Feature

With sanctions off, what’s keeping Syria on US terror blacklist?

Despite President Donald Trump’s pledge to lift all sanctions on Syria, the country's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism continues to discourage investment.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

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

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Pakistan's army chief visits Iran as Islamabad dials up mediation push 

Pakistan intensifies Iran mediation efforts, Syria’s Sharaa secures a G7 invite and Azerbaijan stirs tensions in Turkey.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Pakistan interior minister in Tehran amid mediation push

Mohsin Reza Naqvi’s second trip to Iran in less than a week comes as Islamabad seeks to preserve a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and amid renewed US threats of military action.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Newsletter: FutureVerse

Rebuilding Syria’s digital economy

Syria’s gradual return to the global financial system is opening new banking and fintech opportunities for people inside the country.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Car bomb in Syrian capital leaves 1 dead, 23 injured: What to know

Tuesday's bombing is the latest in a string of recent security incidents in Damascus.

Syria

Syria's Sharaa renews ban on Israeli imports in customs law: What to know

The renewal comes even as Damascus pursues US-backed security talks with Israel aimed at reducing tensions along the border.

Syria

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran revises proposal as Trump ramps up warnings

Tehran revised its response to the US as Trump warned Iran to “get moving” after a strike on a UAE nuclear plant.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Analysis

Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria

UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Interview

UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home

The launch comes as Syria’s new government attempts to stabilize the country’s shattered economy following the January 2025 rise to power of President Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible

The SDF commander-in-chief reflected on a fragile integration deal with Damascus, growing Kurdish backlash and ongoing talks with Turkey as questions mount over Rojava’s political future.

Mazloum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

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