Arab League at risk of getting caught between US and Syria over sanctions policy.

Also, new era of Iran-Gulf cooperation could spill over into energy (PRO).

Even if the country is too big to fail, observers see challenges in restoring peace before the unrest spreads to neighboring countries.

The Saudi-brokered meeting and Jordanian road map could boost the long stalled Syrian political process; Turkey is still key to settlement; Assad also has his cards to play. 

Chinese spokesperson says "the internationalization of the [yuan] is a natural process, and the goal is not to replace the dollar or other international currencies."

The Biden administration’s realism on Syria frustrates critics, as the country becomes the site of Israeli attacks and US-Iran clashes.

Tehran reinforces position in Iraq with border deal; Syria heats up despite Arab rapprochement; Iraq-Turkey manage differences on water, oil and PKK. 

Masrour Barzani, in an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, discusses the dispute with the rival PUK party; relations with the US and Iraq; China; and the KRG’s ambitious economic reform and climate policies. 

Iranian official says next move on prisoner exchange depends on US.

If diplomacy falters again, the US and Israel are talking about further military collaboration against Iran, while the Islamic Republic itself sends mixed signals about its intentions in the region.