Syrian Arab Republic
Qatari Emir discusses developments with Syrian interim President
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Damascus on January 30 for groundbreaking discussions with Syria's interim leadership, becoming the first head of state to visit the country since President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power.
Russian military withdraws from Syria amid tensions with Damascus regime
Russian forces have begun withdrawing from Syria, with two cargo vessels, the Sparta II and Sparta, departing from the port of Tartus on January 30.
Syria outlines free market vision at Damascus economic forum
Syria's Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection outlined the country's transition towards a competitive free market economy during an economic forum held at the Damascus Chamber of Commerce on January 29.
Syria removed customs tariffs after inflation warning from Turkey, says Turkish trade minister
Some analysts will take claim as more evidence Ankara has huge influence on new government emerging in Damascus.
EU ministers agree gradual lifting of sanctions on Syria
European Union foreign ministers endorsed a roadmap for the lifting of sanctions against Syria on 27 January during a meeting in Brussels.
Russian delegation visits Syria for first time since Assad’s fall
A high-level Russian delegation arrived in Damascus on January 28, marking the first visit since the ousting of Assad.
ISTANBUL BLOG: Making a fool of law
Turkey continues to simply ignore European court rulings not to its liking.
Turkish Airlines resumes Damascus flights after 13-year hiatus
The first Turkish Airlines flight in 13 years landed in Damascus on January 23, carrying 345 passengers including the airline's CEO Bilal Eksi.
COMMENT: A call for stability and inclusion as Syria grapples with an extremist government challenge
The recent dramatic change in regime in Syria, particularly the consolidation of power by figures such as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, raises important questions about the future of governance in the region.
The world reacts to Trump 2.0
Donald Trump's return to the White House has drawn sharply contrasting reactions worldwide, with traditional US allies expressing deep concern while rivals and emerging powers show marked optimism, according to a major new survey.
New Syrian Administration seeks to rejoin Arab League
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the New Syrian Administration, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Al-Shaibani met with a delegation from the Arab League led by Hossam Zaki.
Iraq seeks Iran-backed militia disarmament in new push
Iraq is trying to convince Iran-backed armed factions to lay down their weapons or join official security forces, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said.
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Syria says staging grounds for attacks on Turkey will be thing of the past
In visit to Ankara, Damascus’ new top diplomat takes on thorny issue of Kurdish-held territory in Syrian northeast.
ISTANBUL BLOG: “Dog bites man” story as Erdogan arrests more mayors, but there’s more here than meets the eye
Two issues to watch: shape-shifting opposition politician Imamoglu and sad sight of boomers failing to solve Kurdish question.
Turkey's Erdogan threatens to "cut off heads" of terrorist groups in Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened military action against militant groups in Syria, particularly Kurds, unless they lay down their arms and disband.
Israeli military seizes large weapons cache in Syrian territory
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on January 15 that they have seized more than 3,300 weapons during operations in Syrian territory, including significant military hardware and missile systems from the defunct Assad regime.
New Syrian leadership pledges reforms in talks with Italy
Syria's new administration head Ahmad al-Sharaa met Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on January 10, as the country seeks to rebuild international ties.
Cost of repairing Syria’s power infrastructure put at $40bn by electricity minister
Production facilities, transmission points, high voltage lines and distribution networks “ruined”, he says.
Risk of Israel-Turkey war in new Syria assessed by Israeli government commission
Turks could even come to pose greater threat to Israel than Iranians did, warns panel headed by ex-national security chief.
Damascus International Airport resumes operations
Damascus International Airport resumed operations on January 7, with the first flight of Syrian Airlines departing this morning for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.