Sharaa Reassures Aoun and Outlines a Vision: Arab Integration to Confront Iran and Israel
AL-MODON
March 16, 2026
Sharaa stressed that Syria stands ready to contribute to regional defense, al-Modon writes.
Sharaa stressed that Syria stands ready to contribute to regional defense, al-Modon writes.
In Damascus, life maintains a normal rhythm, with the exception of long queues at gas stations, al-Modon writes.
After 7 October 2023, the eruption in Gaza spilled far beyond the Strip, unleashing a wave of changes that stretched across Gaza, Palestine, and the Middle East.
Syria faces dozens of urgent priorities. Revisiting agrarian reform is not one of them, Samir Seifan writes.
Europe’s maneuver in Munich is not only about Syria — it is also a pointed message to Washington, Firas Faham writes in Syria TV.
The Syrian delegation, which arrived in Munich on Friday, immediately entered a series of intensive meetings with American and European officials, Al-Thawra writes.
Macron’s upcoming visit is more than symbolic. It reflects a strategic calculation that early economic engagement, combined with active mediation and a principled stance on accountability, can give France disproportionate influence in shaping Syria’s next phase.
Brian Mast addressed Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa directly, underscoring that while the United States has opened channels of communication, it has not extended endorsement.
Barrot’s visit comes on the heels of a January 31 phone call between Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The American shift coincided with a rapid Syrian military advance east of Aleppo beginning on 6 January
The French daily Le Monde has revealed that Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, played a decisive and central role in securing the ceasefire and political understanding between Syria’s transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
His name became inseparable from the 1982 Hama massacre, when regime forces crushed an Islamist uprising, al-Thawra writes.
The president’s remarks mark a notable development in Syria’s protracted conflict, al-Modon writes.
““We have all found ourselves in the same boat. Either we survive together or we sink together”
The currency change has come without the level of national consultation that a decision of this magnitude requires, Wael Sawah argues.
Public Prosecution Demands Eight-Year Sentence for Syrian Businessman Firas Tlass
The Syrian government has officially recognised an organisation dedicated to preserving Jewish heritage in Syria and reclaiming properties confiscated during the rule of ousted president Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian politician Fahd al-Masri, in exile in France for over three decades, describes the past year as nothing short of “a political miracle.”
The village of Beit Jinn now bears the latest scars of incursion and confrontation, drawing international attention from Paris to Washington, according to al-Modon.
Both the capital and the SDF face mounting pressure from their respective patrons to reach political settlements that would finally close the eastern file and open the region to the international investment.
The delegation’s primary aim is to address longstanding bilateral issues and establish practical frameworks of cooperation, Syria TV writes.
A report by Agence France-Presse, citing two Syrian diplomatic sources, has sparked controversy by claiming that Damascus is preparing to extradite around 400 Uyghur fighters currently residing in Syria to China.
Since 2020, French judicial authorities have persistently investigated the activities of this organisation
France’s caution in Syria should not be mistaken for a reversal of policy, but rather as a by-product of declining relevance in open arenas of competition, Syria TV writes.
Berlin’s cautious overtures toward Damascus and Syria’s simultaneous campaign to encourage voluntary returns reveal two competing narratives — one driven by European domestic politics, the other by the Syrian government’s desire to project normalcy.
French courts have issued a new international arrest warrant for the ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in connection with chemical attacks carried out in 2013, Ultra Syria writes.
Whether the Harem operation succeeds or spirals into wider conflict will be a crucial test for Sharaa’s leadership, Daraj argues.
A confidential source from the General Security Directorate told Ultra Syria that reconnaissance drones known as “Shaheen” were used overnight to track the leader of an armed group.
Abdi said that sectarian incidents in the coastal and Suweida regions had caused “fears” among residents in northeastern Syria.
An investigation by Mediapart revealed that SOS Chrétiens d’Orient had “dangerous ties” with pro-Assad militias.
The Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha underscored a unified stance against Israeli aggression, al-Ikhbariya noted.
Delegations from Germany, France, and Italy have visited Damascus to explore repatriation arrangements with Syria’s interim government
On April 8, Shibani announced the restructuring of Syria’s embassies and missions at the direction of Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
This is the third arrest warrant France has issued against Bashar al-Assad, +963 writes.
Economist Ibrahim Qushji and Damascus University professor Yasser al-Mashaal both described the measure as largely symbolic.
Unlike bullets or bombs, the Assad regime opted for sarin nerve gas—a silent, insidious weapon that suffocates without sound.
According to SANA, the meeting prioritised de-escalation, respect for Syria’s internal affairs, and the establishment of mechanisms to support regional stability.
Preparations are under way in the French capital for a meeting between President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, according to a well-informed source.
Russia’s involvement in Qamishli dates back to late 2019, when it positioned itself as a buffer force between the SDF and Turkish troops, Daraj writes.
The Ministry of Interior issued a statement on Facebook, describing the video as “painful” and condemning the act “in the strongest terms.”
A senior French diplomatic source told 963+ on Monday that negotiations between the SDF and Syria’s transitional government remain “active and under discussion” in Paris.
The draft also proposes expanding humanitarian and commercial exemptions to facilitate trade with Syria
According to an investigation conducted by several media outlets, Mediterranean Airlines to a powerful Lebanese-Greek business dynasty with deep political connections, as well as to a drug trafficker and migrant smuggler.
Abdi confirmed ongoing communication with Turkey, noting that discussions have been positive, particularly in maintaining a ceasefire, al-Modon writes.
The Syrian delegation reaffirmed national principles, notably the unity of Syrian territory and rejection of all foreign military presence deemed illegal.
The U.S. envoy discussed with the Syrian president the future structure of the Syrian state and the agreement with the AANES, according to Syria TV.
Syria’s Christians do not need pity. They need laws that protect all citizens equally, Abdulnasir Alkadri writes in Syria TV.
As Syrians grieve the loss of life and brace for possible aftershocks, the attack on Mar Elias Church stands as a grim reminder: terrorism remains a threat, not only to lives, but to the fragile fabric of Syria’s post-war recovery.
The economic and security pressures on this group have worsened over recent months, al-Modon writes.
Judge Koller condemned the defendant’s actions as “serious human rights violations” and underlined that the ruling sends a clear message: “the victims’ suffering has not been forgotten.”
The fall of the regime has spurred political and social realignment across Syrian expatriate communities, especially among Alawites, Daraj writes.
This economic outreach comes amid an expanding Emirati footprint in Syria’s port infrastructure, 963 writes.
Shibani’s presence at the Oslo Peace Forum, alongside key Arab and international diplomats, marks a significant step in Syria’s re-entry into the global diplomatic fold, SANA writes.
Western policy towards Syria’s new regime blends incentives with discipline—a “diplomacy of conditionalities.”
According to the joint statement, this financial assistance stems from a desire to “support Syria’s stability,” “alleviate humanitarian suffering,” and “serve the interests of the Syrian people”—all framed as part of the historic and fraternal ties between the three nations.
A Kurdish source also criticized the persistence of centralized thinking in the Syrian state.
While London has avoided presenting itself as an official sponsor of Syria’s transitional authorities, its fingerprints are increasingly visible, Malek Hafez argues.
The British government spokesperson added that the UK remains in regular contact with the Syrian transitional government, according to Enab Baladi.
A significant portion of the now-lifted sanctions had affected key sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, oil and gas, and humanitarian financing
International recognition—from Washington’s overtures to France’s diplomatic engagement—serves as a crucial tool to shape internal dynamics, Wael al-Sawwah argues.
Whether Fallouh will moderate his tone or continue serving as a mouthpiece for Assad-era narratives remains to be seen, al-Masdar writes.
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria have reportedly drafted a joint memorandum calling for the lifting of restrictions on the Central Bank of Syria and other financial institutions, Enab Baladi says,
In a nationally televised address, Sharaa described the recent lifting of international sanctions as a “historic turning point.
Damascus is known for its tolerance, but fears persist that the new leadership has Salafist leanings, Lina Sinjab argues in Daraj.
During Sharaa’s visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, Macron criticized Israeli actions in Syria as “unacceptable”.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated hours before Sharaa’s arrival that Paris “will not issue a blank cheque,” stressing the need for accountability, justice, and structural reform.
According to the French presidency, Macron will “reaffirm France’s support for the construction of a new Syria – a free, stable, and sovereign state that respects all components of Syrian society.”
When Syria signed its biggest investment deal in years, it wasn’t just about containers and cranes—it was a message to Turkey, Europe, and the world.
Shibani’s speech at the UN focused on one key theme: lifting sanctions as a prerequisite for Syrian stability.
France has actively mediated between the SDF and the KNC to bridge longstanding divisions and promote a unified Kurdish stance in Syria.
It remains unclear whether Washington has formally responded to the Syrian communication.
In an interview with The New York Times, Sharaa made a direct appeal to the international community for financial aid, military support, and the lifting of sanctions, describing Syria’s stability as a global concern.
The French-Alawite Collective submitted a lawsuit to the Paris Public Prosecutor accusing Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and members of his transitional government of genocide and ethnic cleansing against Alawite civilians in Syria’s coastal regions.
Despite ongoing engagement, the United States maintains an ambiguous stance towards Syria’s new leadership, al-Araby al-Jadeed writes.
The Kurdish leader underscored the importance of recognising the Kurds as a fundamental component of the country, along with the rights to mother-tongue education, political participation, and the protection of women’s rights
While the document covers wide-ranging security issues, it notably omits concrete demands for the establishment of a transitional government, constitutional reform, or implementation of transitional justice.
The U.S. administration has yet to finalize its Syria policy,
The embassy had been closed since 2012, following the outbreak of the Syrian revolution.
Syria’s only viable option is to engage in robust diplomatic efforts, rallying both Arab and international support to pressure Israel into halting its raids, +963 writes.
The transitional government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has struggled to maintain credibility in the wake of events on the Syrian coast.
The Tadamon neighborhood witnessed numerous massacres committed by regime forces, with one incident documented in a video.
The United States’ decision not to sign the declaration did not come as a surprise to Paris, Asharq al-Awsat writes.
Kuwait is preparing to appoint new ambassadors to both Damascus and Beirut as part of efforts to reorganize ties with Syria and Lebanon, Shaam News writes.
Sharaa thanked his French counterpart for the call and for France’s supportive stance toward the Syrian people over the past years, al-Araby al-Jadeed writes.
CMA CGM had previously renewed its contract with the former regime in October 2024 for 30 years
Shallal Kado, a prominent leader within the Kurdish National Council, emphasized that the movement envisions a future Syria as a decentralized state, with this principle enshrined explicitly in the constitution and protected against amendment through future referenda.
Revitalizing Syria’s economy requires a multifaceted approach that balances privatization, governance, and international cooperation
French Foreign Ministry representative Rémy Drouin recently held separate meetings with ENKS President and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, XXX writes.
Dr. Rasha al-Ali was kidnapped at around 10 a.m. while traveling from her home to Homs University, al-Araby al-Jadeed.
This latest judicial action marks a significant moment in the global effort to hold those responsible for atrocities in Syria accountable.
