Exclusive From mountaintops to underground: PKK responds to Turkey’s drones Serdar Yektas, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Workers Party's armed wing, told Al-Monitor that Turkey’s use of its home-manufactured drones has drastically changed the nature of the conflict between them. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran says IRGC member killed in coalition strike in Syria Iranian news outlets blamed the IRGC member’s death on “coalition forces,” but did not offer further details. Iran
Turkey’s defense chief: Syria wants timetable for troop withdrawal to resume talks The defense minister said that Turkey "perceives" such a condition as an unwillingness to return to peace. Turkey
Clashes between Arab tribes, SDF forces in Syria pose challenge to US The clashes between Iranian-backed Arab tribes and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the United States, come at a time of heightened tensions in the region ahead of an imminent Iranian response to the killing of Hamas’ leader. Syria
Analysis As Assad softens tone, can Turkey and Syria normalize relations? By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
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. Syria
Syrian businessman with ties to Assad killed in suspected Israeli airstrike If confirmed, the strike would be a bold step for Israel's clandestine operations in Syria, taking out an Assad regime insider from a family that has long brokered oil shipments, arms deals and illicit financing across the civil war's front lines. Syria
Syrians in Turkey change attire, avoid cars after mob attacks Mob attacks on Syrians in Turkey are forcing Syrians to make themselves invisible. Turkey
Iraq aims to host first meeting between Turkey's Erdogan, Syria's Assad Baghdad is throwing its hat into the ring in hopes of brokering a historic restoration of ties between Turkey and the Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus, as Syria's neighbors hope to return refugees back to the war-wracked country. Syria
Analysis As Erdogan woos Assad, is Turkey-Syria reconciliation rhetoric or reality? While the Turkish president has signaled he’s open to mending fences with his Syrian counterpart, the path to reconciliation is full of pitfalls. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Saudi Arabia and Syria resume regular flights as thaw with Assad advances The move signals a new step toward further developing the relations between the two countries. Syria
In managing water crisis, can Turkey and Iraq bridge gap without Syria? Turkey and Iraq need to bring Syria into the fold to resettle the historical water sharing problems between the three countries, according to experts and officials. Turkey
Who was Luna al-Shibl, adviser to Syria's Assad who died in car crash? Shibl, a former Al Jazeera journalist, was a key adviser to Assad who accompanied the Syrian president on international trips including China. Syria
Erdogan open to hosting Assad, Putin as Syria-Turkey channels widen The remarks came as both Erdogan and Assad raised the possibility of resuming dialogue between Ankara and Damascus. Turkey
Erdogan meets 'dear friend' Putin as Russia, Turkey eye cooperation on Syria The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral ties only days ahead of the NATO summit. Turkey
Erdogan reassures Syrian rebels but says Turkey open to talks with Assad The Turkish president also ruled out a potential withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria in the near future, citing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey
7 killed in Syria as Turkey detains nearly 450 people over anti-refugee riots The detentions follow protests that broke out Sunday night and spread to other provinces on Monday. Turkey
