Syria
Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is an Arab nation in the Middle East, situated in the Levant region. The country boasts a rich history and some of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
In 1963, Syria's government was taken over by the Ba'ath Party, led by Hafez al-Assad. For decades, he and his son and successor, Bashar al-Assad, would rule the country in a reign that has been highly criticized for being totalitarian and for carrying out widespread human rights abuses.
In 2011, a major civil war broke out in Syria, leaving governance of the country fractured between the Russia- and Iran-backed Assad regime based in Syria's largest city and capital of Damascus, US-backed rebel groups led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Turkey-backed forces, and Islamists under the banner of Hay'at Tahir al-Shams (HTS).
However, in December 2024, HTS and its allies carried out a major offensive from their base of operations in the Idlib province, eventually fully ousting the Assad regime and seizing control of Damascus as well as other major cities such as Homs and Aleppo. Currently, HTS has been spearheading the establishment of a new Syrian interim government. However, the country still remains fractured between them, Assad loyalists, Turkey-backed forces, and the SDF and its allies.
Ben-Gvir urges Netanyahu to withdraw from hostage deal, IDF intercepts Houthi missile
Khamenei seen in first public appearance since war • Hamas requests 'unacceptable' changes to Gaza deal, PMO says • Hostage negotiation team to fly to Doha Sunday
Why Israel should not trust Syria’s new leadership, or the peace being promised - opinion
UK reestablishes diplomatic ties with Syria as Lammy visits Damascus
From jihadist to president: Is Ahmed al-Sharaa's transformation true or false? - opinion
US-Israel ties: Relations between historic allies enter a new era - analysis
Today, Israel is widely considered one of America’s closest allies. Whether this relationship remains sustainable – and healthy – for both countries will be a defining question in the years ahead.
Khamenei seen in first public appearance since war, Hostage negotiation team to fly to Doha Sunday
Cabinet meets to discuss hostage negotiations • Ben-Gvir decries hostage deal proposal • Hamas requests 'unacceptable' changes to Gaza deal, PMO says
Israeli special forces operate near Damascus via helicopter landings - report
According to the report, three helicopters landed at the site, which once belonged to the Republican Guard Division under Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Israel-Hamas War day 637: What's happening in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran?
IDF announces death of two soldiers in Gaza • UN pulls IAEA nuclear inspectors out of Iran
Security cabinet convenes to discuss reports of Hamas's positive response to hostage deal
Chaim Rotter named as sexual assault suspect • Senior Hamas leaders in Doha told to lay down weapons • Danish police investigate shipment received by Israeli embassy
Syria's Sharaa makes moves toward Abraham Accords to reduce Turkish influence
While Erdogan is doing everything to delegitimize Israel, any agreement between Israel and Syria "also undermines Turkey’s strategy," Yanarocak told Maariv.
Can Syria’s new leadership be trusted? A closer look at President al-Sharaa – opinion
An Abraham Accords-style breakthrough will only be possible between Syria and Israel if one person—President Trump—brings Netanyahu and al-Sharaa together to seal the deal.
IDF elite unit 504 interrogations lead to bust of Iranian terror cell operating in southern Syria
The elite IDF unit 504 provided intelligence that led to the arrests of multiple members of an Iranian terrorist cell in southern Syria.
Russia and China's influence wanes in the Middle East after 12-Day War – analysis
While both countries have aimed to expand their influence in the Middle East, they have remained silent after the Israel-Iran War.
IDF soldiers arrest members of Iranian terror cell operating in southern Syria
The military said they received intelligence from interrogations in recent weeks, leading soldiers to carry out nighttime operations and arrest several terrorists.
Trump administration lifts key sanctions on Syria, backs new government
US President Donald Trump moves forward with an executive order that provides sanctions relief for Syria by the US Department of State and Treasury.