Albares inaugurated Spain’s embassy in the Syrian capital, reopening it after being closed for over a decade
To address critiques and establish a legitimate civil state, Ahmad al-Sharaa must take decisive actions to address the primary concerns of Syrians and the international community.
The document, signed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, urged the European Union to “immediately commence adjustments to the sanctions regime.”
“We are united in supporting the integrity and unity of Syrian territory and firmly reject any division projects that threaten the nation’s cohesion”, Mazloum Abdi said.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The growing challenges surrounding Syrian refugees in Europe, combined with shifting international policies on Syria, have prompted significant developments in Germany, France, and the United
Syria’s transitional authorities announced on Tuesday the appointment of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) military commander, Marhaf Abu Qasra, as the new defense minister, two days
The transitional leadership needs to include various political and civil groups, especially those who fought for change against the Assad regime, Sultan al-Ibrahim writes for 963 Media.
Most opposition groups put their differences aside and agreed to dissolve all factions, in a meeting described as “historic”, according to Syria TV.
U.S. State Department announced the cancellation of a $10 million bounty previously offered for information on al-Sharaa.
Pedersen reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the political process to the best of his ability, according to Damas Post.
The meeting, attended by Syria TV, featured discussions between activists and civil society organizations on plans to build a new Syria.
The head of the European Union delegation was asked to travel to Damascus on Monday to establish contact with Syria’s new leadership and other groups Enab Baladi writes.
While he celebrated the “liberation” of Syria, a refugee in Germany expressed shock and dismay at EU decisions to freeze asylum applications, Syria TV.
Kallas clarified that the lifting of European sanctions would only occur if the new leadership demonstrates commitment to protecting minorities, ensuring women’s rights, and upholding a unified government that rejects religious extremism.
Pedersen addressed the new challenges facing Syria, emphasizing the urgent need to launch an inclusive political process. His visit underscores the international community’s ongoing efforts to support a political transition.
The French minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, said France would clarify its position regarding the political process in Syria.
In parallel with the air aggression, Israeli media reported that the Israeli army occupied nine villages in the southern countryside of Damascus, al-Mayadeen writes.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry blamed Assad for not resisting.
Hadi al-Bahra emphasized that the opposition would continue fighting until the Syrian government fully commits to the UN peace process and political transition.
This news round explores various stories from Western media analyzing the latest developments in Syria. The Syrian civil war has entered a new phase as
The success of Operation Deterrence of Aggression has been attributed to the unprecedented unity among opposition factions, coordinated under the Joint Military Operations Room.
The 30-year extension of CMA CGM’s contract signals a weakening of Iran’s ability to exert pressure on the Syrian regime, Enab Baladi writes.
The U.S. State Department has recently imposed sanctions on Brigadier General Abdulsalam Fajr Mahmoud, a prominent Syrian Air Force official, as well as on his wife. What do we know about him?
The National Counterterrorism Prosecutor suspects that, in his capacity as governor, Mayaleh provided financial support to a regime accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Enab Baladi writes.
Former spokesman for the Army of Islam, Magdy Nehmeh, has been detained in France for five years under suspicion of committing gross human rights violations, Damas Post writes.
Anonymous sources have revealed to Syria TV that Syrian security forces recently detained Shaher al-Shaher, a figure closely associated with the inner circle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Today’s news round on Syria highlighted a series of escalating regional tensions and their impact on Syria. Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets have prompted
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
This news round on Syria covers several critical developments. In Latakia, an Israeli airstrike targeted a weapons depot, causing injuries and triggering explosions, as tensions
Badr Jamous expressing concerns that the conflict in Lebanon could lead to new demographic shifts in Syria.
The discussions emphasized the systematic use of torture in Syria.
Faisal Mekdad was sworn in as Vice President of the Republic before President Bashar al-Assad on October 2, 2024, raising the question: does this signify a promotion or a demotion for the seasoned diplomat?
Wood reiterated that U.S. sanctions will remain in place until there is meaningful progress toward a political solution aligned with Resolution 2254
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Al-Watan has learned that a group, tasked with revisiting the European Union’s policy towards Syria, was formed in Brussels.
According to Reuters, the 27-year-old aimed to “instill fear among the public and attract attention.”
Escalating tensions across Syria and its surrounding regions continue to raise alarms, as new reports highlight the deepening humanitarian and security crises. In France, anti-terrorism
Turkish authorities have released Syrian journalist Yassin Abu Raed approximately two weeks after his arrest in Turkey.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
A revolution is supposed to transform society, often driven by a clear vision for the future and a commitment to radical change, Wael Sawah writes.
Today’s news round on Syria highlights a range of developments that underscore the ongoing complexities in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces intercepted a suspicious
Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper obtained a copy of the list.
“I was chosen because I embody the values of brotherhood, respect, and excellence that the Games represent”, the torchbearer told Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The Syrian government issued a strong condemnation of a statement made on March 15th by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Rifaat al-Assad stands accused of “murder, torture, cruel treatment, and unlawful arrests in Syria in February 1982”, according to Enab Baladi.
Syria said the West was “engaging in a campaign of doubt and unfounded allegations”, according to the pro-government Tishreen.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The dire electricity shortages, exacerbated by a 13-year-long conflict, have severely impacted Syria’s energy sector, al-Souria Net.
The resistance’s achievements in Gaza are seen as crucial for the broader strategy of the resistance axis, Tahseen Halabi writes in al-Watan.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
This incident marks the first reported migrant death in the English Channel in 2024.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Insiders from the SDF revealed to Syria TV that Mahmoud al-Meslet could be a figure acceptable to Turkey.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Shakour was serving as ambassador in Paris when France24 announced her defection, which she later refuted on state television, according to Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Experts predict that the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request the UAE Foreign Ministry’s cooperation, according to Enab Baladi.
The Turkish-Syrian normalization process has hit a roadblock, al-Modon writes.
The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression is concurrently pursuing two complaints related to chemical weapons, according to Baladi News.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The French judiciary’s issuing arrest warrants against a sitting head of state and top officials represents a historic legal precedent.
The French officials affirmed their country’s steadfast support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254, according to Baladi News.
France strongly condemns the artillery and aerial bombardment conducted by the regime and Russian forces in Idleb governorate, according to Baladi News.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Despite global condemnation, the Syrian government has failed to address the use of torture by its agents.
Khaled Khalifa was widely recognized for his consistent criticism of the regime’s policies, according to Orient News.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Syrian officials will face trial in Paris on charges related to their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, according to Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The National Liberation Movement describes itself as a national platform, uniting political and military forces, according to al-Modon.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The Syrian government has condemned the unauthorized entry of a French Foreign Ministry delegation into Syrian territory, according to al-Baath.
Several investigations have provided evidence indicating that the Assad regime has profited billions of dollars from the illicit drug trade, according to al-Souria Net.
Russia on Tuesday vetoed at the U.N. Security Council a nine-month renewal of an aid operation delivering assistance to some 4 million people in rebel-held
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has taken legal action to address these publications, according to Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The primary task of this group is to provide perspectives and strategies addressing the Syrian conflict and its multifaceted dimensions, al-Modon reports.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The core of the initiative’s mission is to safeguard the Syrian civil space and bolster its effectiveness across different decision-making platforms, according to al-Souria Net.
Various parties have recognized that Damascus serves the interests of all, Firas Ali Deeb writes in al-Watan.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Iranian militias assist asylum seekers to cross into SDF-areas where they meet with smugglers, according to al-Modon.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The French minister characterized Bashar al-Assad as an adversary of his own people, according to Baladi News.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Tahrir al-Sham aspires to establish a contemporary Islamic state and align with the west, according to al-Souria Net.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
On Sunday, the League of Arab States will hold two extraordinary meetings in Cairo, al-Modon reports.
The Biden administration was pleased to see the joint statement of the Amman meeting, Nedaa Post reports.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Asylum was granted to Brigadier General Khaled al-Halabi, who is accused of committing “crimes against humanity” and torturing detainees, according to al-Souria Net.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Statement by the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.
The regime insists on obtaining guarantees of a Turkish withdrawal from Syrian territory.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Syrian regime officials participated in an economic meeting in Paris, according to Orient Net.
Damascus said it must be informed about the progress of any discussion pertaining to Syria, according to Syria TV.
Safadi emphasized that all Arab countries in the region share a common belief that the Syrian crisis must be resolved, according to Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Normalization will anger Italy’s allies in the European Union, Enab Baladi writes.
Kodmani is the author of numerous books, research and academic papers on democratization in the Arab world, according to Syria TV.
Assad has won by breaking down the psychological barrier keeping arabs away from him, according to Omar Kaddour for al-Modon.
The Syria Response Coordinators Team said Iran is still transferring military equipment under the name of humanitarian aid, according to Syria Today.
According to data provided by OCHA, a total of 265 trucks loaded with aid provided by six UN agencies have crossed to north-west Syria from Türkiye since 9 February.
The World Health Organization said the chances of finding survivors from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey are diminishing, according to Syria TV.
While a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday, Ankara has resumed strikes on Tel Rifaat.
Mekdad accused the United States of repeating today in Syria “the same lies they had spread in Iraq 20 years ago”, according to al-Watan.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Pedersen said a political solution in Syria is becoming more complex, according to al-Watan.
A delegation of the Negotiating Committee met Geir Pedersen and representatives of the European Union, America and Britain at the Committee’s headquarters in Geneva, according to Baladi News.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Adel al-Jubeir met with France’s Ambassador for Syria, Brigitte Kurmi, according to Athr Press.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The leader of the Victory Party has entered into businesses owned by Syrians, asking them to leave the country, according to Zaman al-Wasl.
Majed stressed that he preferred to stay in prison for life in Paris than return to his country, according to Orient Net.
In attendance were representatives of the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, and Switzerland, according to the SOC Media Department.
The story of Yusra and Sara Mardini will be the focus of a movie adaptation, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Syria said French’s statements are “full of lies and fabrications,” according to SANA.
The UK Political Coordinator at the UN said Syria has failed to provide the OPCW with a complete account of its chemical weapons program, according to North Press.
Syria said the shelling targeted command headquarters and training camps belonging to terrorist organizations in rural Idleb, according to Baladi News.
Doctors Without Borders accused countries with citizens held in al-Hol of failing to take responsibility for protecting them, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Some European countries are now demanding normalization with the Syrian regime, according to Syria TV.
The AANES received on Tuesday a senior delegation chaired by representatives of the Dutch and German governments, according to North Press.
Some EU countries have begun to pressure to change some policies in line with the interests of al-Assad and his regime, according to al-Modon.
Syria said its cooperation with the OPCW is something that must be acknowledged, according to SANA.
Eight missiles were launched from the base toward Syrian government-held areas, according to North Press.
Excerpts of an op-ed from Walid Brikssiyeh in al-Modon.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned once more the Syrian regime and called on it to immediately release detainees and forcibly disappeared people in Syria
The Senate asked the U.S. president to certify to the relevant congressional committees that the F-16s will not be used against the SDF, according to North Press.
Representatives meeting in Geneva underlined the importance of advancing with the political process.
