Syria
9 stories from Middle East Affairs.
Nine killed by war-era ordnance in Syria in past week
The United Nations said nine people, six of them children, died from explosions of munitions left over from Syria's conflict in the past week, with the deadliest incident in Daraa province.
Kurdish women fighters seek role in Syria's new security structure
Kurdish women fighters from a dissolved Syrian militia are seeking positions in state security forces as Damascus consolidates control over armed groups.
Bessent's claim that Hormuz will lose value faces skeptical analysts
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted the Strait of Hormuz would become "worthless" within two years as new pipelines divert energy exports, but energy analysts say the critical waterway will retain strategic importance for container shipping and liquefied natural gas.
Former Palestinian PM says Israel pursuing "silent annexation" of West Bank
Former Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh says Israel is pursuing gradual annexation of the West Bank despite international opposition, with settlers now comprising over a quarter of the territory's population.
Scholar examines how Turkey's growing influence is reshaping Middle East dynamics
A researcher at Turkey's SETA foundation discusses how Ankara's growing regional influence is altering Middle Eastern power dynamics and security arrangements.
Security Council to hear update on Syria disarmament program
The UN Security Council is holding a meeting on efforts to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons program under a 2013 resolution.
Assad death sentence leaves survivors seeking deeper reckoning
A Damascus court sentenced Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia in August for war crimes, but Syrian survivors and human rights advocates say the conviction is largely symbolic without prosecution of lower-ranking officials and comprehensive accountability.
Saudi real estate platform to invest in Syrian classifieds startup
Saudi Arabia-based real estate platform AQAR has signed a memorandum of understanding to invest up to $480,000 in Syrian classifieds company Doushesh.
Single Arabic work makes 2026 National Translation Awards longlist
A collection of poetry by Syrian-born Ghayath Almadhoun, translated from Arabic by Catherine Cobham, was the sole Arabic-language work to reach the 2026 National Translation Awards longlists announced this week.
