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 US, Russia could solve Syria The successful cooperation between the United State and Russia throughout the Iran nuclear negotiations could bode well for a new plan for Syria. Syria
Syrian refugees in Lebanon face mental health crisis Syrian refugees in Lebanon who suffer from mental disorders often go without treatment, but some nongovernmental organizations are working to change this. Lebanon
How Turkey really feels about the Iran deal Although Turkey seems to be happy with the Iran nuclear deal, it is hard to say that politically Turkey would be delighted seeing Iran emerging as a regional power and an international actor. Syria
Kurds push back against charges of ethnic cleansing A visit to northern Syria casts doubts on claims that Kurds are carrying out ethnic cleansing in the area. Syria
When children have to provide: Syrian refugees struggle in Jordan A lack of schools and teachers in Jordan along with hurdles preventing Syrian adults from working have led to Syrian refugee children increasingly working illegally to support their families. Jordan
Syrian refugees' US resettlement stalled over security concerns Critics say the United States should accept 65,000 Syrian refugees by the end of next year, but the numbers are likely to fall far short. Syria
Druze caught up in 'game of nations' The Syrian Druze, staunch allies of the Assad regime, face an existential threat from opposition forces, which is why Druze leaders in neighboring countries have been calling for arming them and for better relations with the Sunni community. Israel
Is Turkey on brink of more violence? Increasingly militarized conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK has brought Turkey to the brink of a new spiral of violence. Syria
Syria’s opposition plans to replace Syrian pound with Turkish lira The Syrian opposition forces in rebel-held northern areas hope a change in currency will put pressure on Bashar al-Assad’s regime on the economic level. Syria
The Coalition’s quagmire with Syrian Kurds A deeper look into local dynamics challenges the narrative that the Kurdish People’s Protection Units is the only reliable and effective ground force against the Islamic State, and raises concerns about strategic end-states. Syria
Terrorists turn month of peace into time for war The holy month of Ramadan is considered a month of martyrdom and jihad for extremist organizations such as the Islamic State, which during this time recall the battles fought by Muslims throughout history. Iraq
Ankara cracks down on IS; but is it too little too late? Turkey has recently moved to counter Islamic State recruitment in the country, but it faces a difficult time reintegrating jihadist returnees from Syria and Iraq, some of whom have been traumatized by their experiences. Iraq