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 movie praises Moscow's war efforts in Syria The Russian movie "Sky" tells the story of a pilot killed after a Turkish jet shot down his bomber over northern Syria. Syria
Austin Tice's mother says White House a 'hurdle' to his return Debra Tice, whose son Austin disappeared while reporting on the Syrian war in 2012, called on the White House to do more to ensure his safe return. United States
Intel: US announces Iran, Syria sanctions ahead of democracy summit The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Iranian and Syrian targets in the run-up to the administration’s virtual gathering of the world's democracies. United States
Israel strikes Syrian port used by Iran Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appeared to make a rare admission that Israel was behind the strike. News Brief
CENTCOM investigating latest Syria drone strike for civilian harm The admission of potential civilian harm comes after the US defense secretary ordered a new review of a separate lethal strike in Syria. Syria
HTS subsidizes bread in Idlib as part of attempt to govern Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani is subsidizing the rapidly increasing cost of bread in Idlib in response to growing resentment against his organization. Syria
Idlib’s children become breadwinners amidst rising poverty Worsening living conditions and soaring poverty rates in Idlib force more and more children to drop out of school and start working to help their families meet their basic needs. Syria
Gaming offers livelihood for some young Syrians Video games have recently become a way to earn money for young Syrians amid scarce job opportunities in all fields and financial hardships. Syria
Israel ups the alarm on Iranian drones Defense Minister Benny Gantz revealed this week that Iran tried transferring explosives in 2018 from Syria to terror elements in the West Bank using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Israel
US amends sanctions regulations to ease aid delivery in Syria An amended general license allows NGOs in Syria to take part in otherwise prohibited activities, including new investment in Syria and transactions with the Syrian government. Syria
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Deteriorating Turkish lira hurts residents in Syria's Idlib The depreciation of the Turkish lira against the US dollar has resulted in worsening living conditions in Idlib and increased the people’s resentment against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Salvation Government, which they hold primarily responsible for the economic crisis. Syria
