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.
Middle East airspace gradually reopens after Israel-Iran strikes ground flights
In Syria, the Syrian General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced on Saturday the full reopening of Syrian airspace to civilian aviation.
US kills ISIS official in precise airstrike in Syria, CENTCOM says
Syrian girl receives life-saving treatment at Rambam Hospital in Haifa
IDF arrests Hamas terrorists in Syria who stockpiled weapons, planned terror attacks
Israel weighs peace negotiations with Syria, asks US to mediate - report
If such negotiations were to occur, it would be the first time officials from Jerusalem and Damascus have held talks since 2011.
CENTCOM's Michael Kurilla outlines next steps of US military in Syria
"It is incredible to see President Trump's bold vision and a Middle East defined by 'commerce not chaos," said Congressman Hamadeh.
Pro-Israel rabbi and Trump-linked pastor visit Syria, say peace is possible
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, from the Jewish human rights organization Simon Wiesenthal Center, has promoted interfaith dialog in Arab states for years.
Syria requires women to wear burkinis on public beaches
The decree added it was preferable to wear loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and to avoid transparent or very tight clothing.
Turkish might, Qatari wealth spearhead a new radical Sunni axis in the Middle East - opinion
As Shi’ite Iran weakens, it is being replaced by a radical Sunni alliance. Democracies must wake up to this new danger.
Syria's new regime slashes anti-Israel media coverage, study shows
The study shows a dramatic drop in the volume of Israel-related content, alongside a slight moderation in tone. Under Assad, Israel-related content appeared in as much as 43% of SANA reports.
'Make America Great Again': Trump's Middle East doctrine shifts to LA crisis - analysis
Trump’s LA focus may overshadow Middle East policy, risking setbacks in Gaza, Iran, Syria, and more.
Hezbollah’s appeal for Lebanese protection signals strategic failure - analysis
Hassan Fadlallah's comments show how concerned Hezbollah is today. They are worried that many things are in motion against them.
Syria shutters displacement camp Rukban, symbol of Assad regime, people's suffering
Between 2018 and 2019, the number of displaced people in the camp reached 50,000, most of them women and children, according to a Syrian media report.
IDF kills Hamas terrorist in southern Syria
Hamas did not immediately comment on the strike.
IDF takes 'Madleen' flotilla to Port of Ashdod, flotilla's passengers to return to home countries
'Tiny' amount of aid on ship to be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels, foreign ministry says • GHF to open aid distribution center in Rafah
