Syria's new post-Assad leadership is working to sever Iran's reach by shoring up its borders with Lebanon and Iraq, and by closing in on cells operating in the country
Baghdad is opening its energy sector to US investment while racing to diversify oil exports, strengthen its economy, and reduce its vulnerability to regional conflict
Smugglers and militias have been active along the country's boundaries in recent days, which could attract unwanted conflict. With resources stretched, Damascus is keen to contain things.
Balancing the competing interests of regional and global stakeholders is no easy task. Can the president keep Syria from becoming an arena for regional conflict?
The former Fox News presenter, who now wields more influence over US politics than he did at the network from 2009-23, is now a vehement critic of Trump in recent months, in part over Israel
War is driving demand for munitions, and the fibres from cotton seeds are used to produce artillery shells. With only a few producers, demand is soaring.