Exclusive

US Syria envoy Barrack calls Kurdish SDF chief Kobane as Turkey mulls meeting

Sources tell Al-Monitor that Turkish officials have proposed a high-level meeting with SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in Damascus, contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks with Syria’s interim government.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain

Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place.

Syria

EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds

As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy.

Syria

Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity

Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war.

Syria

Turkey, Syria, Jordan launch anti-ISIS ops center in Damascus: What to know

The coordination unit began operations on May 19 in Damascus as the Turkish president accused the SDF of stalling on an integration deal with Damascus.

Turkey

Tom Barrack makes first Syria visit, raises US flag over ambassador's residence

Barrack's visit marks the most senior for the Trump administration since taking office. The envoy said the US is planning to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism listing, and floated a "non-aggression agreement" with Israel.

Syria

Tom Barrack talks Syria aid during Saudi Arabia, Jordan visits: What to know

The US and EU recently lifted numerous sanctions on Syria, and the country received a massive wheat shipment on Wednesday.

Syria

Analysis

US sanctions relief key to Syria’s recovery but hinges on global coordination

The levies include secondary sanctions targeting individuals or companies who engage with Damascus, so private sector companies will only move after a US green light.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

US grants Syria initial sanctions relief

The Treasury Department said the move is meant to facilitate activity across all sectors of Syria's economy and encourage new investment.

Syria

Exclusive

US set to unveil sweeping Syria sanctions relief

The Trump administration is preparing to issue a general license for Syria and a Caesar Act waiver.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know

Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness."

Syria

Palestinian faction chiefs quit Damascus amid pressure: faction sources

Agence France-Presse