Syria's Civil War

Syria's 'White Helmets' makers get US visas for Oscars

Leader of rescue group and filmmaker plan to attend Academy Awards next week after suspension of Trump's travel ban.

Middle East

Kurdish commander pledges to retain Syria's Manbij

Turkish president's plan to clear Kurdish forces from Syrian city and set up a safe zone meets with Kurdish defiance.

Middle East

Security Council resolutions to be 'Syria talks basis'

Elections, new constitution and governance to be on the agenda of forthcoming meeting in Geneva of Syrian factions.

Politics

Fighting intensifies in Syria's Deraa

Heavy Russian attacks reported after rebels try to obstruct Syrian government bid to retake strategic border crossing.

Politics

Saudi Arabia says four ISIL cells broken up

At least 18 arrested for providing shelter and funds to ISIL fighters and for recruitment in different parts of kingdom.

Middle East

Al Bab: Russia-Turkey understanding on Euphrates Shield

Ankara's plans to push further east and south of Al Bab might face serious diplomatic challenges, say analysts.

Middle East

Start of Syria talks in Kazakh capital delayed one day

A new round of talks on the Syrian conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran were set to begin on February 15.

Middle East

UN: 'Looming catastrophe' in Syria's besieged towns

UN official urges Syria war players to allow life-saving aid deliveries to 60,000 civilians trapped in four towns.

Refugees

Britain rejecting child refugees is no surprise

Given the toxic environment post-Brexit, and the historical record, rejecting child refugees is no wonder.

by Alastair Sloan

Syria's Civil War

Is the PLO helping or harming Palestinians in Syria?

Critics accuse the PLO of failing to protect or financially support Palestinian refugees in war-torn Syria.

Middle East

Syria rebels cast doubt on attending Kazakhstan talks

Accusing Russia of failing to implement ceasefire, rebels say they might attend talks only if progress is seen soon.

Middle East

Syrian forces accused of chemical attacks in Aleppo

Rights group accuses Syria of eight chemical attacks, killing at least nine people during offensive to retake key town.

Middle East

Syrian government 'ready' for prisoner swap with rebels

State media says Assad government 'continuously ready' for prisoner exchange with rebels before upcoming peace talks.

Syria's Civil War

Turkish forces 'advance in Syria, set sights on Raqqa'

President Erdogan says Turkey's military incursion into northern Syria aims to cleanse a 5,000sq km 'safe zone'.

Middle East

Turkish troops and Syrian rebels enter ISIL-held Al Bab

Reports say heavy clashes under way in group's last stronghold in northern Syria with Assad forces also approaching it.