Suspected Islamic State attack leaves nine dead in Syrian desert

Syrian soldiers and pro-government fighters in eastern Syria came under a surprise attack attributed to the Islamic State, which remains active in the area despite losing territory.

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

2023 in review: Syria triumphant in Arab League as Israeli strikes, Iran ties continue

Coming in from the cold, Damascus — still riddled with economic challenges and Western sanctions — restored crucial relations with Saudi Arabia and the Arab League, fortifying its regional position after being frozen out for over a decade.

By Danny Makki

In London, reporting on Syrian politics and culture

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander tells Washington not to sell F-16s to Turkey

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, SDF commander-in-chief Mazlum Kobane called on the United States to shore up flagging Kurdish faith in Washington and block any new F-16 sales to Turkey.

With Mazlum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

2023 in review: Israel-Hamas war puts human rights in focus as pattern of double standards persists

A growing number of countries — many of them repressive in their own right — demand to know why Israel’s abuses are permissible.

By Amberin Zaman

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

Quick Take

Funeral held for Iran's IRGC commander killed by Israel as Tehran vows revenge

Iran said Sayyed Razi Mousavi was killed in an Israeli strike in Syria. The death of the commander, who was mourned in Syria and Iraq, could ignite war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Iraq

Quick Take

Turkey speeds up attacks on Kurdish groups in Syria, Iraq

The latest escalation occurred after the killing of 12 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq over the past week.

Turkey

Analysis

How killing of Iran’s IRGC commander in Syria could ignite Israel-Lebanon war

With Hezbollah increasing its missile and drone attacks against Israel’s northern communities, war on the Lebanon border could erupt at any minute.

By Ben Caspit

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

2023 in review: From Sudan to Syria, here are Mideast's forgotten conflicts

More than 12,000 people were killed in the war in Sudan this year, while violence persisted in parts of Syria, Iraq and other countries across the Middle East and North Africa.

By Adam Lucente

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

2023 in review: Al-Monitor's special coverage from across Middle East

By Al-Monitor Staff

Quick Take

Jordanian military kills drug smugglers on Syrian border

Cross-border drug smuggling was a major topic of discussion during Syria’s readmission into the Arab League.

Jordan

Regional View

With world's eyes on Gaza, Turkey attacks Syria's Kurds again

As of the beginning of 2023, at least 32 civilians have died in Turkish attacks in northeast Syria, including seven women and five children, according to local monitoring organizations.

Syria

Regional View

Iran-backed militias test new front with Washington’s Syrian Kurdish allies

A US base in northeast Syria has been attacked twice so far by rockets launched in the last month from within the country, and officials with the Syrian Defense Forces point to Iran-backed Shiite militias.

Syria