Syria

Two weeks in Damascus revealed a country where diplomacy, investment, and security competed with the first real test of the 'new Syria'

An accord from 1991 reinforced Syrian tutelage in Lebanon, but the days of the Assad regime and the occupation of its smaller neighbour are long gone. Will the 2026 accord usher in a new era?

A set of understandings or principles could, with some gentle facilitation, be agreed between Ankara and Tel Aviv to minimise the chances of unintended escalation in their mutual neighbour

Turks have been helping Jews for at least 500 years, but today many are angry at the injustices suffered by Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government. Is there hope for a reset?

Two competing power centres are now vying for supremacy in the region, in a fight that involves the White House

Türkiye calls Israel a 'terrorist state', Israel calls Türkiye 'the new Iran'. They have competing interests in Syria, Palestine, the Gulf, Washington, and arms exports. Will they come to blows?

The real target of the explosions near President Macron's hotel was the idea of a new, open, trading Syria. The most effective response? To press on with the visit and move towards the future

Another 70 lawmakers have been picked by the president, creating a chamber of just over 200. Are these MPs pliable and subservient, or do they have teeth? That is now an important question for Syria

If Trump's idea is implemented, it would all but certainly further undermine regional stability and US interests in the Middle East

Syrian military intervention in Lebanon is nowhere near a priority as Damascus grapples with enormous economic, social, and political obligations at home