Shootings in Daraa leave 9 dead as instability plagues Syria’s south Daraa, located close to the Jordanian border, is experiencing competition between armed groups and rampant drug smuggling amid the government’s inability to control the situation. Syria
Israeli strikes in Syria kill 17 as Iranian adviser set to visit Israel has allegedly escalated its attacks on Syria amid an international push for de-escalation and continued fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Trump hands intel post to Tulsi Gabbard, ex-Democrat with Assad controversy Gabbard, a former congresswoman-turned Trump diehard, is likely to face scrutiny for her secret 2017 meeting with Syria's dictator. Syria
After Trump win, Turkey hopeful on Syria reconciliation, US withdrawal Ankara expresses hope for mending ties with Damascus as well as a potential US military exit from northern Syria following Trump’s victory. Turkey
Interview Syrian-Kurdish KNC leader decries abuse by Turkey-backed Sunni factions in Afrin Sleiman Oso Kurdish National Council President
Algeria disbands migrant smuggling network to Europe, arrests nine Syrians The arrest of the network coincided with a migrant boat capsizing off the coast of Tunisia, killing five people. North Africa
Israel strikes Syria’s Aleppo airport for second time in two weeks The reported strike follows increased Israeli military planning against Iran, and comes in midst of Arab openness to the Assad government Syria
Iraqi Kurdish authorities hand over remains of Syrian Kurdish elite forces from mystery helicopter crash Circumstances of the helicopter crash have raised even more questions about the mission of those onboard. Syria
US announces $50 million in earthquake aid for Syria, Turkey The funding announcement brings the total US contribution since the Feb. 6 disaster to $235 million. Turkey
Analysis Assad's UAE visit aims to facilitate aid routes, Syria's return to Arab League Proposals to facilitate humanitarian aid and bring Syria back into the Arab League topped the agenda in the Syrian president’s second visit to the United Arab Emirates since the beginning of the civil war. By Salim A. Essaid
Why has the Kremlin upped its protocol for Syria's Assad in Russia? Public ceremonies for the Syrian leader, in contrast to his previous secret meetings, suggest that Assad is in a stronger position to negotiate with Moscow. Syria
Turkey-Syria summit postponed at last minute as Russia nudges rivals to reconcile The two countries' deputy foreign ministers plus those of Russia and Iran had been due to meet to discuss further rapprochement efforts. Turkey
Syria, Russia to sign 40 investment deals after Assad’s visit Syrian President Assad also said in an interview with Sputnik that he would not meet with Turkish President Erdogan until Turkey removes its troops from Syria. Syria
Saudi Arabia seizes 4.6 million amphetamine pills in bathroom shipment A Jordanian national was apprehended in Jeddah while receiving the amphetamine shipment hidden in ceramic toilets, sinks and washbasins. Gulf
Syria’s Assad arrives in Russia for talks with Putin Assad’s visit comes ahead of a meeting between Syrian and Turkish diplomats in Russia. Syria
Russia to host Turkey, Syria, Iran diplomats on Wednesday Senior Turkish, Syrian, Iranian and Russian diplomats are set to meet to advance the stalled rapprochement between Ankara and Damascus. Turkey
Saudi FM in Russia after Ukraine visit, talks mediation and energy ties The Saudi Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart discussed a range of topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral trade, oil market stability and the role of Syria during the Moscow meeting of senior officials on Thursday. Gulf