Qatar called for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2254 to resolve the crisis in Syria, according to Syria TV.
The local Baath Newspaper said that after the “time of abundance”, comes the time of “begging” for France, according to Snack Syrian.
Syria said France’s actions threaten peace and security in Africa, according to SANA.
Syria accused the French government of being a “full supporter of terrorism” and a “servile follower of U.S. policy,” according to the Syria Times.
On the tenth anniversary of Austin Tice’s abduction, Biden called on the Syrian government to help secure his release, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Since 2011, EU officials have never visited areas under Syrian regime control, according to SANA.
This was the sixth convoy of this kind since the first such entry occurred last year, according to Baladi News.
A dispute opposed Polat Can, right hand of Mazloum Abdi, with the leaders of the PKK, according to Syria TV.
Opposition circles received the Turkish Foreign Minister’s remarks with much apprehension, according to Athr Press.
A group of 100 French lawmakers urged the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone on northern Syria, according to North Press.
Eyewitnesses told North Press that the convoy included 14 trucks loaded with aid by the WFP.
Zanoon called on her social media accounts for more bombings of Syrian cities by the Syrian army, according to al-Modon.
After Europe stopped taking Syrian asylum seekers, countries in Africa and Asia have emerged as alternatives, according to al-Hal Net.
Russia says the extension should not exceed 6 months, as opposed to western states that want it to continue for a year, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Representative of the Global Coalition said that al-Hol camp is fertile ground for ISIS recruitment, according to Baladi News.
The conference was held in the al-Assad library of Damascus, according to the Syria Times.
A meeting between European diplomats in Cyprus on Syria left many questions unanswered, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Russia affirms that Israel supports neo-nazi groups in Ukraine, according to SANA.
The opposition hopes the international community will react sharply to the leaked videos, according to Baladi News.
Mehdi Dakhlallah said the Baath Party ruled Syria for 40 years because the people support it, according to Shaam Network.
Activists in Europe are collecting evidence that proves the involvement of Assad in chemical attacks, according to Syria TV.
Tens of civilians killed last month in Syria, Assad phones the Sultan of Oman, and HTS issues amnesty. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
11 years after the Syrian Revolution, Syria’s future remains uncertain
Statement by France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on the occasion of the 11-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising.
The closure of the SOC offices in Ankara might be the result of an internal feud, or an attempt from Turkey to court Arab countries.
France’s ambassador the UN said he was pessimistic about the situation in Syria, in an interview to Asharq al-Awsat.
The U.S. is extensively training the YPG in Deir-ez-Zor, weeks after an ISIS operation, according to the Daily Sabah
Syria rejected comments by the EU council, refusing any kind of intervention in its internal affairs, according to al-Watan.
As the SDF continues to advance in the Sina’a prison, the AANES accuses Turkey of being behind the mass breakout, according to al-Souria Net and North Press.
Eric Zemmour, the controversial candidate in France’s presidential election, has called for normalization with the Syrian Regime, according to Snack Syria.
European courts are using universal jurisdictions to convict perpetrators of crimes against humanity committed in Syria by the Regime. The Syrian Observer recaps.
The first week of 2022 was a particularly difficult one for Syrians in Idleb, as regime and Russian forces are escalating their bombardment of the region.
Western countries have requested that Syria cooperates with the OPCW to close outstanding issues and ensure disarmament, according to North Press.
HRW announced that the verdict of a landmark trial for survivors of torture in Syria being held in Germany will be announced soon, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The U.S. and France have each condemned the escalation in the Idleb governorate by Russia and the Syrian regime, according to al-Souria Net.
What happened in Syria in 2021? From the Arab rapprochement to the presidential elections, the Syrian Observer recaps last year’s most important news.
An investigation by a Syrian and a French journalist in Le Point aims to bring war criminals from Syria to European courts, according to Zaman al-Wasl.
The death of a chronically ill french woman in a camp where foreign IS-linked women and children live reignited the debate over their repatriation, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The U.S. eliminated a Qaeda leader and renews the training of Kurdish-led group, an attack against a Russian convoy, and arbitrary arrests continue. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend in Syria.
Human rights organizations have called on French President Emmanuel Macron to prosecute Abdul Hamid S, a former Syrian regime intelligence officer, for war crimes in Syria, according to the Levant.
Although EU countries have refused to recognize the legitimacy of Bashar al-Assad’s regime since the beginning of the Syrian revolution, this consensus is being challenged, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Syrian activists participated in the UNSC special session, demanding that the Assad regime be held accountable for its war crimes, according to Syria Television.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has set five priorities in Syria, none of which call for the withdrawal of Iran, in contrast to the previous administration of President Donald Trump, Asharq al-Awsat writes.
Europe has embraced Rifaat al-Assad, despite his corruption scandals and his reputation as the butcher of Hama and Tadmor, Sam Hamad writes in al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Rifaat al-Assad back to Syria, an Israeli attack on pro-government positions kills two, and Interpol welcomes the regime back. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
A Syrian opposition figure said that Interpol granting the regime access to its communications network endangers the lives of millions, Nedaa Post writes.
Salem al-Meslet said that the United States must pressure the Bashar al-Assad regime to accept a political transition in Syria, according to the Daily Sabah.
Two children die every week in al-Hol, one of the overcrowded Syrian camps where families with suspected links to the Islamic State group are stranded, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The Turkish President addresses the 76th UN general assembly and talks about the Syrian Crisis, according to the Anadolu News Agency.
The leader of an NGO in Lebanon has warned against abuses towards refugees as a new government is sworn in, according to SY-24.
A French court has sentenced Rifaat al-Assad to four years in prison for acquiring ‘fraudulent assets’, according to Syria TV.
French MEP Thierry Mariani claimed that his country’s position towards Syria was wrong, and harmed its national interests, according to al-Watan.
The co-chair of the Executive Council of the AANES claimed that the opening of offices in European countries helps develop political ties with those countries, North Press claims.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Swiss Chargé d’Affaires in Turkey to protest against the opening of an AANES Office in Switzerland, according to North Press.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) opened an office in the city of Geneva in Switzerland, as it tries to gain international recognition, according to North Press.
Sweden has significantly contributed to acts of terrorism in Syria, by funding terrorist groups or allowing its citizens to travel and join, according to the Syria Times.
In a letter sent to the Syrian Opposition, France has decried the recent attacks on Daraa by the Syrian regime, according to the Syrian Opposition Coalition.
A source in the foreign ministry of Syria has condemned declarations by France about the situation in the southern region of Daraa, according to al-Watan.
In an interview with the French daily Le Monde, Leila Mustafa, the mayor of Raqqa, claims that international aid to her city is lacking, despite it being destroyed by the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Regime bombardments kill children in Syria, repatriation of ISIS families and fighters advances, and protests for the continuation of cross-border aid. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Francesca Scalinci, an Italian activist and poet, has shown solidarity with the besieged Daraa al-Balad, according to SY-24.
The Turkish Religious Endowment is planning to build hundreds of concrete houses in northern Syria for refugees, according to Zaman al-Wasl.
Anas al-Abdah fears Russia will continue to use humanitarian aid to achieve political goals even after the Rome conference, according to Baladi News.
As a meeting about the Syrian conflict prepares in Rome, the Biden administration’s position towards Syria and Russia is still subject to debate, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
People in Syria are hoping that the summit between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin dissuaded the latter from shutting the Bab al-Hawa crossing, Asharq al-Awsat reports.
The SDF continues to use humanitarian concerns to attract funds but uses them for political gains, according to Athr Press.
In an unprecedented move, the Syrian regime is paving the way for Rifaat al-Assad’s return, according to Syria TV.
A delegation from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) met with French MPs to discuss AANES’ role in the political peace process, according to North Press.
The election of Bashar al-Assad will extend the terms of the Assad family, father and son, to more than 58 years.
The Syrian election is legitimate only to those who oppose democracy, columnist Sam Hamad says in this commentary piece in The New Arab
The signatories denounce the regime’s decision to hold an election outside of the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254
A new documentary charting ISIS members who have settled in Europe as refugees has made a splash in French media, writes Zaman Al-Wasl.
Women may now face compulsory service in Syria, according to an unofficial local news page, writes Sowt Al-Asima.
Russian and Israel foreign ministers have pledged to stop Iranian activities in Syria, reports Al-Souria Net.
As part of a series of interviews on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Syrian uprising, the Syrian Observer sits down with French diplomat Michel Duclos to discuss his experience of working in the country.
The following statement was released by the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising
As part of a series of interviews on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Syrian uprising, the Syrian Observer sits down with historian Dr. Nadine Meouchy to discuss the past, present and future of the country.
The EU grants multi-million dollar aid packages to refugee host countries, an elderly man is tortured to death in Afrin, four die in a Russian airstrike on oil refineries, and Yazidi women survive sex slavery by ISIS. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Europe has moved closer to expressing a unified stance on the forthcoming Syrian presidential elections, writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
Survivors of chemical attacks have filed a lawsuit in France over the use of chemical weapons in Douma and Eastern Ghouta, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Syrian researcher and human rights defender Radeef Mustafa has decried the alleged torture of Islam Alloush, writes Shaam News.
Former Jaysh al-Islam spokesman’s family have claimed that he is subjected to psychological and physical torture in France, writes Sowt Al-Asima.
Russia and the US are both funding the Syrian Democratic Forces, writes Baladi News.
In an international first, a former Syrian intelligence service member has been found guilty of crimes against humanity, writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Russia’s special envoy for Syria has conducted a secret meeting with Assad and “guarantors” of the Astana process, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Geir Pedersen has announced that the Constitutional Committee will resume talks in an effort to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Mohammad Ezzat Khattab has put himself forward as a candidate for the 2021 presidential elections, amid confusion about the position of the opposition writes North Press.
The former French Ambassador has met with the Autonomous Administration to discuss Kurdish issues and has taken custody of French children from al-Hol reports North Press.
The French Minister of Defence has warned that the Islamic State is re-emerging in Syria and Iraq and that France’s mission in the region continues reports Al-Modon.
Nour al-Shilo has been freed by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, after previously being handed a death sentence for allegedly communicating with the US-led International Coalition reports Enab Baladi.
Parties involved in the Syria crisis are making diplomatic efforts to secure political gains, before the Biden administration take control in Washington writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
President Bashar al-Assad has attended a meeting in Damascus held by the Ministry of Endowments and addressed religious scholars and clergymen writes SANA.
Brigadier General Khaled al-Halabi has reportedly been settled in Austria, with the help of Israeli intelligence agents, after serving as chief of Syrian intelligence in Raqqa from 2009 until 2013 writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
Ameer Alhalbi, was wounded at Place de la Bastille by “a police baton” as he covered the weekend demonstrations opposing police violence and the French government’s new law restricting sharing images of officers reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Human rights activists have called for the arrest of Bassam Haji Mustafa, a militia leader who now lives in Paris and has styled himself as a political activist reports Etihad Press.
Russia and Syria have planned for a conference in Damascus regarding refugees, but the US is insistent that European and Arab countries do not take part writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
Turkey might launch an attack against the Syrian Democratic Forces and finish its leftover business from Operation Peace Spring reports Baladi News.
