Lebanon authorities release Salafist cleric Khaled Hablas: What to know Hablas was imprisoned for his role in the deadly 2014 clashes with the military and Hezbollah and his release follows Syria lobbying for the return of militants detained in Lebanon. Lebanon
Syria restores Raqqa oil field in former ISIS stronghold: What to know Before Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, national oil production stood at between 400,000 and 500,00 barrels per day before falling to under 100,000 bpd during the conflict. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran’s Ghalibaf: US must accept Tehran proposal By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Turkey's border reopening unlocks new sphere of influence in Syria Turkey reopened the Akcakale-Tell Abyad crossing on Monday, ending an 11-year closure along the Syria border. Turkey
Analysis MENA wheat importers face food security risks as Hormuz crisis festers By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis 'Is it worth it?' Syria's Sharaa faces backlash over Missy Elliott performance By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
UN Warns of Israel-Syria Escalation The UN secretary-general warned today that the cease-fire between Israel and Syria is in jeopardy as Austrian forces have withdrawn from the UN Disengagement Observer Force. Israel
Iran Focused on Elections, Syria, Not Iraq Baghdad has some breathing room as Iran has been preoccupied with elections and the war in Syria. Iraq
Iraqi Kurdistan Region Struggles To Cope With Syrian Refugees Syrian refugees have been flowing into the Iraqi Kurdistan region, making the need for international assistance more pressing than ever. Iraq
Assad's Days Numbered? Think Again Too many analysts and journalists have based their pronouncements of Assad's "numbered days" on wishful thinking. Israel
Arab-Americans Discover Forefathers in Little Syria Since the uprisings, more Syrians are arriving in the United States and finding that they have a long and rich history in New York City. Syria
Whether Qusair Will Tip The Balance Remains to Be Seen The defeat of Syrian opposition forces in Qusair may be a turning point toward a deepening of the conflict or a catalyst for a peace conference. Lebanon
UN Forces in the Golan Perpetuate Israeli Occupation The withdrawal of the Austrian UNDOF forces from the Golan Heights should remind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UN is not in charge of Israel's security in an occupied territory. Israel
Syrian Rebels Clash With Kurdish Militias Fights erupted between Kurdish militias and groups affiliated with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in northern Syria after allegations the Kurds did not support an embargo on two Shiite villages in Aleppo. Syria
UN Must Address Syrian Humanitarian Tragedy While the UN issued the biggest financial appeal in its history, a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding in Syria and for Syrian refugees abroad. Lebanon
Jordan Jittery as Assad Troops Advance The Syrian government’s victory at Qusair has forced Jordan to reconsider its more calculated policy toward Syria. Jordan
Syrian Opposition Divided Over Geneva II Conference While the Syrian government and the internal opposition are ready to seek a political solution, the external opposition is refusing to attend Geneva II. Syria
