In rare rebuke of Iran, Turkey's Fidan calls its proxy strategy 'heavy burden'

The top Turkish diplomat criticized Iran's regional strategy and warned against aligning with Kurdish-led forces in Syria.

Turkey

Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know

Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era.

Syria

Feature

Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Jordan’s king hosts Sharaa amid Israeli escalation in Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Jordan on Wednesday, his third foreign visit since taking office, while Israeli airstrikes targeted military positions in Syria.

Syria

Syria's national dialogue conference calls for reforms, constitutional draft

Participants in Syria’s first national dialogue called for reforms in the political and judicial systems as the country navigates the transitional phase that followed the fall of the Assad regime.

Syria

Analysis

Israel flexes muscles in Syria, Lebanon in warning to Sharaa, Hezbollah

The flyover during Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral and the warnings this week by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflect Israel’s concerns over its borders with both Lebanon and Syria.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Pro-Israel, Turkey-friendly in Syria: How Merz's win in Germany affects Middle East

Germany’s chancellor-designate, Friedrich Merz, has called for more military support to Israel and criticized the current government over reduced arms exports to the country.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Analysis

Israel exploits divisions as Syria's new leaders convene national dialogue without Kurds

Divisions over Kurdish exclusion and Druze unrest cast a shadow over Syria’s reconciliation talks.

By Amberin Zaman

In Paris, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

EU suspends key energy, banking sanctions on Syria: What we know

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government has been trying to court the international community to encourage investment and ease sanctions to allow Syria’s economy to recover.

Syria

Analysis

Syria's new rulers set ambitious economic goals: Are they achievable?

Syria’s financial woes run deep, prompting the new government to radically change its economic policy.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Iraqi Kurds lend hand as PKK leader negotiates plan for peace with Turkey

Abdullah Ocalan is expected to urge his men to lay down their arms and end a more than 40-year insurgency against the Turkish state, capping talks launched in April last year between the rebel leader, PKK commanders and the Turkish government.

Turkey

Syria arrests Hezbollah-linked smugglers in Damascus: What to know

A crackdown on smuggling operations between Lebanon and Syria has intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Syria