A Syrian artist has been unable to get back artworks that were sent to Jordan, because the gallery owners does not agree with the artists political views reports Iqtissad.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has said that planned meetings could be missed, but hoped that they could be rescheduled for November reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
In an interview with a Russian media outlet, President Assad has said that Syria will not enter peace negotiations with Israel, unless it returns occupied lands writes SANA.
A new film that explores the lives of people living in the Syrian Golan, by Syrian director Wassim Safadi has been recognised at a festival in Sweden reports Zaman Al-Wasl.
France has arrested 29 people accused of using crypto-currency to fund jihadist fighting in Syria reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
After years of conflict, there are hopes for a solution that will bring peace to the troubled country, but the desires of involved countries do differ writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
Ever since leaving Syria, Majd Abazid has strived to achieve his goals and how now created a revolutionary technique for detecting the early signs of Alzheimer’s in patients writes Zaman Al-Wasl.
As the coronavirus spreads, regional leaders and international representatives have gathered to discusses tackling the virus and protecting vulnerable citizens writes Shaam Network.
The United Nations Security Council have agreed on a plan to deliver aid to Syria, after a draft resolution by Russia was voted down writes SANA.
The Security Council had voted down a Russian bid to abolish the Bab al-Salam crossing and put a six month time limit on the Bab al-Hawa crossing reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
A Syrian working in Germany as a doctor, has been arrested and accused of torturing detainees in Syria government prisons reports Hurriya Press.
Bashar al-Assad’s uncle has been sentenced in Paris to four years in prison, but has promised to appeal against the conviction for money laundering reports Brocar Press.
The appointment of Hussein Arnous, as Prime Minister of Syria, brings to mind the appointment of Shapour Bakhtiar as Prime Minister of Iran, which failed to save the Shah of Iran writes The New Arab.
Different Kurdish groups have been meeting to discuss efforts to create unity between all sides, in a process that has been supported by the US, France and Russia reports Alsouria Net.
More patients recover from coronavirus, Turkish forces remove protesters by force, Turkey attacks regime position on border and prisoners released from Sednaya. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Two men have been put on trial in Germany, accused of committing crimes against humanity and torturing detainees, in the first trial of its kind.
A once influential figure, Abdel Halim Khaddam died in France forgotten by his country and with few achievements to his name writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
After years in exile, former vice president to Hafez al-Assad, Abdel-Halim Khaddam has passed away at his home in France.
The United States, Britain, France, and Germany have ruled out providing or supporting any reconstruction assistance without political reforms writes Asharq Al-Awsat.
As Erdogan continues to threaten the European Union with a fresh wave of migrants, Damascus is urging Europe to act sensibly and restore relations with Bashar al-Assad writes Al-Watan.
The former spokesman of Jaish al-Islam has confessed to French authorities that his group was responsible for killing Razan Zaitouneh reports Brocar Press.
The arrest of the former spokesman for Jaish al-Islam has split opinion, with some questioning the methods and intentions of the French judiciary writes Al-Modon.
Islam Alloush, who was a spokesman for Jaish al-Islam, has been arrested and charged with war crimes, torture, and the forced disappearance of activists report Al-Modon.
Questions are being asked about what role, if any, the Syrian intelligence agency played in the assassination of Soleimani reports Zaman Al Wasl.
President Bashar al-Assad has hailed the diplomatic efforts of China and the “Belt and Road Initiative” writes SANA.
Turkey is attending a NATO meeting in the UK this week and the issue of northern Syria is expected to be high on the agenda writes Anadolu Agency.
In an interview with Paris Match, President Bashar al-Assad talked about the killing of the leader of ISIS and the presence of foreign forces writes SANA.
As the Syrian pound drops to it lowest rate since 1919, Russia is stepping in to to pump foreign currency into the Damascus and Aleppo markets writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The US urges a political solution, a car bomb kills nine, Turkey attacks Ayn Eissa and Syria insists that the constitutional committee remains Syrian. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
President Assad has given a wide ranging interview that explored different aspects of the crisis in Syria and what the future holds for the country writes SANA.
SDF commander Mazloum Abadi has criticised Russia and the US for not doing enough to prevent Turkish attacks reports Enab Baladi.
Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Faisal Mikdad says that Syria will help all children who are victims of terrorist organisations writes SANA.
The National Army and its Turkish ally have pushed into Tel Abyad and is advancing to trying and capture the town of Ras al-Ayn reports Alsouria Net.
Continued Turkish attacks in northern Syria, a new military force in Deir ez-Zor, ISIS attack in Qamishli and EU countries suspend arm sales to Turkey. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Following the US withdrawal, Turkey has launched ground and air operations in northern Syria, causing people to flee the border towns writes Asharq al-Awsat.
Following a coup in 1966, Hafez al-Assad took power in Syria. His rule would be marked by violence and severe oppression writes Asharq al-Awsat.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has been accused of refusing to let several children and wives of French militants in Syria return to France writes Asharq al-Awsat.
In an interview with Brocar Press, Nasr al-Hariri discussed the formation of the constitutional committee, the situation in northern Syria and the road to presidential elections.
Hungary’s Prime Minister, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a supporter of Syria’s Christian minority writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The head of the High Negotiations Committee has said that effort for a constitutional committee are ongoing and could be announced before Sept. 20, 2019 writes Asharq al-Awsat.
Despite repeated warnings from the US, a large delegation of businessmen from the UAE is attending the Damascus International Fair reports Syria TV.
A Kurdish academic has put forward a new proposal to bring together the Syrian-Kurds and the regime and secure the rights of the Kurds writes Basnews.
Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan are playing host to 5.2 million Syrian refugees, but they are increasingly being regarded as a burden writes Asharq Al-Awsat
Both the area east of the Euphrates and in Idleb, militias are on the rise and spreading their control and influence writes Al-Akhbar.
A lack of staff in Syrian consulates in foreign countries is making it more difficult for Syrians living abroad to secure their rights reports Al-Watan.
During a trip to Berlin, US special representative on Syria James Jeffrey mentioned that it is the wish of the US administration that Germany send ground troops to northern Syria writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Hussam Eddin Ala accused the international investigation committee on Syria of fabricating material about what is happening in Syria northern territory writes SANA.
Brita Haj Hassan has started a hunger strike to protest the crimes of the Assad regime and their Russian and Iranian partners writes Zaman Al Wasl.
The High Negotiations Committee is attending meetings in Paris to try and find a political solution to the crisis in Syria reports Ana Press.
Representatives from the US, France, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are set to attend a meeting in Paris to discuss the Syrian war reports Asharq al-Awsat.
Iran is being pushed from all side when it comes to its presence in Syria, while also participating in Idlib’s battles either from the Western Aleppo countryside or northern Hama’s gateways writes Asharq al-Awsat.
Syrian opposition pages on Facebook have been suspended due to content they published, which mourned the dead of opposition member Abdelbasset al-Sarout reports Al-Modon.
Regime forces retake Kafr Nabudah, accusations of chemical weapon preparations, refugees deported from Beirut airport and journalists targeted in Idleb. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Russia blocks a report on Idleb at UN, Haftar militias to return refugees, regime officers reported killed and France insists that there mustn’t be another Aleppo. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Rifaat al-Assad owns property across France, much of which was bought using offshore companies reports Al-Modon.
The French man, who claims to be the grandson of General Gouraud, says that he has come to Damascus to apologize for the crimes of his grandfather.
Despite being accepted on to a resettlement scheme by the British Home Office, 15 LGBT Syrian refugees are still waiting for permission to travel to the UK writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Four Syrian businessmen have made it on to Forbes Middle East Rich List 2019, although the total wealth of the list has dropped five percent from last year reports Alsouria Net.
Many countries, including some with seats on the Security Council, have voiced their concern about the implications of Trump’s decision writes Asharq al-Awsat.
A small number of countries have agreed to take back Islamic State fighters, but the majority are refusing to accept them writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The talks in Berlin, which were attended by 24 people, developed a ‘Code of Conduct for Syrian Coexistence’, although some criticised them for lacking political vision writes Asharq al-Awsat.
On the anniversary of the start of the civil war, France, Germany, UK and US have reiterated their condemnation of the Assad regime and attacks on civilians.
Syria has said that the statement released by the Western states is full of lies and part of a conspiracy to create a new form of colonialism writes SANA.
Despite Bashar al-Assad now being in control of the large majority of the country, his problems are far from over writes Alsouria Net.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have closed down a number of universities in the northern Syrian province of Idleb, in an attempt to increase their control writes Asharq al-Awsat.
France has reportedly reached out to Moscow to break the impasse of the constitutional committee and speed up the process of elections in Syria writes Asharq al-Awsat.
The UAE was the first Arab state to reopen its embassy in Damascus, but other Arab and Western states have been more reluctant without a political solution writes Hurriya Press.
The recent Warsaw summit aimed to create a united front against Iran, but failed to create a consensus of ideas or opinions writes Al-Watan.
In July 2018, as the government forces closed in on southern Syria, Israel secured a way of Syria for 800 members of the White Helmets and their families reports SANA.
Syrian Kurdish political leader Ilham Ahmed has urged the UN and Western states to provide an international observer force and air support for Kurdish forces fearing a Turkish assault writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The two men arrested by German authorities have been named as Anwar Raslan and Iyad al-Omar, both of whom have been charged with crimes against humanity reports Al-Modon.
The two diplomats meet in Tehran to discuss the constitutional committee and the upcoming summit that will be held in Russia writes Al-Watan.
In light of the issues facing France, Syria has criticised the French President for the comments he made about Syria writes SANA.
Relations between Syria and Lebanon have been strained in recent years, but the country is also keen to be part of Syria’s reconstruction writes Lebanon Debate.
For the second time in a week, and despite claims of their destruction by the US President, ISIS has attacked American forces in Syria reports Alsouria Net.
At a speech at the American University of Cairo, the Secretary of State spoke about the fight against radical Islam and the struggle to expel Iran from Syria writes The US State Department.
Saudi and Emirati forces have reportedly arrived in the area around Manbij, although they have not yet been deployed writes Hurriya Press.
Italy is serving as a safe haven for Syrian war criminals, in total disregard of European Union sanctions writes Pro-justice.
While the French have stated that they will remain in Syria for the time being, they have been unable to give the SDC
any of the guarantees they had been hoping for writes Basnews.
Following the statements by the US, France has made it clear that they will remain in Syria to provide support in the fight against ISIS reports Hurriya Press.
A delegation from France, headed by Thierry Mariani, has expressed a desire to create new economic relations with Syria reports SANA.
The protests in France have been raging for a number of weeks now, with many calling for the resignation of President Macron writes The Syria Times.
US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey has said that if a constitutional committee cannot be formed, the Astana talks should be cancelled reports Asharq al-Awsat.
Forces from the Gulf are active on the ground in Deir ez-Zor, fighting against the Islamic State and deterring any actions by the Turks writes Basnews.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian agreed that a settlement needed to follow UN Resolution No. 2254 reports SANA.
