Analysis As Assad softens tone, can Turkey and Syria normalize relations? As news of normalization between Turkey and Syria and a meeting between the Turkish president and his Syrian counterpart abound, many strategic and technical questions need to be addressed. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Italy appoints ambassador to Syria in latest sign of European thaw Syria’s relations with the international community are gradually improving amid the ongoing civil war. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Russia, Turkey FMs meet in Laos, discuss Syria reconciliation efforts The two top diplomats’ talks come after the Russian and Syrian presidents discussed the Turkish president’s invitation to hold a three-country leaders' summit with his Syrian counterpart after more than a decade of hostilities. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syria’s Assad meets Putin in Russia amid Turkey dialogue push Russia has been the main backer of President Bashar al-Assad’s forces against rebels throughout the Syrian civil war. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iraq aims to host first meeting between Turkey's Erdogan, Syria's Assad By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis As Erdogan woos Assad, is Turkey-Syria reconciliation rhetoric or reality? By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Pentagon's concerns grow as Syria's Kurds prepare for Turkish assault Syrian Kurdish commander's plans to defend Kobani and Manbij have US military officials worried about security at prisons holding some 10,000 former IS fighters. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
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. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
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. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
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. By Lyse Mauvais, Solin Muhammed Amin
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. By Week in Review
Artists from Middle East stand out in women-dominated Venice Biennale This year’s edition of the world’s longest-running art show corrects a history of gender inequality by putting female artists at its center. By Ayla Jean Yackley
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. By Sultan al-Kanj
Erdogan says meeting with Syria's Assad is 'possible' The Turkish president adds that "there is no resentment or bitterness in politics." By Al-Monitor Staff
Two Egyptian girls murdered in Syria's notorious Islamic State camp al-Hol Two Egyptian girls have been found killed in the Kurdish-run Al-Hol camp that holds many Islamic State fighters and their relatives in northeastern Syria. By Sultan al-Kanj
Turkey’s strikes in Syria put US troops in danger, Pentagon says A Turkish drone strike on a top Kurdish commander’s headquarters came within 130 meters of US troops in Syria on Tuesday. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
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, 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. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture