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.
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
Syria, US and France hold 'frank' talks, urge success of Syria's transition
Israel at War day 658: What's going on in Gaza, Yemen?
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.
At least two killed, 70 injured as blast rocks Syria's Idlib
Raed Al-Sale, Syria’s minister of emergency and disaster management, said rescue teams were carrying out an evacuation.
Israel's Dermer to meet Syrian FM, US envoy Barrack in Paris to discuss southern Syria
Dermer will also discuss the upcoming Iranian nuclear negotiations with European officials, ahead of the talks between European nations and Iran that will take place in Istanbul.
Iraq’s prime minister meets new anti-ISIS mission commander
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani meets with Brig.-Gen. Kevin J. Lambert, the new commander of the anti-ISIS mission in Iraq.
IAF intercepts Yemeni drone, Macron recognized Palestinian state
Israeli, US delegations depart Doha • IDF soldiers wounded in Gaza accident US says it is working to get more aid into Gaza without it being looted by Hamas • GHF offers to deliver UN aid
In Druze town where hundreds breached border with Syria, residents mourn one tragedy, fear another
Hundreds of Druze residents pushed through the security fence separating the Israeli Golan Heights from Syria, rushing toward family members they had not seen in decades.
Escalating patterns: Surge in anti-Druze hate speech linked to Syria unrest, CyberWell reports
According to the watchdog, the incitement includes explicit antisemitic language and conspiracy theories portraying Syrian Druze as collaborators with Israel.
On the brink of chaos: Clashes in Syria threaten to spill over - opinion
The current situation, and especially the violence by the new Syrian regime or other ethnic groups, will require Israel to intervene militarily and diplomatically.
Saudi Arabia delegation lands in Syria to advance $4 b. investment deal
According to Turkish media, Damascus and Riyadh are expected to sign agreements worth $4 billion.
Syria seeks Turkey's help to train armed forces amid rising tensions - analysis
Syrian defense ministry personnel and other officials frequently visit Turkey. Some of the members of Syria’s new security forces were previously commanders in Turkish-backed Syrian proxy groups.
Why Israel must support Syria’s minorities - opinion
Israel may be the only hope for vulnerable minorities in Syria in need of protection from the new Syrian regime.