Many Syrian children living in Lebanon have missed large portions of their education due to their situation reports Asharq al-Awsat
Thousands of children remain in limbo, with no official documents and a diminishing chance of seeing a normal life writes Asharq al-Awsat.
After much confusion, the United States have announced a clear strategy on Syria and what they hope to achieve writes Al-Hurra channel.
A French court has issued arrest warrants against three Syrian regime officials on charges of war crimes and complicity in them
As European leaders meet to discuss Syria, they have acknowledged the victory of the Syrian government and are working to be included in the reconstruction writes Damas Post.
The Syrian Writers League has called on cultural elites to break ties with the murderous Assad regime.
The US Special Representative on Syria, cited the Russian-Turkish agreement on Idleb and the push to form a constitutional committee as important steps forward reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The conflict in Syria is a tangled mess of conflicting groups and ideas and the search for a political solution is likely to be long and hard writes Asharq al-Awsat.
A summit in Istanbul, Syrian determination to retake Idleb, opposition refusal to change clocks and casualties in Idleb. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Brigadier-General Khalid Halabi, who is accused of torture, sought refuge in Austria in 2015 reports Zaman Al Wasl.
Syria has condemned a statement by the French Foreign Ministry that marked the liberation of Raqqa, and described their actions in Syria as genocide writes SANA.
Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari called on other countries to pressure Israel to join the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty writes SANA.
In an interview with Russia Today, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Muallem accused the US of working with Islamic State fighters to prolong the crisis in Syria writes SANA.
As part of the agreement, rebel groups are moving heavy weapons 15 to 20 kilometers from the demilitarized zone, although some points of the agreement have been contentious for both sides writes Etihad Press.
The two sides discussed the ongoing situation in Syria, the Idleb agreement and ways to ensure a full political transition writes The Syrian National Coalition.
Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari has strongly criticised Western countries for their actions in Syria, and reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to its territorial integrity writes SANA.
As the war in Syria draws to a close, international players are looking to secure influence in the country’s future writes Al-Watan.
Bashar Al-Jaafari’s calls on the US, Britain and France “to use their influence over terrorist organizations” to prevent them from using any chemical weapons
The priest, who has now fled Syria, recalled how he was held in solitary confinement and tortured writes Zaman Al Wasl.
At his meeting with Sergei Lavrov, Walid al-Muallem thanked Russia for their support and expressed the desire to partner with them in the reconstruction process reports SANA.
The children are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances and residents fear that they will be used to stage a chemical attack writes Al-Watan.
Ghouta was struck by chemical weapons in the early hours of the morning on Aug. 21, 2018.
Syria denies the use of any chemical weapons, and say that the latest statements are laying the groundwork for a new chemical attack in Syria writes SANA
Saudi funding, the ending of aid, US airstrikes and condemnation at the UN. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
At least 29 children were killed and another 30 were wounded when the Saudi led coalition hit a bus writes Syria News Station
Aziz Isber had been accused of being part of a chemical weapons programme writes Al-Jazeera
Christian celebrations, resident transfers, civil defense evacuations and humanitarian aid from France. Catch up on everything that happened in Syria over the weekend.
Clashes with ISIS, returning refugees, ceasefire deals and phosphorus attacks. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
A plethora of foreign powers have staked an interest in the Syrian conflict and the shape of their influence in the country’s future is starting to become clearer writes Asharq al-Awsat
President Assad has vowed to retake the north and rejects the presence of US and Turkish troops in Manbij writes SANA
The recent decision by the US to provide funds to the White Helmets has angered Syria writes SANA
Interested parties from all sides are meeting in Geneva to discuss a new Syrian constitution, which the Russians hope will work in their favour writes Al-Modon
Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari called out Saudi Arabia and Qatar for supplying small and light arms to terrorist groups in Syria reports SANA
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad struck a defiant tone during an interview with the British newspaper.
The US is reportedly training people how to react following a chemical attack writes SANA
The Syrian National Coalition says that the use of chemical and unconventional weapons by the Assad regime is in complete contradiction to the work of the Conference on Disarmament
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has been working in Syria following the alleged chemical attack in Douma
A huge number of Syrian have fled to Turkey, many of which have either resumed their businesses or started new ones writes Sham Times
What’s bad for the Iranians could be good for the Syrians write The New Arab
Russia was content to act as a bystander, Alsouria Net writes
Assad dismisses Trump’s label of him as an ‘animal’ in extensive interview
A man and his wife were killed, SANA reports
Many are heading to Idleb and Jarablus, while others prefer to stay, according to Enab Baladi
The jihadist group agrees to release 5,000 people it has imprisoned, Zaman al-Wasl reports
Tishreen newspaper says missiles were launched from American and British bases, Alsouria Net reports
In loyalist Al-Watan, Maysoun Youssef argues that Western nations should listen to the testimony of Syrian child Hassan Diab
Syrian president meets Iranian delegation headed by Hossein Jaberi Ansari, SANA reports
The Syrian-Kurdish party applauds the recent U.S.-U.K.-French strikes
Damascus’ representative at the U.N. rails against the effects of the U.S. and its allies’ battle against ISIS
Syrian president predicts that it will take 10 to 15 years to recover from the war, Al-Hal reports
The Western strikes on Syria have shown Russia, Iran and the regime there is no true victory ahead of them, Ammar Dioub writes
There are no clues yet to what caused the explosion, Alsouria Net reports
U.S.-U.K.-French strikes on Syria have provoked a multitude of conflicting reports
Alsouria Net takes a look at the knock-on effect that the current tensions are having on Syria’s currency
A source at the ministry tells SANA that Western countries will not deter the Syrian government in its fight
Syria’s representative to the United Nations continues his government’s criticism of countries backing the opposition, state news agency SANA says
Syria’s state news agency quotes sources as saying groups in the Damascus suburbs are trying to prompt Western intervention on their behalf
American commentator tells pro-Damascus e-newspaper that Syria and Russia can still pursue Nusra despite Resolution 2401
Kurdish authorities given green light to commence judicial proceedings against French citizens fighting in Syria, Kurdistan 24 reports
Syrian president speaks on trade relationship with Moscow and Russian-led efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis
New documentary highlights the plight of Syrian women during their imprisonment and upon return to their own communities
Zaman al-Wasl speaks with the political activist and opposition figure about the decentralization and expectations for the reconstruction of Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor
Former Coalition president says a Russian-U.S. consensus on letting Assad remain ignores the roots of the catastrophe, and may accelerate the collapse of the region
Assad regime delegates resist push for agreement on the release of captives on final day of negotiations in the Kazakh capital, Alsouria Net reports
Washington’s ignorance and failure in implementing its foreign policy are clear indicators of the impending collapse of the U.S. empire, Assad’s chief propagandist writes in Al-Mayadeen
Zaman al-Wasl reports that European officials are pursuing normalization with Assad through the diplomatic and security fields
Social media users publish news on Syrian regime figure’s death from ‘Shine Online’, a channel which skeptics claim doesn’t exist
Speaking to Sada al-Sham, the Syrian rights activist and journalist rules out a democratic transition in Syria with the presence of Assad
Enab Baladi highlights the myriad of interests and concerns surrounding a possible foreign intervention against Islamist factions in the rebel-held province
French president says restoring peace and stabilizing Iraq and Syria is main foreign policy goal, official media reports
Documentary filmmaker Jaber Bakr focuses his lens on the plight of Homs’ besieged neighborhood through the eyes of activist Basil al-Muhaimed
The Syrian actress and peaceful anti-government activist passed away Thursday after a battle with cancer. She was 46 years old
World powers may have warmed to the idea of Assad remaining, but the president will not survive long after the transitional phase, Walid al-Bunni writes
SIBA initiative aims to encourage investment from Syrians living abroad, regardless of political affiliation, Enab Baladi writes
France’s dynamic new president has demonstrated the willingness to show fresh leadership on the global stage, Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat newspaper writes
Al-Araby’s political analyst Salama Kila paints ISIS as an imperialist tool used as by the powerful as a pretext for invasion and conquest
Eager to start work in his new home, Rachid al-Saied decided to open a supermarket to give back to the community, Iqtissad writes
Assad’s failure to secure the areas he retakes will be the opposition’s last hope in gaining public support, a former media executive writes for Saudi-owned newspaper
In an interview with Asharq al-Awsat, the U.N. envoy argues that shared Americana and Russian interests have helped reach the deal on southern Syria
Cabinet members warn against risks of coordinating with the Assad regime over returning Syrian refugees, during session at the presidential palace
French President Macron must convince Moscow of the benefits of a political solution if Paris hopes to have any luck in settling the Syrian crisis, Michel Abu Najm writes for Saudi-owned newspaper
Syria is witnessing a recovery thanks to the withdrawal of Wahhabi terrorist groups including ISIS and the Nusra Front, president tells Indian media
Riad Hijab warns newly elected president of Assad regime’s “preparations for an escalatory military campaign,” opposition media office reports
President Assad’s political and media adviser writes in loyalist Al-Watan that recent U.S. military action in Syria is part of a century-old plan to fracture the unity of the Arab world
Some U.N. members remain skeptical of plan as Security Council prepares to meet in closed session to debate specifics of the deal, Saudi-owned newspaper reports
Damascus strongly rejects claims by French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault connecting the Assad regime to the chemical attack in Idleb’s countryside on April 4, government media writes
President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to Croatian newspaper Vecernji List published Thursday, in which he reflects on six years of conflict, the negotiation process and the fight against terrorism. The following is the full text as published by government news agency SANA
Moscow tries to bail out Assad regime in statement claiming Syrian warplanes struck a facility for making toxic bombs, resulting in a fallout which killed scores of civilians in Idleb province on Tuesday, Al-Araby al-Jadeed reports
Operations by the U.S.-led coalition to liberate Raqqa will not be enough as long as Assad and his regime continue their abuse against their own people, the real source of resentment which allows terrorism to thrive, Randa Taqi al-Din writes for Saudi-owned Al-Hayat newspaper
As the battle for Raqqa city draws closer, a rebel spokesperson laments Kurdish domination of upcoming operations, also predicting that American forces will remain in Raqqa for years at the airbase they seized from ISIS last week, Alsouria Net writes
The four military officials will be banned from traveling to the EU and unable to access any assets in the bloc or its banks
Assad says U.S. forces in Syria are ‘invaders’ and he has yet to see ‘anything concrete’ emerge from President Donald Trump’s vow to prioritize the fight against ISIS. Below is the full interview as published by SANA.
