Mikdad asks the U.N.’s secretary-general to support Damascus’ calls for an investigation, SANA reports
A regime offensive in the Eastern Ghouta and a rally in Berlin backing the newly freed Salih Muslim marked the first weekend of March
Localized agreements with Assad’s security forces are allowing fighters and civilians to leave besieged areas around the capital, Ayn al-Madina reports
Residents of the eastern city are returning to streets covered in rubble and a catastrophic level of destruction, Salon Syria reports
Hassakeh city’s Kurdish authority cites security concerns and asks citizens to check their cars for unusual objects, Al-Hal reports
Syria TV aims to reflect the hopes of Syrians at home and abroad while upholding high levels of journalistic integrity, Zaman al-Wasl reports
American commentator tells pro-Damascus e-newspaper that Syria and Russia can still pursue Nusra despite Resolution 2401
Moscow’s actions in the Ghouta – military and political – should be seen as a strengthening of its position independent of the fate of Assad, Enab Baladi writes
Damascus appears to be leaning on Moscow – instead of Tehran – for major support in the recovery process, Alsouria Net writes
Visit by Ali Mamlouk comes as part of continued anti-terrorism cooperation between Damascus and Rome, Zaman al-Wasl writes
Foreign Ministry reiterates calls for anti-ISIS alliance to halt its airstrikes and leave Syrian territory, SANA reports
Turkish-based outlet interviews locals on violations by the Kurdish-led forces since the expulsion of ISIS from the city
Group says Turkey is resorting to ‘dirty methods’ in its pursuit of the Syrian-Kurdish leader, opposition website reports
Local doctors have reported that some people were admitted to hospital exhibiting symptoms of exposure to chemical weapons
Deputy foreign minister tells BBC that Iran is in Syria to combat terrorists at the invitation of Damascus, Asharq al-Awsat reports
Despite international pledges of assistance, much work remains to clear the city of the dangers that ISIS left behind, Enab Baladi writes
Ankara is said to be filing an extradition request following the arrest of former PYD leader Salih Muslim
Emergency workers report that regime air and ground attacks targeted several areas of the besieged suburbs, Alsouria Net reports
Syrian government accuses Turkey of escalations in Afrin despite UNSC-backed cease-fire, residents of Deir-ez-Zor targeted in Assad regime’s forced recruitment campaign
The shelling of Damascus by opposition militants should not be seen as a justification for Assad’s leveling of Eastern Ghouta, Wael Sawah writes
