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
Erdogan says meeting with Syria's Assad is 'possible' The Turkish president adds that "there is no resentment or bitterness in politics." Turkey
Analysis The Takeaway: Syria's Kurds turn to US as Turkey threatens ground operation Plus, a look at Iran's enrichment activities, twin bombings in Jerusalem and the detention of another US citizen in Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Syrian Kurdish commander says Kobani likely target of threatened Turkish ground offensive Following Turkish airstrikes on his headquarters in northeast Syria, SDF commander Mazlum Kobane spoke with Al-Monitor about Erdogan's threats of a new ground offensive. Turkey
Turkey strikes near US base in Syria after Pentagon calls for de-escalation The US military says it opposes Ankara's plans to send ground troops against Syria's Kurds, but it has stood down in the face of similar attacks in the past. Syria
Turkey bombs Syria, Iraq in response to Istanbul terror attack Fears are rising in Syria's Kurdish-controlled northeast over a potential military incursion by Turkey. Syria
Syrian jihadist group HTS challenges Turkish-backed factions Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tried to enter the Turkey-backed factions’ stronghold to support Ahrar al-Sham that refused to support the newly formed leadership by some groups within the movement. Syria
Infighting in Turkish-backed faction leads to tension in Syria's Afrin It seems Hayat Tahrir al-Sham lost a loyal faction after several currents with the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham factions isolated the movement’s current leadership and appointed their own leader. Syria
Turkey points to Kurdish militants for deadly Istanbul bombing Turkish security forces have arrested a Syrian woman they say confessed to carrying out the attack under instructions from Kobani, but both the Kurdistan Workers Party and Syrian Kurdish forces deny any involvement. Turkey
Syrian jihadi group exploits poverty in Idlib to attract new members Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Idlib, is taking advantage of the difficult living conditions of the people to attract more people into its ranks by offering high salaries. Syria
Why is Iran allying itself with Syrian tribal brigade in Aleppo? A group of Iranian clerics visited the headquarters of the Baqir Brigade, Iran's ally, in the city of Aleppo. The brigade has played a major role in curbing Russian influence in Aleppo in favor of Iran. Syria
Turkey turns up pressure on allies in Syria Turkey is using the jihadis’ march into Afrin to push its rebel allies in Syria to reorganize as a coherent, disciplined force. But what happens next if the factions fail to do so by the reported year-end deadline? Turkey
Lebanon begins vaccination campaign as cholera cases soar The crisis-hit country’s collapsing water and sewage infrastructure has opened a breeding ground for waterborne illness. Lebanon
