Amid Syria troop reduction, will Trump repeat Middle East withdrawal mistakes?
Cameron McMillan and Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracy argue in this op ed that getting out of Syria too quickly could leave the US vulnerable.
Syria
Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Pay Off Syria’s Debt to the World Bank
The countries agreed to cover $15 million owed to the lender as the new government in Damascus looks to rebuild the economy after the civil war.
Kurdish Distrust of Syria’s New Government Runs Deep
The Kurdish-led force that runs northeast Syria has agreed to integrate into a new national army, but some of its supporters remain wary.
Britain Lifts Sanctions on Syrian Security Agencies
The move, which is intended to allow Syria’s new leaders the chance to rebuild, follows Britain’s earlier easing of sanctions on Syrian energy companies and the central bank.
Opinion – The Window Is Closing for a Federal Syria
The real question is whether Syria will build a new Levant, or whether it will repeat history by reproducing a poor imitation of the Ba’athist tragedy.
UK lifts sanctions against Syrian defense, interior ministries, intelligence agencies
The United Kingdom has announced the lifting of sanctions against Syrian ministries and intelligence agencies, according to Britain’s finance ministry on Thursday.
3 Takeaways From The New York Times’ Interview With Syria’s New President
Ahmed al-Shara said his government was discussing military support with Russia and Turkey, appealed for a lifting of sanctions and suggested foreign fighters could earn Syrian citizenship.
Syria Makes Rare Arrests of Palestinian Militant Group Leaders
The arrests marked a pendulum swing for the government. Under the Assad regime, Syria served as a base of operations for several Palestinian armed factions.
What the Battered Ancient Syrian City of Palmyra Looks Like Now
During a visit to Palmyra, reporters found traces of the many forces that had fought over the city and ancient monuments reduced to rubble.
Syria’s Easter Celebrations Pass Peacefully, in Early Test of New Government
At least in the capital, Damascus, the Christian holiday festivities were protected and joyfully observed. Religious minorities are still wary, however, about the new leaders’ commitment to inclusivity.