Syria

A year ago, Israel shifted from intentions to capabilities in Operation Rising Lion - opinion

On June 13, 2025, Israel returned to one of the most important principles of its security doctrine: never to entrust its existence to an enemy’s intentions.

Israeli Air Force F-35s seen arriving to an Israeli base, on March 15, 2025
Part of an Iranian ballistic missile is seen in the desert near Vered Yeriho in the West Bank after being fired toward Israel from Iran, June 8, 2026.

Talking about Israel-Arab peace while the missiles are falling - opinion

Kuwaiti officials inspect damage inside a terminal at Kuwait International Airport following a drone and missile attack, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, June 3, 2026.

As Iran weakens, Gulf states are looking beyond the Strait of Hormuz - analysis

US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa holds an "America is back" hat signed by US President Donald Trump next to Lebanon Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington DC, April 23, 2026.

Lebanon peace talks expose a widening rift between Europe, the region - opinion


Assad brothers summoned in absentia as Syria opens landmark trial of former security chief

The court’s summonses for Bashar and Maher Assad added symbolic weight to a proceeding targeting figures once considered untouchable

Atef Najib, a brigadier general and former head of the Political Security Department in Daraa during Syria's ousted President Bashar al-Assad's rule, who is accused of committing war crimes, attends a trial session at the Palace of Justice, in Damascus, Syria, April 26, 2026.

Israel’s opening in Lebanon, Syria may not last long - opinion

Hezbollah’s weakening and shifts in Syria and Lebanon open a rare diplomatic window for Israel, if it moves quickly and carefully.

 Illustrative of an Israel flag and Syria flag, with soldiers and weapons.

Beirut promise to disarm Hezbollah ‘only ink on paper,’ Lebanese Hezbollah expert says - interview

Hanin Ghaddar, previously a journalist for Lebanese newspapers, has personally seen how significantly entrenched Hezbollah is within Lebanon’s military and government.

Mourners attend the funeral of Hezbollah terrorist in Kfar Sir, Lebanon, April 21, 2026

WATCH: Israel's Defense Ministry detonates 700 landmines near Syrian border

The Israel National Mine Action Authority (INMAA) cleared 700 landmines near Syria, continuing efforts to reclaim mined areas for civilian and industrial purposes.

Smoke and fire rise from a controlled landmine explosion in northern Golan Heights, on the Syrian border, April 17, 2024; illustrative.

Syria opens first public trial of former Assad regime official Atef Najib

Syria has opened its first public trial for a former Assad regime official, Atef Najib, marking a shift toward accountability. The trial focuses on crimes committed in Dara’a and Damascus.

Atef Najib, a brigadier general and former head of the Political Security Department in Daraa during Syria's ousted President Bashar al-Assad's rule, who is accused of committing war crimes, attends a trial session at the Palace of Justice, in Damascus, Syria, April 26, 2026.

Syrian President al-Sharaa positions country for regional role in Gulf, EU meetings

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, April 17, 2026.

Syria accuses Hezbollah-linked cells of plotting attacks, signaling break from Assad-era alliance

Damascus is moving against networks it says planned assassinations, bombings, and rocket fire, raising new questions about sovereignty and power after Bashar Assad’s fall.

A worker tears down the pictures of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, Lebanon's late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a gas station in Nubl, in rural Aleppo, Syria, December 11, 2024.

Main suspect in Syria's Tadamon massacre arrested, ministry says

Amjad Yousef was arrested in the Hama province in western Syria, where he had been hiding since the overthrow of Bashar Assad in 2024.

Amjad Yusuf, main suspect accused of the 2013 Tadamon massacre, April 24, 2026

Syria carrying out arrests of Palestinians linked to Assad regime, rights orgs. claim

The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria complained that at least 14 men were arrested from the Khan Al-Shih camp, Jaramana camp, the Rukn al-Din neighborhood, and the town of al-Hameh.

 Two girls walk next to the rubble of a destroyed house in the Yarmouk camp on September 14, 2025 in Damascus, Syria.

Syrian President al-Sharaa says he loves basketball but was distracted by war

It was a revival of international basketball competitions that had declined in recent years, both in their organization and their reach across Syrian provinces

 From the opening of the Al-Fayhaa Basketball Hall in Damascus.