Turkey launches military training for Syria’s new army: What to know

Ankara has launched training, consultancy and technical assistance support to Syrian troops, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry. 

Turkey

Nine bodies unearthed in Latakia mass grave, one of dozens found in post-Assad Syria

As part of the efforts by new Syrian authorities to bring justice to victims of the Assad regime, dozens of mass graves containing thousands of bodies — believed to be victims of former regime forces — have been discovered across Syria.

Syria

US raid kills senior ISIS official near Syria's border with Turkey

The US raid killed a senior ISIS official believed to be next in line for the group’s top leadership role, a US official said.

Syria

Analysis

Syria state media's Kurdish-language launch: tactical move or real shift?

SANA's foray into the Kurdish language is largely symbolic and part of Damascus’ efforts to project an image of compromise amid tense negotiations.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know

The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion.

Syria

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM slams Fidan’s threats against Syria's SDF

As Ankara increasingly threatens the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the opposition People's Equality and Democracy Party warns that a potential Turkish military operation against the Kurdish-led group could disrupt the peace process at home.

Turkey

UN: Syria's March violence saw ‘likely’ war crimes by Damascus, Assad remnants

The United Nations noted deliberate targeting of Alawite civilians in its report on the killings along the Syrian coast and called on the government to expand its efforts in taking steps toward accountability.

Syria

After inking military pact, Turkey to provide Syria with weapons, training

The initial phase of Turkey-Syria military cooperation will address building a regular army and basic defensive needs, analysts say.

Turkey

Explosion kills 4 in Syria’s Idlib: What to know

Syria remains littered with the waste of a Cold War arsenal and 14 years of civil war.

Syria

Will Turkey follow through on threats to attack Syria's Kurds?

This week we unpack the stakes around Ankara's threats to take military action alongside Damascus against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

Turkey

Analysis

Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East

The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza.

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Turkey, Syria ink defense cooperation deal as Ankara ups pressure on Kurdish-led SDF

The military agreement comes amid Ankara’s warnings to the Pentagon-allied and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces over their refusal to integrate into Syria’s army.

Turkey