Middle East

The Syrian regime is changing the way it recruits to its army, depleted by years of war, desertions and the failures of the conscription and reserve models.

The regime’s aversion to civil society has a new address.

The regime revamps its image with party and parliamentary reforms

Sovereign sukuk are another attempt to plug a gaping deficit

A major operation shifts the balance of power in Eastern Syria

Iran’s plans for a beachhead in Tartous may run aground

Only a handful of MPs remain on the hollowed-out UN body.

IS steps up the economic pressure on its adversaries.

Damascus wants to cut subsidies and control international aid.

Foreign powers dig in for the long term, leaving local forces little room for maneuver.

The regime continues to frustrate efforts for a political solution.

HTS efforts to fragment the movement appear to be working.