Syria arrests Amjad Youssef, Tadamoun massacre perpetrator: What to know Amjad Youssef appeared on video, allegedly killing dozens of civilians in 2013; he is the latest member of the Assad regime to be captured by the new Syrian government. Syria
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance Backlash erupts after dancers perform to Missy Elliott’s “Work It,” exposing the tightrope between Sharaa’s outreach to the West and pressure from his Islamist base. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
How Syria's border opening with Iraq redefines Turkey-Kurd balance After years of closure, the reopening of al-Yaaroubiya crossing is redrawing Kurdish economic leverage and reinforcing Turkey’s regional strategy. Syria
Analysis Is Syria’s Sharaa poised to outdo Turkey in formalizing gains for Kurds? By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Russian defense minister arrives in Tel Aviv as Israel strikes Syria Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman explained to visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Israel’s red lines in Syria. Israel
Raqqa win pulls US deeper into Syria conflict The fall of the Islamic State capital could put the US military on a collision course with Assad. Syria
Turkey's return riles Syria: It's 'blatant aggression' Turkey's army has entered Syrian territory ostensibly to implement and ensure a de-escalation zone near Idlib, but some wonder what else the military might have in mind. Syria
Israel should practice what it preaches to the Palestinians Instead of risking a three-front war with its current policy of settlement expansion, Israel would do better if its leaders followed through on previous peace initiatives and the commitments it has made in negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine
Turkish deployment may redraw battle lines in Syria's Idlib The Turkish military deployment in Idlib has a direct impact on armed factions in the region, some of which have already accused Turkey of implementing Russia’s plans. Syria
With evacuations looming, 'de-escalation zone' announced for south Damascus New "de-escalation" initiative presents new status quo for south Damascus suburbs, but how will it work? Egypt
Iran Quds commander pays respects at Talabani's tomb as Kirkuk crisis escalates Qasem Soleimani in Iraqi Kurdistan; Turkey looks to Syrian tribes for allies; UN Syria envoy seeks to build on cease-fire progress with "realism." Saudi Arabia
Erdogan’s antics keep Russia on its toes Turkey’s president takes actions that sometimes seem like self-sabotage, like surprising Moscow with his recent statements on the Crimean Peninsula and his decision to complicate Russia’s export procedures. Syria
All eyes are on Hezbollah in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor As the war is heating up in eastern Syria, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and allied fighters are vying with US-backed Syrian democratic forces for control of areas liberated from the Islamic State. Iraq
Will new tribal council ease Turkey's load in Syria? Twenty-nine tribes and clans in the areas liberated during Operation Euphrates Shield announced the formation of a tribal council with the support of Turkey. Syria
Congress pushes for new Iran sanctions amid Iran deal uncertainty With Trump set to announce a new, hard-line strategy on Iran today, lawmakers are advancing more sanctions on Tehran and its proxies. Syria
Israel, Hezbollah exchange threats of imminent war As Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Israeli government continue to warn each other of a coming cataclysm, both sides predict it would take place in Syria as well as Lebanon this time. Israel