Syrian Arab Republic
Israeli settlers from extremist sect cross into Lebanon, IDF confirms
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that settler activists crossed into Lebanese territory earlier this month near the village of Maroun al-Ras, in what the military described as a “grave incident.”
Trump keeping Erdogan “on his toes” over unfolding Syria events, says analyst
Turkish leader now “not sure exactly where he sits” after US president-elect’s remarks on how the situation in Damascus is “controlled by Turkey”.
Senators threaten to hit Erdogan with sanctions if Syria ceasefire not declared with US-backed Kurdish fighters
As fears grow Turkey will attempt post-Assad attack on self-declared “Kurdistan” territories, lawmakers say “United States cannot stand idly by”.
Iran chasing at least $50bn debt by Syria's Assad
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it could seek repayment of about $50bn owed by Syria under existing contracts and would raise the matter with the new Syrian government.
EU, France move to re-engage with Syria as diplomatic shifts accelerate
rance raised its flag over its Damascus embassy on December 17 for the first time in 12 years
Iran's Khamenei gives Syria speech in front of women-only audience
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the "resistance movement" is far from over.
COMMENT: Russia’s losses in Syria are Turkey’s gains
Russia’s hand in the Middle East has been dramatically weakened by the departure of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey’s has been strengthened.
Turkey will “hold key” to what happens in Syria, says Trump
By supporting anti-Assad forces, Ankara "did an unfriendly takeover without a lot of lives being lost", adds US president-elect.
UK officials meet new Syrian leader al-Sharaa in Damascus
British officials met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian leader and former head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 16.
Israel establishes “winter military positions” in Syrian territory
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a comprehensive operation to establish long-term military positions inside Syrian territory.
Assad breaks silence from Moscow
Disgraced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued his first public statement from Moscow on December 16, detailing the circumstances of his departure from Syria.
US, Turkey tread carefully over tensions on future of Kurdish forces in Syria
Washington says it’s “imperative” that fight to ensure Islamic State “doesn’t rear its head again” goes on. But Ankara wants Kurd-led YPG militia at head of that effort dissolved.
Iran to resume Damascus embassy operations soon, says ambassador
Iran plans to resume operations at its embassy in Damascus, exiled Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari said late on December 15.
COMMENT: Will the US exit Syria, return its oil fields?
The United States is now confronting a complex decision about its military presence in the country's oil-rich northeast.
Russia withdraws equipment from Syrian bases, but will not abandon them, in new deal talks with HTS
Russia began to withdraw substantial amounts of equipment from its two bases in Syria on December 13, but it has not abandoning the country and is now in talks with the new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government on a new deal.
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Syria reopens schools for first time since fall of Assad regime
Students returned to largely undamaged facilities in Damascus and other cities where educational administrators oversaw the raising of the new Syrian flag at several hundred schools.
New Syrian authorities accuse Israel of unlawful attack on country
A representative of the Syrian leadership that came to power after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad said that the Israeli authorities unlawfully attacked Syria
Turkish embassy reopens in Damascus after 12-year hiatus
Turkey’s embassy in Damascus resumed operations on December 14.
How Assad turned Syria into a narco-state
A video circulating on social media this week shows a warehouse in Syria filled with Captagon. This highly addictive amphetamine-based drug has transformed the country into a narco-state under the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad.
EU launches air bridge to Syria, boosts humanitarian funding to €163mn
The European Commission announced a new humanitarian air bridge operation in Syria and an increase in aid funding to €163mn ($177mn) for 2024 on December 13.