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
Russian delegation heads to Turkey amid potential Syria offensive The top Turkish diplomat aired a rare complaint over the Russian stalling of constitutional talks between the warring Syrian actors, calling on Moscow to allow the process to resume. Turkey
Half a million Syrians return from Turkey, but were they forced? Some 560,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey have returned to their country as part of deportation projects, many fleeing the harassment they were facing in the country. Syria
The Turkey Briefing: Can Ankara convince Moscow to grant green light for Syria invasion? In this week's newsletter, Ezgi Akin rounds up the top stories from Turkey. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s leveraging of Syria, Ukraine crises frustrates US, Europe Erdogan disregards appeals by US for restraint in Syria and demands further concessions from Stockholm for agreeing to Sweden’s NATO admission. By Week in Review
Syrian opposition gears up for Turkish ground operation As the Turkish-backed opposition factions prepare for an imminent Turkish ground operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, questions arise about the potential participation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the battle. Syria
The Security Briefing: Pentagon tries to reason with Turkey In this weekly newsletter, Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba rounds up the biggest security stories from the region. Turkey
The Takeaway: US-Palestinian ties get upgrade ahead of Netanyahu’s return Plus, US diplomats are evacuated from Syria and prospects sink for a revived Iranian nuclear deal. Palestine
Could Syrian Kurdish issue facilitate Erdogan-Assad rapprochement? Damascus’ low-key reaction to Turkey’s recent strikes on Syrian Kurdish targets suggests it might acquiesce to Turkish military moves that would contribute to ending the US military presence in the north. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish commander slams US response to Turkish attacks as US diplomats evacuated from Syria The United States' top ally in Syria warned that unless Washington and the Kremlin push back more firmly Turkey will launch a ground offensive against his forces that will further undermine the battle against the Islamic State. Syria
Escalating Turkish strikes cripple civilian infrastructure across northeast Syria Since the launch of Operation Claw-Sword, Turkish strikes have widely targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, wreaking havoc and paralyzing economic life in northeast Syria. Syria
US again tries to thwart Turkish invasion of northern Syria Erdogan says military operations are "just beginning" against Syrian Kurdish groups, while teasing possibility of talks with Assad. Turkey
Syrian National Army police clashes with peaceful protesters in al-Bab The police of the Syrian National Army assaulted protesters near the city of al-Bab following civil protests calling for controlling the security situation in the city and holding the killers of a prominent activist accountable. Syria
