HTS

Sharaa's Islamist army fuels Syria's descent into sectarian slaughter

BEHIND THE LINES: In just eight months of Sunni Islamist rule in Syria, already three large-scale incidents of sectarian violence have taken place.

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; illustrative.

Meeting between Dermer, Syrian FM on Druze humanitarian corridor postponed - report

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaks during a press conference in Damascus, May 20, 2025; illustrative.

Israeli, Syrian officials to meet in Azerbaijan to discuss situation in southern Syria - report

Members of a group of Bedouin families who left Sweida, take a shelter at a school, in the village of El Sahoah in Deraa Governorate, Syria, July 28, 2025.

US repatriates minor from Syrian displaced persons camp, reunites him with family


The forgotten slaughter of Syria’s Druze, and Israel’s moral response - opinion

The slaughter of the Druze in Syria may not trend. It may not lead the news. But it matters. And Israel's response shows what it means to refuse to let others suffer alone.

A Druze boy holds a flag as he looks at the ceasefire line between Golan Heights and Syria, on the day of first visit by Druze delegation from Syria just after 1973 war in Israel, March 14, 2025.

Bodies and looted homes: Syria's Druze reeling after Sweida bloodshed

Residents from the Syrian-Druze city of Sweida described friends and neighbors being shot at close range in their homes or on the streets.

 A person reacts as casualties from recent clashes in Syria's Sweida province receive treatment at a field medical point, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Deraa, Syria July 18, 2025.

Elderly Druze Sheikh dies after humiliation by Syrian HTS

Sources close to the Sheikh confirm his death after a viral video circulated the internet showing Shahine, 80, being publicly humiliated by members of HTS in al-Tha'la.

Syrian security forces walk together along a street, after clashes between Syrian government troops and local Druze fighters resumed in the southern Druze city of Sweida early on Wednesday, in Sweida, Syria July 16, 2025.

IDF prepares for days of battles in Sweida, carries out aerial strikes on 160 Syrian targets

After a number of strategic aerial attacks on Syrian soil, Israel won't send ground forces to protect Syrian-Druze.

 IDF soldiers stand guard over Israeli-Druze at the border fence, July 16, 2025.

Chikli denounces Syria's Sharaa as 'barbaric terrorist murder who should be eliminated'

"We must not stand idly by in the face of the Islamo-Nazi terror regime of al-Qaeda operatives in suits," Chikli stated.

 Smoke rises while Syrian security forces sit in the back of a truck, as Syrian troops enter the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday following two days of clashes, in Sweida, Syria July 15, 2025.

Where is Hanegbi? Conflicting reports cast doubts over Israel-Syria peace talks

Arab media reports that Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israeli officials say he is in the US with Netanyahu.

NATIONAL SECURITY Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi issues a statement to the media in Tel Aviv, in late October. Just days before the October 7 attacks, he said in an interview: ‘Hamas is very, very restrained and understands the implications of further defiance.’

US revokes foreign terrorist designation for Syria's HTS, as part of terminating sanctions

The Trump administration keeps advancing on the normalization of relations with Syria, with its last step being revoking the foreign terrorist designation for Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.

 Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

From jihadist to president: Is Ahmed al-Sharaa's transformation true or false? - opinion

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s journey from jihadist commander to president presents the world with a highly dramatic transformation. Is it genuine or mere show?

 French President Emmanuel Macron and interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference after a meeting at the Élysée Palace, in May 2025.

Syrian Interior Ministry announces targeted operation against ISIS cell in Aleppo

Syria launched an operation against ISIS in several parts of Aleppo at a time of regional anxiety about a possible resurgence of the terror group.

 ISIS in Aleppo, Syria. 2017.

Syrians welcome sanctions relief, outcome remains unclear

In a partial policy shift, the US has eased some sanctions on Syria, allowing humanitarian aid, remittances, and limited civil sector activity.

 People celebrate after US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria, in Damascus, May 13, 2025.

Macron's eastward shift may spark Middle East anti-colonial revolt - opinion

Macron’s bet may buy short-term contracts and headlines, but it threatens to poison long-term relations and renew resentment.

 FRENCH PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron welcomes Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Élysée Palace in Paris last week.