Damascus and the Kurds have mostly coexisted, but tensions have risen in recent weeks with both sides accusing the other of restricting goods movements to areas under their control.
Marred by the coronavirus pandemic, the year 2020 has been a challenge for all. Here are some stories that provided glimmers of hope.
How Putin's Russia helped crush the Arab Spring
Analysis: Putin has always endorsed authoritarian rule in the Middle East and Russia has profited significantly from the brutal subversion of popular uprisings.
Syrian documentary film For Sama wins Emmy International Award
Syrian filmmaker Waad al-Kateab has won an Emmy International Award for her critically acclaimed film For Sama, which tells the heartbreaking ...
Syria Insight: Russia's intervention five years on (Part 1)
In-depth: Five years have passed since Russia's intervention in Syria's war began. For Syrians, it is a time of loss and mourning.
Four Arabs named among TIME's 'Most Influential People 2020'
Oscar-nominated Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab is listed among TIME magazine's 'Most Influential People of 2020'.
Daughter of Syrian Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker goes to school
The documentary filmmaker won several awards for her documentary about life in Aleppo during Bashar al-Assad's seige.
Russia's expanding military footprint in the Middle East
Over the last decade Russia has visibly expanded its military, economic and political influence in the Middle East.
Award-winning 'For Sama' director pays tribute to NHS workers
Kateab's Oscar-nominated 'For Sama' followed doctors on the frontlines in Aleppo. Now the Syrian director has filmed British doctors ...
Syria Weekly: Coronavirus outbreak sparks more fears of epidemic
Two reported deaths from coronavirus in Syria point to a much higher outbreak than is being acknowledged by authorities.
The YouTube influencers selling Assad's Syria
Comment: Foreign YouTubers with thousands of subscribers are presenting sanitized view of a country still reeling from a devastating war, writes ...
Syria regime discovers mass grave near Damascus
A mass grave was discovered near Eastern Ghouta's main town of Douma, an area formerly controlled by rebel group Jaish Al-Islam.
Syrian pilot of downed helicopter 'took selfies with Soleimani'
Anti-regime activists have identified the Facebook account of the pilot who died when a Syrian military helicopter was downed on Tuesday.
The eleventh hour for Idlib, Syria's last rebel bastion
Comment: The Syrian regime's campaign to retake Idlib threatens devastating levels of death and displacement. Syria and Russia must conclude an ...
Syrian 'For Sama' director stuns Oscars in Arabic-calligraphy dress
'For Sama' won the BAFTA for Best Documentary this year, but narrowly missed out on the Academy Award to 'American Factory'.
Will Syrian documentary For Sama win at the Oscars?
Harrowing Syrian war documentary For Sama is in the running for best feature documentary at Sunday's Oscars.
Idlib: A Syrian tragedy foretold
Comment: Syrian and Russian forces are rounding on Idlib, and it's clear they will settle for nothing less than complete destruction, writes ...
Syrian war documentary For Sama wins Best Documentary BAFTA
A documentary film about a young mother's experience amid the Syrian civil war took home a Best Documentary win and 4 nominations at the 2020 ...
Syria Weekly: Assad regime captures ghost town Maarat Al-Numan
Bashar Al-Assad's forces moved into Maarat Al-Numan this week, after a two-month siege of the once-bustling Idlib city but found it ...
How Idlib's 'ceasefires' tell the story of Syria's war
Comment: The inconsistent reaction to to the Assad regime's violence in Idlib tells a story of heartbreaking international indifference that has ...
Thousands flee as Syrian regime cuts off Maarat Al-Numan
Thousands of people have fled villages around the deserted rebel-held city of Maaret al-Numan in Syria’s Idlib province as the regime prepared ...
For Sama and The Cave nominated for Oscars
The Cave and For Sama have been nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars.
Syria Weekly: Rattled Russia sparks Putin visit to Damascus
Putin's visit to Damascus this week follows tensions between ally Iran and rival the US in Iraq and Syria.
Syrian war documentary nominated for record number of Baftas
Waad Al-Kataeb's harrowing film tracing 5 years of the Syrian revolution and conflict has picked up more Bafta nominations than any documentary ...
Syria was the battleground for Soleimani's forces, and his death has sparked celebrations in Idlib.
Schools, homes and hospitals in Idlib have been targeted again by the Syrian regime this week.