Syrian lawyers and activists launch suits against regime’s security leadership in European courts, hoping to to establish a mechanism for transitional justice for Syrians on a national level
De Mistura’s incompetence led to the failure of the talks at Geneva as every platform vied for divergent interests, giving hope that his exclusion as a special envoy at Astana will bring about good results
This charade called Moscow and Cairo’s platforms is only an accessory to the Syrian regime
The recent repositioning of Paris vis-à-vis the Syrian crisis toward viewing the regime as a solution to an end of terrorism comes as right-wing movements across the globe dominate the political stage
The Syrian regime forces scored a major gain against ISIS militants in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, while the negotiations at Geneva continue as Russia and US talk of plans for establishment of safe zones
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that the draft resolution put forward by Western countries to impose sanctions on Syria was unacceptable to Russia and violates the presumption of innocence
Syrian opposition leader reiterates that the upcoming round of Geneva talks should focus on the issue of political transition in Syria
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad denied Amnesty reports on mass killing in a Syrian prison and said President Donald Trump’s ban on Syrians targeted terrorists, not the Syrian people. Below is the full interview he gave to French TF1 TV and EUROPE 1 Radio as appeared in SANA, the Syrian news agency
President Assad told Belgian media that statements made by Trump are promising regarding the priority of fighting terrorists, and mainly ISIS. Below is the full text as appeared on SANA:
Activists Anwar Bunni talks to All4Syria about his efforts to prosecute rights violators in Europe, explaining that his recent efforts to file suits in numerous countries is a partial opening of the door to justice in Syria
Government news agency SANA publishes transcript of Syrian president’s interview with Japanese journalist regarding the state of the current ceasefire, this week’s peace talks in Kazakhstan, and what is likely to come from a Trump presidency
Foreign Ministry urges UN to end attacks by Israel after strikes targeted a major military airport outside of the capital late last week
President Assad has said that his mission, according to the constitution and according to the laws, that we have to liberate every inch of the Syrian land. Following is the full context of the statement, as published by SANA
Foreign minister says many states that have conspired against Syria are now expressing concern over the fate of the terrorists they back to fight the Syrian army in Aleppo
Douma native Akram Abou al-Fawz uses unexploded remnants in his artwork to show the world that Syrians are not only terrorists, but have a culture with deep roots
Syria’s envoy to U.N. urges countries to support the Syrian government in its fight against terrorism if they are serious about the interests of the Syrian people
Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson confirms terrorist shelling of hospital which killed a paramedic and severely injured two staff members
Deputy opposition leader calls on Obama to act in his final days in office after scores of displaced civilians massacred by regime shelling on east Aleppo
Russian FM says proposed opposition conference organized by Paris will hinder any upcoming Syrian-Syrian peace talks
Where will the next domino fall? Perhaps France? Will the French left give up Hollande to stave off political extinction in the presidential elections next year?
Syrian government says it rejects selective approach of UN member states which refer exclusively to the suffering in eastern Aleppo
Yasser Farhan calls on Syrians with dual nationality in Europe to wage legal battles against the Assad regime for war crimes
Following is the full text of the interview, as appeared on SANA, the official news agency
Source claims EU statements should be in line with international law and its claims about fighting terrorism instead of defending terrorist groups
The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad claimed in an interview to Russia’s Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper that the smell of WWIII is in the air. Following is the full text, as published by SANA, the official news agency.
This development represents a departure by the opposition because of the blatant shift in Russia’s role from a joint position in international oversight of the political process, alongside the US, to a direct party to the war, alongside the regime, against the Syrian people
Ambassador says resolution drafted by France and Spain at UN Security Council meeting on Syria reflects their “nostalgia over colonial past”
The Syrian opposition claims to have obtained a large number of Grad missiles with foreign help
Delegation calls on Western officials to provide protection for civilians and put an end to the Assad regime’s mass forced displacement policy against residents of the besieged areas
Presence of the Russian forces on the Castello Road is not acceptable due to its lack of neutrality, says local council
Syria calls on UNSC to take punitive measures against countries that support terrorism following several deadly attacks on civilian areas
Foreign ministry statement condemns Turkish army’s actions in northern city of Jarablus in fighting against Kurdish forces and the Islamic State group in the area
he U.S. State Department said the meeting between them “reaffirms strength of U.S.-UK special relationship.”
The U.S. State Department said the meeting between them “reaffirms strength of U.S.-UK special relationship.”
Apart from their sharp, and at times contradictory stances, Syria’s opposition in Turkey has indeed given a lesson in how opposition should behave
Syria’s main political opposition urges France, the US and the UK to assume its responsibility towards the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria
Opposition parliamentarians reject controversial decision by Turkey’s president to begin handing citizenship to hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees
Leader of Syria’s Tomorrow movement is in France to work on meeting the demands of Syrians and establishing direct relations with friendly nations, according to general secretariat
Coalition member says opposition rejects any role for the Syrian president in a transitional phase as opposition figures meet in Turkey for the SNC General Assembly
“American administrations are famous for creating problems, but they never solve any,” Assad told the Australian SBS TV channel. The following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA.
“After five years of conflict, our groups want a just peace, not just a peace process,” they wrote
Top judge says many Syrians have reconsidered need to leave the country after hearing about harsh difficulties for migrants in Europe
Foreign Ministry condemns presence of French and German special forces in northern Syrian cities of Ain al-Arab and Manbij
Daraya, whose residents continue to live through a gruelling four-year blockade, has largely been forgotten by the outside world as the regime attempts to enact a ‘submit or starve’ policy on the rebel-held city
The world’s response to the misery of Syrians, both those residing there and the refugees, is a mark of shame upon our humanity in general and upon its strength and its capacity
AFP reports dozens of families fleeing their homes in the eastern Bustan al-Qasr district following heavy bombardment in recent days
EU parliamentarians appeal for European governments to commence dropping humanitarian aid in hard to reach areas as hostilities between warring parties intensify
Documents include detailed information on over 300 fighters, a large number of whom are multilingual and boast previous military experience in numerous foreign armies
Deputy FM says calls for Assad to step down are an obstacle to the success of a political settlement in Syria
Terrorism in Syria and Iraq is receiving direct support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France and the United Kingdom, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik and Novosti
Five-member delegation visits capital’s cultural and religious sites on trip they say is to “convey a message of peace to all the Syrian people”
Darwish was in Geneva earlier this week in connection with peace talks taking place between the Syrian government and elements of the opposition
As Syrians around the world commemorate half a decade of civil war, Al-Souria Net summarizes five of the demands revolutionaries inside and outside the country have continued to fight for since day one
Terrorist organizations must be stopped from financing their activities with stolen cultural property, head of antiquities tells audience in France
De Mistura is talking about those who defend the Syrians and not those who defend the criminal of Damascus, Assad
Moscow says it supports the solution that the participants of the Syria negotiations decide on, including the idea of creating a federal state
Police sources claim Greece closes border with Macedonia to 6,000 people amid clamp-down on migrants entering EU
Group’s spokesman rejects reports by Reuters that Turkey permitted thousands of rebels to enter Syria to support opposition fighters against Kurdish forces
Russian PM criticizes Riyadh for suggesting deployment of ground troops as diplomats call on Moscow, Damascus and Islamic countries to help extinguish fundamentalism
Assad says he backs peace talks but that negotiations do “not mean that we stop fighting terrorism”
Statements made by French and US diplomats imply bewilderment at the Syrian army’s recent victories, says official source
Washington is truly working for an independent Kurdish state in the near east
Opposition’s negotiating delegation in disarray as US secretary of state warns it could lose political and military support if it refuses to accept the conditions of the upcoming Geneva talks
Will the United States lose the hearts and minds of the Arabs with their current regional policy, which is defined by retreat, as some commentators describe the US pivot away from the Middle East as collusion with Russia and perhaps even Iran?
Ministry tells UN that massacre in suburb of Begayliya would not have occurred without the constant support of certain states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey
After living through shelling, loss and displacement, the mere fact that they are Syrian has become a cause for suspicion wherever they go. With the spread of terrorist bombings across the world, it has become natural that the first to be accused in any attack is someone of Syrian nationality
Terrorism has spread to the states that have been supporting it for five years, Syrian foreign minister tells reporters in India
Countries sponsoring terrorism must come to see they have reached an impasse and need to change their positions if recent Security Council resolutions are to be successful, top advisor to President Assad tells Lebanese TV
The resolution opted for constructive ambiguity and mutual concessions in an attempt to secure a consensus. The result was a final draft outlining the maximum Moscow could get, and the minimum Washington would surrender
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, warns that bombing will increase the risk of terrorist attacks by sleeper cells in Europe unless there is a concerted effort to destroy ISIS on the ground. The following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA.
President Assad says terrorists are flocking from over 100 countries around the world to Syria, in an effort to transform the country into a hub for terrorism
Paris puts military cooperation against ISIS in the framework of a political solution, while Moscow pushes for a map of non-European-backed militant groups
Foreign ministers condemn Turkey for the recent downing of a Russian jet and Ankara’s support for terrorism
Syrian health officials order the removal of over 200 products from local markets
Opposition leader denounces Russian attacks on Syrian civilians, while calling on Al-Qaeda’s Syrian wing to sever its alliance with the radical Islamist group
President Assad told the French Magazine Valeurs Actuelles Thursday that you cannot fight terrorism while you follow or pursue the wrong policies that support terrorism directly or indirectly. Following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA.
Around 15 rebel factions merge with rebel alliance after SDF forces seize al-Hol in the eastern countryside of Hassakeh last week
“Daraya has been under siege and intensive shelling for over three years. More than 3,000 barrel bombs have been dropped on the city, and recently it has been escalating.”
Accounting for more than 25 percent of Greater Syria’s population at the beginning of last century, Christians are now believed to number no more than 5 percent of Syria’s current population
Delegation of Syrian émigrés from a dozen nations land in Beirut ahead of trip to Syria
Russian deputy FM says Moscow in regular contact with opposition parties as foreign powers meet in the Austrian capital to discuss a political solution to the Syrian crisis
Western countries, including France, continue to support and provide political cover to terrorists, Syrian president tells visiting French MPs
Right-wing French MP says cooperation with Syrian president essential to fighting terrorism and restoring stability to the region
French NGO forces Syrian asylum seeker to vacate shared housing facility after promising accommodation
But does this almost Hollywood-style Russian intervention have an American director?
