Saudi Arabia hosts defense chiefs of Syria, Lebanon as border heats up: What to know

The Syrian and Lebanese defense ministers will meet soon as the border between the two countries remains volatile following clashes between Lebanese tribal members and Syrian security forces.

Syria

Israeli incursion into southern Syria kills 6 as Jordan condemns: What we know

At least six people were killed by Israeli shelling in southern Syria’s Koya, per Syrian authorities.

Syria

US offers Syrian government conditions for limited sanctions relief

If the conditions are met, the Trump administration would consider waivers for sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act as well as approve a two-year extension of General License 24.

Syria

What's behind Syrian authorities' arrest of former Assad officers?

Syria’s transitional government has been arresting remnants of the ousted regime, including officers involved in alleged war crimes and drug trade.

Syria

Feature

Fearing for safety, Syria's Alawites who fled to Lebanon have no plans to return

More than 30 members of one family spoke to Al-Monitor after fleeing into northern Lebanon from Syria amid a spasm of sectarian violence in the country. Many remain skeptical that it's safe to return.

By Katya Hovnanian-Alexanian

Syria's new government seizes 3 million Captagon pills in Aleppo

Authorities have pledged to crack down on Captagon as production and trade continue elsewhere in the region.

Syria

Russia's Putin sends letter to Sharaa offering Syria 'practical cooperation'

The letter follows Putin and Sharaa speaking on the phone in February and thousands of Syrians seeking refugee at Russia’s base in the country earlier this month.

Syria

Germany reopens embassy in Syria after 13-year closure: What we know

Berlin was a vocal critic of the Assad regime and after its fall, has repeatedly stressed the need to ensure the unity of Syria and equality between all of its components, including Kurds, Druze, Christians and Alawites.

Syria

Feature

'Afraid of what’s next': Alawites in Syria’s Homs on edge after revenge attacks

Alawites in Homs say the regime's overthrow has fueled sectarian tensions in the divided city.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

After ceasefire, Lebanon and Syria patrol border as top US commander calls Haykal

Lebanon and Syria reached a ceasefire late Monday evening after another incident of deadly border clashes.

Lebanon

Israel pushes militarily in southern Syria as new strikes kill 3: What we know

Israel said earlier that it struck military sites in southern Syria while the government reported three civilians were killed.

Syria

Analysis

Turkey, alarmed by sectarian clashes, steps up Syria role, criticizes Iran

As last week’s bloody clashes in Syria have deepened divisions among Turkish experts over the country's future, Turkey’s priorities in Syria remain focused on countering the SDF and combating ISIS.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security