Putin exploits crisis in US-Turkish relations

The Russian president has suggested more defense cooperation with Turkey and says Turkey's president may be willing to coordinate with Syria's Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Russia, Turkey look to strengthen relationship beyond Syria

Contrary to expectations, in Moscow Syria was a marginal story while Putin and Erdogan focused on further boosting bilateral ties.

Syria

Syrian military keeps shelling Idlib despite demilitarized zone

Turkish military patrols in the demilitarized zone in Idlib haven't kept the Syrian regime from shelling the area, and a Syrian opposition faction says it will respond in kind.

Syria

Will al-Qaeda capitalize on IS losses at Iraqi-Syrian border?

Al-Qaeda may be posed to make a comeback in eastern Syria and parts of Iraq, exploiting its historic roots in the area after the territorial defeat of the Islamic State.

Iraq

Putin plays Syria card in Israeli, Turkish elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin may be the winner with regard to his influence in Syria.

Israel

Iraqi boy risks all to rescue Yazidi woman from Islamic State

Teenage Diya Hamad told Al-Monitor the heroic tale of how he rescued his Yazidi friend from abuse by the Islamic State, following her into danger even as his own family reached safety.

Iraq

Russia expands ties in Lebanon’s oil, gas sector

Russia has gotten a huge head start on the United States in gaining access to Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, allowing Moscow to continue to strengthen its economic position across the Middle East.

Israel

Local election defeat bodes more foreign woes for Erdogan

The irreparable setback Turkey’s president suffered in the March 31 municipal polls, coupled with the country’s economic crisis, leaves him in a weaker position vis-a-vis Washington, Moscow and the European Union.

Syria

Hamas leadership seeks to restore ties with Syria

Hamas sees an opening to rebuild ties with Damascus.

Palestine

Druze feelings mixed about Trump’s recognition of Golan

Some Druze residents of the Golan Heights protested US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory, but others welcomed it.

Israel

Eastern Ghouta newcomers sweeten Aleppo countryside

Familiar sweets with an eastern Ghouta flair are bringing novelty to street food in the Aleppo countryside.

Syria

Syria's Kurds increasingly isolated as Arab tribes cut deals with regime

As Damascus recovers more territory, Arab tribes throughout Syria are increasingly open to working with Damascus to restore security.

Syria