Syria’s Assad gave an interview to the Iranian Khabar TV channel. The following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA
Western nations have recently softened their rhetoric toward Assad in apparent acceptance of the president’s mandate to serve during a transitional period
UN and Damascus not informed about French airstrikes in Syria prior to operation, Russian news agency reports
Relatives verify reports of award winning cartoonist’s death under torture by regime forces following his arrest in 2013
Diplomats suggest separation of Assad and Syria’s state institutions in the context of a political settlement will help avoid a repeat of the ‘Iraqi scenario’
Russia is engaging in a tacit competition with Iran – especially amid talks about the impending creation of a regional and international “contact group” after America’s ratification of the Iran deal next month
Foreign Ministry slams Western nations for distorting the meaning of Security Council charter, stating any armed presence on Syrian land would be violation of sovereignty
Syrian musicians refused permission to enter France to perform in Strasbourg religious music festival
ISIS planted several improvised explosive devices inside the temple and detonated them, leading to the destruction of large parts of the temple
SNC calls three-day meeting in response to the UN envoy’s plan, in an attempt “to give notes and ideas, and to put things into the right perspective,” says Coalition secretary-general
Rebels accuse Assad regime of using Egyptian military equipment against opposition fighters as Damascus denounces Turkey for “supporting terrorist groups”
President’s attitude constitutes a gross interference in Syria’s internal affairs while stressing France’s continued involvement and complicity in the Syrian bloodshed, says Syrian foreign ministry source
Community calls for the execution of Assad family member on accusations of murdering an army colonel, civil engineer and radio station director
Experts explain how the removal of opposition forces from Zabadani clears the way to establish an opposition free zone that extends along the Lebanese Syrian border
The British foreign secretary tells Asharq Al-Awsat his country’s military presence in the Gulf should be seen as part of a permanent commitment to the region’s security
De Mistura believes that in the Geneva 3 meeting, Iranian backing, representation of the opposition by more than just the coalition, and a Russian-American understanding will eliminate the reasons for the failure of Geneva 2
Harrowing new footage depicts the execution of a regime army officer at the hands of ISIS child soldier
Senior Baath Party official receives Australian priest Dave Smith on recent visit to Syria
Recent visit by French parliamentarian exposes rifts within France’s policy-making circles towards the Syrian file
Signing of the nuclear agreement constitutes a major turning point in the history of Iran, the region and the world, says Syria’s president
French official meets with Syria’s president to discuss counter-terrorism efforts
Mobilization and counter-mobilization, terrorism and counter-terrorism led the Arab region into a vicious cycle that will not be easy to break. It is a process that could endure for years to come, and will give both Iran and Israel hope to achieve their expansion ambitions at the expense of dismantling Arab societies
Dozens of fighters withdraw from Pentagon training program in Turkey and Jordan after being forced to sign contract pledging not to attack Assad forces
Human rights group says recent attacks mark one of the highest civilian death tolls in the opposition’s shelling of Aleppo city
Damascus condemns Doha for its support and cooperation with the Nusra Front, ISIS and other Al-Qaeda-affiliated organizations inside Syria
Decision reveals the EU’s complicity in the ‘conspiracy against Syria’, official Foreign Ministry source says
French historian Nadine Meouchy argues that in the last century minorities in Syria failed to participate in national building efforts and that they must choose democracy over dictatorship if they want to avoid becoming “the gravediggers of their own destiny.”
New coalition expected to be announced during meeting between Syrian opposition figures in the Egyptian capital next month
Ahmet Davutoglu crosses into Syria to visit the tomb of Suleyman Shah as approval ratings slump ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections
President Assad gave an interview to France 2 TV. Following is the full text, as published by SANA news agency
In an interview with the Chinese television station CCTV, Assad says the United States is fighting against an imaginary enemy they assume to be Syria. Following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA
Government official claims French Foreign Ministry continues to ignore the rights of the Syrian government to combat terrorism and defend its people
Head of Syrian government delegation claims consultative meetings in the Russian capital were successful in spite of increasing geopolitical challenges
Foreign Ministry calls for the enforcement of counterterrorism resolutions against terrorists and backing states after attack rocked Aleppo’s city
Syrian government delegate approves schedule for talks, calls on opposition for real action towards dialogue
Rebels attack last remaining regime-held crossing on Jordan’s border
President Bashar al-Assad did an interview with the U.S. CBS News. Following is the full text, as was published by SANA
Black predicts political demise of the Syrian opposition, warning that by cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United States is complicit in exporting terrorists to the world
Peoples’ Assembly speaker meets with representatives at IPU in Hanoi to discuss parliamentary relations and strengthening ties
A new documentary produced by France 24 shows life in the city of Raqqa through the eyes of a young Syrian woman
Statement issued by Syrian foreign ministry condemns policies of aggression by European Union members, namely Britain and France
Aleppo Castle could not survive the bombing, the monuments of Deir Ezzor have almost vanished and Umayyad Mosque is no longer a symbol of Islamic culture
Exhibition showcasing images of torture and killing inside regime facilities to be held inside the corridors of the United Nations
President Khoja calls on the Obama administration to separate the Iranian nuclear file from the Syrian crisis
French president calls for the relaunch of peace talks in pursuit of a political solution to the Syrian crisis
President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to Portuguese state television, RTP, following is the full text as published by SANA
The Middle East has witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent months, including visits by various leaders from around the world to the region’s capitals
A recent change in stance towards Syria by European states exhibits the merits of President Assad’s policies, claims deputy FM
Assad tells visiting French delegation that fighting terrorism demands real political will and cooperation
Senior commander of rebel group escapes assassination attempt in Idleb
Syria welcomes UN Security Council resolution cracking down on the financing of terrorist groups
Syria opposition to appoint new representatives in Qatar, Turkey and Britain, with Coalition president expected to visit France
Syria demands action against perpetrators and backers of terrorist acts, both regionally and internationally
President Assad to Foreign Affairs Magazine: Israel is supporting terrorist organizations in Syria. President Assad gave an interview to the American magazine Foreign Affairs published on Monday. Following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA
President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to the Czech paper Literarni Noviny. Following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA
While Al-Qaeda continues to threaten Western capitals, it was in Paris that the strands of Yemen and Syria were interwoven
Cabinet approves bill on establishing institute for regional planning
The grandchildren of legendary Syrian poet Khalil Mardam Bey have converted the family home into a cultural center in the heart of Damascus’ historic Old City
Government attitudes towards the Russian Syria talks initiative
France has supplied a key opposition group with the same stickers the regime uses to extend a Syrian passport validity
“We are running the ground battles against [ISIS], and we have noticed no change, especially with Turkey providing direct support to these regions.” Bashar al-Assad told Paris Match. The Syrian Observer republish the interview as it appeared in SANA
Every one of us was aware that there was another world that played itself out underground, down in the vaults and dungeons of the regime
ISIS killed a citizen from Akareb village east of the city of Salamiyah
Minister says Syrians will not forget that the Turkish regime has supported, financed, armed and harbored terrorists
The man, not named in reports, is believed to be from south-west Sydney and married with children
Assad and Daesh are two sides of the same barbaric coin. Assad largely created this monster by deliberately setting free the jihadists who fueled this terrorist movement
Some countries, and particularly those in the West, should use some of the millions of dollars that they are spending on airstrikes targeting ISIS positions to establish new intelligence apparatus and place restrictions on travel and the movement of money in order to confront ISIS from another equally important direction
Mutaz Uwaiti performed songs by Gregory Porter
Jaafari cites rape, sexual abuse, abduction, human trafficking and murder among other various atrocities that have been inflicted upon women in Syria
“The Assad regime will not fall and Assad is strong” and will stay in office, was the conviction of Ambassador Chevallier at the time
Bahra asked the alliance to provide air cover for the FSA in the regions where IS may withdraw to prevent Assad forces from filling the gap
The group was reportedly engaged in plans to attack the U.S.
Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera channels are the most watched TV channels among Syrians
Reports say the men were on their way to Libya before they were arrested by the Algerian police carrying Thuraya mobile phones and GPS devices and up to a total of $125,000
Mikdad also cited Assad’s warning that if this war didn’t stop immediately, it would spread through other areas in the region
Violence throughout Syria left dozens more killed Saturday
Hijab will not run without a consensus nomination
Here he is now declaring his readiness to give his life on the command of the Iraqi leader of ISIS, the mysterious and bloody figure, Baghdadi
Omran al-Zoubi lashed out at the statements of France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabuis
The attack is believed to be the first committed by jihadi fighters who had returned from Syria
Ministry lambasts UAE for never having practiced democracy through the ballot box
More than 400 British Muslims are thought to have traveled to Syria, posing a potential security risk if they return to the UK
Syrian National Coalition president speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat following “successful” diplomatic tour seeking greater foreign assistance for Syria’s rebels
The move on Thursday was the fourth time Russia and China have blocked U.N. Security Council action on Syria
Khatib was speaking during a seminar on the situation in Syria held by the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs
Jaafari said outgoing U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi made many mistakes
Minority claims for asylum contradict their position towards Assad
Foreign Ministry says attacks against civilians have increased
British counter-terrorism officials have started a national campaign targeting women, which is aimed at raising awareness of the risks of visiting Syria, even for those who just wish to assist with humanitarian projects
Hollande said the four were in “good health, in spite of the very grueling conditions of their captivity.” They will be taken to France in the coming hours, he said in a statement
The source said the missiles have so far been used in the regions of Edlib, Aleppo and Latakia
Violent clashes in the town of Maliha and its surroundings in the countryside of Damascus
Assad family reportedly offered $1 million to FSA to stop battles in Qardaha
Ambassador Ford’s appropriation of blame is wrong
Turkish President Abdullah Gul has vowed to protect the Suleyman Shah Tomb in Syria if it comes under attack
Refugees in Jordan describe the Geneva negotiations as “absurd”
Malas was arrested at the Syrian-Lebanese border on his way to Geneva
The shocking photograph was circulated globally
The Majalla speaks to Abdullah Anas
The military council had decided to replace Idrees because of “the difficulties faced by the Syrian revolution” in its battle with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime
Kerry urged the regime’s supporters to press for the creation of a transitional government and warned they would bear the responsibility
Mekdad says U.N. Chapter VII should be used against France, the U.S. and UK for supporting terrorism
Western officials are seeking concessions on the delivery of humanitarian aid
Syria’s armed conflict escalated even further in 2013 as the government intensified its attacks and began using increasingly deadly and indiscriminate weapons, culminating in a chemical weapons attack on the Damascus countryside on August 21
Reporters without Borders demands an immediate release of all journalists and others engaged in media work detained by the regime, ISIS or any other group in violation of their right to freedom of expression
Below is the speech of Assad’s Foreign Minister at the Geneva 2 talks as published by SANA, the official news agency
Adnan Abdulrazak writes for The Syrian Observer on the businessman who mediated between the Syrian regime and major superpowers
Assad appeared at ease, wearing a navy blue suit and smiling regularly throughout the 45-minute interview
Geneva II should pave way for interim governing body with executive powers
The source said the Coalition will decide whether to go to Geneva II on Saturday or Sunday
Official tells BBC that the allies said the group will lose credibility if they don’t attend
The front has been engaged in fierce battles against Al-Qaeda since Friday
Support for the President in fighting terror is hardening
The Mujahedeen Army has vowed to join the battle against ISIS
The group has long insisted that it refuses to negotiate until President Bashar al-Assad’s regime exits power
Hannah Lucinda Smith Looks back at Syria in 2013 and the human face of the conflict
For the third year running, the crisis deprives Christmas’ glamour in all provinces and the Grotto of Nativity was decorated with photos of martyrs as well as the churches confined to prayers only
The little girl appears to have made it to Sweden
Fabius says the the only solution is to leave out Assad and have the terrorists
Haytham Manna says Rajaa Nasser was arrested in Baramkeh
Mikdad says it won’t be difficult for Syrians to reach and agreement to end violence and stop the bloodshed
