The Media Line

Russia or the US? Post-Assad Syria tries to keep both powers in play - analysis

As Russian ships resupply Moscow’s remaining military presence and US companies arrive seeking investment opportunities, Damascus is trying to build ties with Washington without abandoning Moscow.

A Syrian rebel fighter (C) looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024.
83rd Venice International Film Festival Saturday, 12th September 2026

Behind NAZA: How AI is used to assess, reduce collateral damage in IDF - interview

Car radio 370

US House of Representatives passes act mandating free AM radio in every vehicle

Illustrative: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looks on upon his arrival during a welcome ceremony as part of his two-day official visit to France, at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, France August 24, 2026.

Israeli-Saudi security coordination remains 'limited and pragmatic,' Saudi analyst cautions


Assad’s death sentence puts Syria-Russia extradition treaty to the test - analysis

After a Damascus court sentenced him to death in absentia, an extradition treaty signed by Bashar Assad with Russia provides a legal avenue for seeking his return—but the death sentence itself could

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad is seen during an interview to the American magazine Foreign Affairs in Damascus.

'Running to fix broken systems’: Haskel defines Israel First as Pollard joins slate - interview

After three years of war and political disputes surrounding military service, she said Israelis need leaders who approach public responsibility with the determination of a parent protecting a child.

(L-R) Jonathan Pollard, MK Sharren Haskel, Roi Danino announce Pollard's addition to the Israel First party, August 23, 2026.

Azerbaijan mediating between Israel, Turkey in effort to reduce Syria tensions

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initiated direct dialogue between Israel and Turkey a year ago, resulting in an operational coordination mechanism intended to prevent conflict in Syria.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (L) and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (R) meet in Baku, Azerbaijan, May 2023.

Inside Syria, night raids, farm permits mark Israel's expanding reach

A local security source quoted by the Syrian news organization Enab Baladi said Hamada was conducting private business rather than carrying out a military mission.

An Israeli army patrol at a temporary checkpoint in the Sayda al-Golan area of the southern Quneitra countryside on Aug. 19, 2026, with the road closed to civilian traffic. Local sources said residents were searched. Israel says its forces remain in southern Syria.

Israel and Turkey face a dangerous clash over Syria's future - analysis

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani rejected claims that Turkey intended to establish a military base at Abu al-Duhur, saying the site was being restored for use by the Syrian Air Force.

Four IAF F-16 aircraft participate in Operation Roaring Lion, March 5, 2026.

Yashar surges ahead of Likud in the polls, but can Eisenkot turn popularity into power? - analysis

Other recent polls have differed on the size of the advantage, but most of the six surveys reviewed for this article placed Yashar ahead of Likud.

Gadi Eisenkot attends a conference at the Academic College in Tel Aviv, January 6, 2026.

Voices from the Arab Press: The Mecca agreement changes the equation

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

TURKISH NAVY FORCES aboard the TCG Gaziantep (F-490), a guided-missile frigate, ahead of launch of drilling vessel ‘Cagri Bey,’ set to conduct Turkey’s first deep-sea drilling operation in the Indian Ocean near the Mogadishu seaport, in Somalia, April 10.

Hamas support plunges among Palestinians as Barghouti emerges as top Abbas successor - poll

New polling presented by Khalil Shikaki shows declining confidence in Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, growing support for negotiations, and a potentially decisive role for Marwan Barghouti.

Palestinians protest in support of senior Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti in the West Bank city of Nablus, August 20, 2025

US military paper 'Stars and Stripes' warns about threat to independence after Pentagon fires staff

“The Publisher Advisory Board is deeply concerned that these actions further threaten to interrupt the editorial independence that is essential to Stars and Stripes’ credibility," Chair Friday said.

Illustrative: Members of the military and first responders watch as an American flag is unfurled on the side of the Pentagon to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.

WATCH: Iran’s ‘golden generation’ could reshape Middle East, analyst says

The Saudi-Pakistani-Turkish alignment could keep the region “in the ideological framework of political Islam” and block commercial prosperity, Bijan warns

Islamic Republic of Iran and the Middle East and Central Asia as seen on a vintage globe, November 14, 2024