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.
Gideon Sa'ar welcomes Syria's participation in EU-Middle East Meeting
"We welcome the participation of the Syrian minister. We will be together in the same meeting. Let's see what will happen," Saar told reporters ahead of Monday's meeting.
What role is Israel playing in the clashes between Druze and Bedouins in Syria? - analysis
Republicans Overseas Israel urge US action to protect Druze in southern Syria amid escalation
WATCH: IDF strikes Syrian tanks that advanced towards sectarian violence, near Israel's border
Attacks on Syrian forces to quell sectarian clashes leave 18 dead, Israel strikes to protect Druze
The violence erupted after a wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of a Druze merchant on Friday on the highway linking Damascus to Sweida, witnesses said.
Tank explosion kills three soldiers in north Gaza, IDF soldier takes own life on northern base
Degel Hatorah announces exit from gov't • EU sees some good signs on Gaza aid but more needed • Israel submits third map for ceasefire negotiations
Normalizing ties with Syria must not be a blank check - opinion
Normalization should reshape Syria in order to create peace in the region.
IDF 'Alpine' Unit raids Syrian Assad-era command posts to prevent weapons smuggling
Reservists of the IDF's 810th Brigade have uncovered command posts, over three tons of ammunition leftover from Assad's regime on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.
Syrian activist to TML: Visit to Israel, Knesset was 'unprecedented moment for peace'
Syrian political figure Shadi Martini described his Knesset address as a 'once-in-a-century opportunity' and confirmed holding recent talks with Syria’s new president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
Inside the IDF's covert 10 km. mission to capture Iran’s Quds Force in Syria - report
Lt.-Col. (res.) Y, commander of the IDF's 7012th Battalion, led troops 10 kilometers into Syrian territory in covert June mission which was carried out without a shot being fired.
Syrian president visits Azerbaijan to strengthen energy, diplomatic ties - analysis
In a sign of warming ties, Syria’s new leadership is turning to Azerbaijan for support on energy, education, and post-conflict reconstruction.
US Syria envoy puts pressure on US-backed Kurdish forces - analysis
US policy is to have one Syria and one army there and not support federalism.
Iranian advisor posts video depicting nuking Israel, Netanyahu speaks to Fox News on Gaza, Iran
Hamas sabotaging hostage deal talks • Netanyahu summons Smotrich, Ben-Gvir to discuss Gaza negotiations • Trump supports Iran strikes if nuke program continues
Israel at War day 644: What's happening in Gaza, West Bank?
IDF maps homes of Gush Etzion terrorists for demolition • Saudi-France conference on two-State solution to happen at end of July
UN report sees no active Syrian state links to Al Qaeda, may strengthen US ties
The report comes as diplomats expect the United States to seek the removal of UN sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive and democratic Syria.