The party that entertains the illusion of winning through negotiations is certain to emerge as loser
Foreign Minister says rebels targeting humanitarian relief
President Assad has been “guiding Librahimi to where and how to work for important steps and measures”
A two-day conference of Syrian and Iranian intellectuals was held in Damascus
Those who want to go to Geneva are linking the conference’s fate to the position that will be adopted by the United States, as though they were wishful to test this position once again
The existence of those Takfirists among Bashar’s enemies is something that does a great favor and pleases Bashar himself
It is rare that President Bashar al-Assad gives interviews to Syrian newspapers
Erdogan has never uttered a single truthful word since the crisis in Syria began: Assad
The opposition says it will not negotiate unless President Bashar al-Assad leaves office
Najib Ghadban sought to clarify details of the meetings after negative press in Lebanon surrounding the delegation’s visit to New York
In a speech to the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mouallem said that “terrorists from more than 83 countries are engaged in the killing of our people and our army under the appeal of global Takfiri jihad.” Below are excerpts as published by SANA
President Bashar al-Assad has given a interview to the Italian Rai News 24 TV channel in which he said he complies with every treaty he signs. The following is the full text of the interview, as published by SANA
Jaafari said the resolution states that neither party in Syria is allowed to develop, produce or transport chemical weapons
One can only wonder about the timing of this series of acts which aim only to increase the people’s concerns about a future Syria if Assad were to be toppled
The former Syrian Defense Minister, General Ali Habib, is in France, a source has told the French daily Le Figaro
Assad said he does not discount the possibility of a U.S. military attack even though threatened action was forestalled when he agreed to give up chemical weapons
Russia and the US are the only countries with industrial-scale capacity to handle mustard, VX, sarin or cyanide-armed munitions
The regime has been trying for several months ago to purchase sugar, wheat and rice
The Saudi envoy Ahmed Jarba is working for his terrorist masters only
Assad offered to dismantle his chemical weapons, before calling them “imaginary”
Pushkov said Russia cooperated on the Libyan issue and the results were well-known
President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to the Chinese television CCTV. Following is the full text of the interview
Manna says Syria must look to both East and West to help in reconstruction
The chemical weapons in Syria are in a safe place that is secure and under the control of the Syrian army: Assad
Johnny Abo writes for The Syrian Observer about the sufferings of Syrian refugees that he witnessed in Jordan
Many have transferred their wealth to, the UAE, Russia, and Eastern European countries
President Bashar al-Assad gave an interview to Fox News. Following is the full text. The interview was conducted on Tuesday by Former U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Journalist Greg Palkot
Lavrov says disagreements are on the implementation, not the principle
Foreign Ministry expresses concern over other countries’ refusal to join the convention on chemical weapons
The Syrian opposition and the Syrian public had contradictory feelings regarding both the American strike against the Assad regime
no one can save the true Syrian Revolution except the rebels themselves on the ground, and friendly countries such as France and some influential Arab states
In exclusive interview airing Monday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his allies may respond if he was attacked
Assad was anything but conciliatory
Demonstrators expressed thanks to the countries supporting Syria in the face of aggression, especially Russia, China and Iran
The Middle East is a powder keg, and today the flame is coming very near, Assad says
Jarba noted that plans to establish a united National Army under one command had so far not been effective
Jafaari says Syria is a peaceful state that seeks peace and security in the region
A quick tour of the coverage by the U.S media of the Syrian issue
Hague told the BBC nothing was ruled out
America has waged many wars, but has never been able to achieve its political objectives from any of them: Assad
Top military chiefs from western and Arab countries are meeting in Amman to discuss the situation in Syria
The two presidents agreed to stay in close contact to arrive at a joint response to this unprecedented aggression
The Syrian government dismissed the reports as baseless and untrue
The Syrian Jewish population was distributed between Damascus, Aleppo and Qamishli; most left after the regime lifted an emigration ban on all Jews in 1992
Khalid Saleh, the Head of Media Office of the National coalition, held his weekly press conference. Below are the transcript as distributed by the Coalition.
The newspaper reported that the bulk of arms are being directed to extremist groups
Western U.N. delegates say Syria has no place on the Council
The Syrian intelligence agency is willing to cooperate with French intelligence over French jihadists operating in Syria
Abdelke’s detention is the latest in a series of actions the Syrian regime has taken in its attempt to foil any peaceful plot to put an end to the nation’s suffering
Hollande said the coalition was the only representative of the Syrian people
Foreign ministry says infighting between opposition groups is worrying
The implementation of this plan started last week with the killing of Commander Fadi El-Qash and will be followed by more assassinations
The Syrian National; Coalition wants to create a 10-person executive council as a possible alternative to interim government
Activists believe honouring the families is a morale boosting exercise
Roland Dumas says he declined an offer to take part in a plot to topple the government
The King of Jordan speaks to Asharq Al-Awsat on the Syrian crisis and its impact on Jordan and the Middle East
A low crop and difficult transport routes will render supply of wheat to the cities a key issue in the coming months
Friends of Syria group has agreed to provide military aid to the Syrian opposition in order to redress the power balance in the country and force President Bashar Al-Assad
The shipment was delivered to the northern parts of Syria
France opposes providing weapons to rebels that may be used against it
Some Friends of Syria will meet in Doha to discuss assistance for the Free Syrian Army
President Assad has warned Europe in a German newspaper interview that it will “pay the price” if it follows Washington’s lead and delivers arms to rebel forces
10 regime soldiers killed and another 10 wounded in Sunday night’s attack
Power will change hands only through the ballot box, Zoubi says
What is truly suspicious is the emergence of American signs pointing to the toppling of the balance of power in a way rendering it unlikely to see President Al-Assad stepping down in the near future
Foreign Ministry says the massacre was instigated by one of the Salafi sheikhs in Kuwait, Shafi al-Ajami
Russian President Vladimir Putin says his Syrian counterpart could have Avoided war by implementing reforms
Obama chose the wrong stance in syria and allowed the Assad regime, along with the Iranians and Hezbollah, to besiege the popular uprising until it became a danger to the region
Manna said the meeting should settle on one consensual leader for all opposition forces to present a complete political vision
New poll suggests less than half of Britons support arming the opposition in Syria
New poll suggests less than half of Britons support arming the opposition in Syria
British and French pressure overturns ban, but EU agrees to wait for talks before supplying arms
The Daily Beast reports exclusively that the White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for a no-fly zone inside Syria
Syria condemned a decision by the European Union to lift an arms embargo on Syria, paving the way to arm the rebels
France says 150 French fighting alongside jihadists in Syria, and the government is angry with a leaked video that shows her Ambassador reprimanding opposition figures in Istanbul
The FSA Chief has warned Hezbollah that it will take “all necessary measures” in Lebanon if the Party does not stop attacks in Syria
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague calls on Syrian opposition to negotiate with Assad regime
Below is the full interview as published by SANA, the state’s news agency, of an interview given by President Bashar Al-Assad to Argentinian daily, Clarin.
An-Nahar newspaper asked the opposition Syrian National Coalition and the National Coordination Commission (NCC) to speculate about possible scenarios at ‘Geneva 2’.
For analysts familiar with the politics of Syria, the country’s descent into chaos amounts to an all-too-predictable pattern. It also parallels what Rami Makhlouf, a major regime figure and first cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, bluntly announced that, among other things, Syrians faced the Assad regime or domestic and regional chaos.
Syrian press editorials expressed the regime’s suspicion of the US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Haitham Manna rejects any form of intervention in Syria and said Israeli strikes against the country have come at a time when Syria are more vulnerable than ever to external intervention.
“The US successive administrations recognize that Syria is not a playground for their policies,” Syria’s Information Minister Minister says in Moscow
The UN’s high commissioner for refugees, António Guterres, told London’s Guardian newspaper that the fighting in Syria was the worst humanitarian disaster since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and was already more destructive than the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
U.N.-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi on Friday urged the Security Council to come together on Syria, venting frustration with all sides while denying rumors he plans to resign.
The SNC is fragile, and more likely to implode than become institutionalised. This is highlighted by three issues: the political initiative of its then president, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, in proposing talks with the regime; the decision in Istanbul to form a Syrian government in exile; and the fact that Syria’s seat in the Arab League was handed over to the SNC at the recent meeting in Doha.
Observers speculate that the Arab League’s decision to grant the opposition National Coalition Syria’s seat at the Doha summit led to Brahimi’s position being undermined. The envoy himself has said that he would prefer to resign from his position with the Arab League and maintain his role with the UN.
Syrian President Bashar Assad warned on Wednesday the West that it will pay a heavy price for its alleged support of al-Qaida in Syria and said his regime’s defeat is not an option.
Allahu Akbar has within the past two years in Syria taken a different –unfortunately contradictory- meaning. For it has been abused and the name of Allah taken in vain time and time again.
President Bashar al-Assad said that foreign interference is a red line, adding that if the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country or if the terrorist forces take control of Syria, or both of the above, the situation will inevitably first spill over into neighboring countries and then create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond.
A senior Syrian Muslim Brothers figure has attacked the United States for its inaction against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, saying that Britain and France were now the best hope for salvaging the rebellion.
A senior Syrian Muslim Brothers figure has attacked the United States for its inaction against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, saying that Britain and France were now the best hope for salvaging the rebellion.
Several bodies of international law provide standards applicable to the Syrian crisis, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights law
US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, who left Damascus almost a year ago, said that there isn’t enough evidence to support claims of a chemical attack but that the issue was under investigation.
US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, who left Damascus almost a year ago, said that there isn’t enough evidence to support claims of a chemical attack but that the issue was under investigation.
The killing of al-Bouti exposed the deep division within the Syrian society. while many activist reminded of al-Boutin’s full support to the regime and his call to kill rebels, other Syrians regarded him as a “saint.”
The Security Council condemns “in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in a mosque in Damascus,”
A joint statement by rights groups says 15th of March will mark the second anniversary of the start of the Syrian revolution which has seen millions of people in Syria displaced, both inside and outside the country.
The Syrian regime is still targeting media activists and journalists. Media Freedom Committee of the Syrian Journalists Association has documented killing of 11 journalists in February 2013 to increase victims to 138 professional and citizen journalists have been killed since the beginning of the Syrian revolution in 2011.
The full text of the interview conducted by The Sunday Times with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.
Washington’s enthusiasm for the emergence of a government offering an alternative to the Assad regime is somewhere between well-guarded and non-existent.
In light of the absence of any signs pointing to an imminent military settlement or political solution, the opposition has no choice but to go back to the Syrian domestic scene and rely on its political and military powers to even out the balance of powers and impose the solution wanted by the Syrians.
American journalist James Foley was abducted towards the end of last November while reporting to AFP on the conflict between Bashar al-Assad’s forces and the rebels in Syria.
The Syrian regime has pre-empted the arrival of the UN envoy to Damascus via Lebanon Mr. Lakhdar Librahimi with terrible massacres covered most of the nation and included more than / 310 / geographical points and locations with aerial bombardment using (Russian Mig fighters), since Mr. Librahimi could not be able to land in Damascus International Airport on Sunday 23/12/2007.
Assad appoints a new head of the Council of State, a high ranking special court, in a step that aims to give the impression that the state agencies are working properly and that President Assad is in full control of the situation.
Reporters without Borders honors journalist and activist Mazen Darwish for his tireless engagement for freedom of expression in Syria. Since February, he has been held in a Syrian prison and reportedly tortured.
Mr. Librahimi’s proposals were identical with the internal opposition proposals, a statement says