euphrates

The Syrian Democratic Forces banned wearing the niqab in the towns and villages of Raqqa after members of IS cells used it to carry out attacks.

Syria

Four years in Syria, Russia expands military base, eyes challenges ahead

After four years of fighting in Syria, Russia expands military facilities, but the nature of looming challenges is political.

Syria

Looming dilemma for the US: Disarm the YPG or not?

The Trump administration has to decide whether it will disarm the Syrian Democratic Forces and the People's Protection Units to assuage Turkey.

Syria

Syrian opposition skeptical of Assad’s amnesty decision

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will pardon army deserters and release political detainees from prison, but his credibility is lacking because of his past reversals.

Syria

Islamic State's money transfer network busted in Turkey

A Turkish police operation exposed how the Islamic State can still run cross-border money transfer networks despite its defeat in Syria and Iraq.

Syria

Regional powers jockey for influence in Deir ez-Zor protests

Recent protests in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor, split between pro-regime and SDF forces, have raised questions about who will eventually exert control over the region, as heavily restricted access for independent journalists means information coming out of the area is scarce and narratives diverge.

Syria