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.
US repatriates minor from Syrian displaced persons camp, reunites him with family
The State Department said on Tuesday that the United States repatriated a US citizen minor from a displaced persons camp in northeast Syria.
Israeli-Druze doctor meets long-lost Syrian relatives evacuated from Sweida
Sharaa or al-Julani? IDF still suspicious of Syrian leader after Sweida massacre - analysis
Syria seeks balance in Sweida amid Druze-Bedouin clashes, Israeli strikes - analysis
The blind spot of the West: Failed collaboration with jihadists - opinion
Western governments pursue the integration of Syrian jihadists into the international community, even at the cost of eradicating cultural diversity in Syria.
Sharaa's treatment of minorities does not bode well for Middle East stability - opinion
Protecting Syria’s minorities is not just a humanitarian duty but a strategic necessity for Israel and its allies in shaping a post-war Middle East.
Syrian extremists executed American Druze who sought to aid his family
Saraya, a member of the Druze religious minority, was living in Oklahoma but had returned to the family home in Sweida to take care of his ill father.
'I am Hamas': Syrian national bites ear off Israeli tourist vacationing in Greece - report
The Israeli national was also arrested after the attacker claimed he made racist comments, though the Israeli national remains in hospital.
Voices from the Arab press: Damascus between the Druze, Alawites, and Kurds
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Syria, Israel agree to further talks on de-escalating conflict, Ekhbariya TV reports
On Friday, US envoy Tom Barrack said officials from both countries spoke about de-escalating the situation in Syria during the talks on Thursday.
UN confirms aid delivered to Sweida after nearly 150,000 displaced by violence
More than 145,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting, the WHO said, with many sheltering in makeshift reception centers in Daraa and Damascus.
France's top court says arrest warrant for Assad is invalid, new one can be issued
Mariana Pena, senior legal officer at Open Society Justice Initiative, which helped gather evidence against Assad, described the court's ruling as "a missed opportunity for justice."
Syria, US and France hold 'frank' talks, urge success of Syria's transition
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met in Paris with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, also known as Asaad al-Shaibani, in the presence of US Ambassador Tom Barrack.
Israel at War day 658: What's going on in Gaza, Yemen?
UN aid chief demands evidence after Israel accuses staff of links to Hamas • Security forces thwart attacks in West Bank • Firefighters combat fire in northern Israel
Netanyahu, Druze spiritual leader meet in Jerusalem amid Syria ceasefire
This meeting comes ahead of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's meeting with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Paris.
