Robert Bociaga

Between competing narratives of marginalisation and destabilisation, protests calling for federalism on Syria's coast could become a critical test for Damascus

Recent protests for Druze self-determination, with some waving Israeli flags, have reignited fears about Syria's fragmentation and the role of external actors

With Syria's minorities allying to demand decentralisation, tensions continue over how to balance local autonomy with the need to preserve national unity

Formally integrating foreign fighters into Syria's new army is viewed as a pragmatic political move, but one which alarms many in Syrian society

In the shattered desert landscapes and overcrowded detention camps of Syria, the Islamic State, though weakened, still lurks in the shadows

In-depth: Officials say the campaign is key to closing a painful chapter in Iraq's history. But on the ground, trust is harder to rebuild.