Syria

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

Border security and cooperation with Washington

The two states are working closer now than they have for decades, with Hezbollah a common problem. But Syria's army entering Lebanon is not the answer.

Having the Syrian army fight the militant group will not solve Lebanon's problem—it would very likely make it worse

Ankara believes Trump's idea to deploy Syrian forces to disarm the Lebanese militant group would further inflame a volatile situation