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
How to stop Islamic State recruitment Efforts to identify susceptible young people early can protect them from the approaches of the Islamic State. Syria
Turkey goes from zero problems to nothing but problems in the region Ankara’s recent political and strategic mistakes have resulted in an anti-Turkish alliance in the Middle East that looks to Moscow for support. Iraq
Syrian Democratic Forces set sights on IS stronghold In an interview with Al-Monitor, Talal Silo, spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces, discussed its victories against the Islamic State and the forces' future plans. Syria
How Syrian opposition bypasses Assad's communication blocks In the opposition-controlled regions of Syria, activists have established monitoring observatories to track the regime’s movements and coordinate military and humanitarian action. Syria
Will Syria become Russia's Vietnam? Israel is worried that the Russian submarine now patrolling near the Syrian coast will collect intelligence data on Israel, and fears Moscow’s Syrian adventure could drag on for a long time. Israel
Turkey misfires in Iraq Turkey’s military deployment near Mosul provokes widespread opposition and sends Russia-Turkey ties into a further downward spiral; Turkey’s Kurds face "unrealistic prospect" for democracy; Barzani on the spot as a result of KRG alignment with Turkey; Russia slams Saudi hosting of Syrian opposition. Saudi Arabia
US presidential candidates speak out on Syria The leading US presidential candidates have differing positions on Syria, combating the Islamic State and the admission of Syrian refugees to the United States. Jordan
With the Islamic State gone from Sinjar, Kurdish groups battle for control After Sinjar was liberated from the Islamic State, a new conflict arose among Kurdish parties as to who should administer the area. Iraq
Syrian war redraws country's economic map The Syrian war is not only breaking apart the country’s social cohesion, but also its economic unity. Syria
Why some Syrian refugees see marriage as the only option An increasing number of female Syrian refugees in Egypt are being pushed into marriage to survive harsh conditions. Egypt
Ankara falls into Moscow's trap Ankara is now being compelled to backtrack on its Syria policy in the face of Russian threats and sanctions, while the United States stands as one of the prime beneficiaries of the crisis. Syria
Will Lebanon finally get a new president? After 32 tries failed to produce a winner in Lebanon's long quest for a president, observers hope the 33rd time's a charm. Saudi Arabia