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.
Rubio: US has engaged with all parties in Syria clashes, agreed on steps to end situation
Rubio said that steps must be taken by "all parties to deliver on commitments they have made and this is what we fully expect them to do."
Hypocrisy? Int'l media ignored Syrian slaughter - until Israel acted - opinion
Syrian Druze fly Israeli flag on roof in Sweida as IDF strikes regime targets - report
IDF prepares for days of battles in Sweida, carries out aerial strikes on 160 Syrian targets
Netanyahu: 'My Druze brothers, do not cross the border into Syria, let the IDF do its job'
Israeli officials react to the ongoing violence in Syria's Sweida between regime forces and the local Druze community.
Syria conflict grows as Egypt and Jordan warn of regional instability
As the crisis grows regionally, it is likely that more countries will seek to become involved.
Druze clashes in Syria escalate as Israel faces tough border choices - analysis
Israel has vowed to support the Druze; however, this is easier said than done.
IDF attempts to curb Syrian infiltrations into Israel, return Israelis crossing into Syria
The IDF emphasized that Israel citizens crossing into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the public and the IDF.
Israel's Druze community declares day of rage, prepares to invade Syria if necessary
"Silence and standing idly by are no longer an option,” Druze leader Sheikh Mowafak Tarif wrote.
Lebanon central bank bans institutions from interacting with Hezbollah's Al-Qard Al-Hassan
Hezbollah has been grappling with acute financial strains, US demands for its disarmament, and diminished political clout since a new cabinet took office in February with US support.
'To live without fear': Israeli Druze leader shares vision for Syrian community
Druze leader warns of massacres under Syria’s new regime, urges Israel to take the threat seriously amid growing violence in Sweida .
Katz: IDF to raise level of attacks on Syrian regime if it doesn't leave Druze city
As of Wednesday morning, clashes between Syrian government troops and local Druze fighters resumed just hours after a ceasefire was announced.
Syria's aviation comeback struggles amid regional turmoil - analysis
Airlines are worried about the state of Syria's aviation infrastructure and management of the industry.
Trump hints at 'good news' regarding Gaza as Israel shows flexibility in hostage talks
Sirens by Dead Sea after Houthi missile launch • Shas exits Netanyahu's gov't,• Syrian Druze leaders reach ceasefire in Sweida • Israel's Druze community infiltrates Syria •
ISIS likely culprit behind attack on US-backed SDF in east Syria - analysis
This matters because if ISIS is on the rise in parts of Syria, then it will require coordination between Damascus and the SDF. The SDF controls a third of Syria.
