Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Analysis 'The problem and the solution': Netanyahu-Sharaa call exposes Israel's Syria dilemma The Israeli leader revealed that he spoke with the Syrian president last year, but stalled talks and Israel's fortification of a security zone on Syrian land underscore his mistrust of Sharaa. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Netanyahu says he spoke with Syria’s Sharaa Saudi Arabia's international events derailed by war; Syria arrests ex-Assad militia head also wanted by Turkey; and more. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
Analysis Why Syria and Iraq are taking different approaches to armed groups By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Will Arab-American voters rally around Clinton? Arab-Americans tend to vote Democratic in presidential elections, but will the community coalesce around Hillary Clinton despite the attraction of Bernie Sanders’ views on the Middle East? Palestine
How this Yazidi man is saving IS captives Yazidi families in Iraq are paying thousands of dollars to smugglers who rescue their members from the Islamic State’s grip. Iraq
Will Afrin be the next Kobani? Afrin, one of the three cantons of Rojava, strives to provide refuge to its population despite the blockade by Turkey and its allies. Syria
What happened to kidnapped Lebanese soldiers in Arsal? A Lebanese official told Al-Monitor that the number of Islamic militants in Arsal is steadily declining, and there is talk of the remainder leaving after negotiations. Lebanon
Turks question loyalties after picture emerges of US soldiers with YPG patches Recently published photos of US forces wearing YPG insignia have further strained US-Turkish relations and may even offer a recruitment tool for the Islamic State. Syria
Syrians fight Jabhat al-Nusra with cameras, social media A group of young Syrians has been documenting and exposing violations and other activities by Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. Syria
Is it Eid or not? Muslims take step toward resolving calendar dispute Religious representatives from Islamic countries agree to embrace a common calendar to overcome a long-standing conflict on the start of Ramadan, but their past record inspires little optimism for a genuine compromise. Saudi Arabia
Did Erdogan look the other way during YPG operation in Syria? The range of Turkey’s howitzers determines the limits of its game in Syria. Syria
Syrian refugees act out their stories in 'The Caravan' 'The Caravan,' a play based on Syrian refugees' testimonies, will begin touring Lebanon in June. Lebanon
Syrian youth take the stage in Alexandria To mark the end of a successful project to teach and promote artistic skills among young Syrian refugees in Egypt, the Library of Alexandria hosted a celebration complete with performances by participants and UNICEF-affiliated artists. Egypt
Is Russia readying for the kill in Syria? Russia is likely preparing for a major assault on Jabhat al-Nusra and affiliated groups in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. Syria
Major regime offensive looms over Aleppo Aleppo and its countryside are under heavy shelling by the regime as observers fear this a prelude to a major siege of the city's opposition-controlled areas. Syria