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European Union Resumes Work of its Mission in 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.

Wiam Wahab Reveals Bashar al-Assad’s Relationship with Israel

Wahab, a Lebanese druze politician close to Assad, said he relayed messages from Israel to push Bashar towards “peace”, Shaam Network writes. He also stated that Assad asked him to create problems with other druze leaders in Lebanon.

Pedersen Visits Damascus for the First Time Since Assad’s Fall

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.

Opposition Figures Demand a Civil State in Syria After Fall of Assad

The head of the Syrian Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum on Sunday, “Syria must undergo an 18-month transition period to provide a ‘safe, neutral, and calm environment’ for free elections.”

How the World Reacted to the Fall of Assad

The Iranian Foreign Ministry blamed Assad for not resisting. 

Syrians in Bulgaria Face Deportation or Imprisonment

Many Syrians have to choose between deportation to areas controlled by the Syrian regime, or serve 18 months in prison on charges of threatening Bulgarian national security, according to Enab Baladi.

AANES Offers to Repatriate Refugees

While Assad controls a repressive regime along the north-south axis of Syria’s major cities, the autonomous administration in Northeast Syria has established itself as a comparatively stable and secure region, Syria TV writes.

Crimes in Europe: Syrians Scared

The collective anxiety felt by the Syrian community cannot simply be attributed to a fear of stigma, al-Modon reports.

Germany: Syrian Refugees Accused of War Crimes Arrested

The police arrested two individuals, one of which is believed to have played a role in a 2013 incident, resulting in the death of over 60 civilians and combatant, according to Zaman al-Wasl.

IIIM Submits Report to UN General Assembly 

The chairperson of the UN’s mechanism to promote justice in Syria said in her annual report that her work now covers 15 different jurisdictions around the world, Baladi News reports.

Warnings of Regime Theft of Aid

The United Kingdom issued a warning last week cautioning against sending international aid to Syria, according to Syria TV.

Negotiating Committee Meeting with Geir Pedersen

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.

SOC Meets Representatives of Friendly States

In attendance were representatives of the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, and Switzerland, according to the SOC Media Department.

What Happened Over the Holidays in Syria

U.S. confirms support for SDF, but hints at infiltration in eastern Syria base, while Israel strikes west of Damascus. Catch up on everything that happened over the holidays.

What Happened Over the Weekend in Syria

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.

Why the EU Consensus on Syria Could be Slowly Unravelling

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.

Cham Wings Airlines Suspends Flights from Damascus to Belarus

On Saturday, Cham Wings Airlines announced that it is suspending flights from Damascus to the airport in Minsk, Belarus, as the refugee crisis worsens on the border with the EU, according to Sawt al-Asima.

What Happened Over the Weekend

COVID continues to wreak havoc in Syria, the U.S. considering exemptions from the Caesar Act to ensure the flow of energy to Lebanon, and a meeting between German officials and the opposition. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

What Happened Over the Weekend

Opposition meets German diplomat, fighting between Turkish-backed groups and the SDF, and a warning from the UN special envoy for Syria. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

Turkey Condemns Opening of AANES Office in Switzerland

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.

Syria’s AANES Opens Office in Switzerland

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.

What Happened Over the Weekend

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.

Abdah Talks About Rome’s Meeting Outcomes

Anas al-Abdah fears Russia will continue to use humanitarian aid to achieve political goals even after the Rome conference, according to Baladi News.

Syria and the ‘American Test’ for Russia

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.

What is Happening in Manbij?

The city of Manbij made the headlines several times last week, as it finds itself in the midst of a feud between local and regional powers.

Bashar al-Assad wins 4th term

The election of Bashar al-Assad will extend the terms of the Assad family, father and son, to more than 58 years.

We Didn’t Understand Syria

Former US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford recalls how America misunderstood Syria from the beginning of the war, writes Asharq Al-Awsat.

Lavrov, Ashkenazi Discuss Syria

Russian and Israel foreign ministers have pledged to stop Iranian activities in Syria, reports Al-Souria Net.

A Syrian Ray of Hope in a German Court?

Germany’s invocation of universal jurisdiction sends a clear message to the Assad regime, argues Elias Harfoush.

Germany Convicts Syrian in Landmark Torture Trial

In an international first, a former Syrian intelligence service member has been found guilty of crimes against humanity, writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

What if Abdah, Hariri Were to Learn from Navalny

Alexei Navalny returned to Russia, knowing what he would face when he arrived, and yet, none of the Syrian opposition leaders have dared to return to Damascus writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

The Last 24 Hours in Syria

Two Syrians are charge in Germany, an Islamist group launches an attack in Idleb, a landmine kills 10 Russian backed fighters, and Syria wishes to import more oil.

Germany Brings Home Women, Children From Syria Camps

Germany’s Foreign Ministry announced that it had repatriated three women and 12 children from camps in northeastern Syria, who had left Germany in recent years to join the extremist Islamic State reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Germany Takes in Senior Member of Syria’s ‘White Helmets’

Khaled al-Saleh, who worked as a senior rescue worker from Syria’s White Helmets civilian defence group, have been given refugee in Germany and flew there with his wife and children on Monday evening reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Has the Syrian Conflict Become ‘Tied’ to Other Files?

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.

German Woman Charged Over Crimes Against Humanity in Syria

A German women, who is accused of being an Islamic State member, has been charged with committing crimes against humanity, including having a Yazidi slave reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

US, Russia at Odds over Syrian Refugee Conference

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.

Syrian Refugee Wins Award in Germany for Aid Efforts

Tariq Mazaal arrived in Germany in 2015 and since then has secured an education, volunteered his time to help other and started his own organisation to help refugees writes Zaman Al-Wasl.

Moscow Push to Reduce UN Cross-Border Aid to Syria Fails

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.

Ali Junaid, Another Pro-Assad Militant in Germany

Ali Junaid, who is known for singing sectarian songs, sought asylum in Germany, but is accused of taking part in the Khalidiya massacre writes Zaman Al-Wasl.

Europe … to Damascus

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.

Germany Charges Syrian Accused of Commanding ISIS Unit

A Syrian man, who was granted status as a refugee, has been accused of being a member of ISIS from 2013 to 2015 and allegedly commanded a unit of at least 20 men reports Asharq Al-Awsat.

Germany: Syrian Refugees Face New Restrictions

Syrian refugees living in Germany are facing new restrictions on where they can live, adding to the pressures of learning the language and finding employment writes Zaman al-Wasl.

What Happened Over the Weekend

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.

Financial Transfers Ceased in Daraa

Citizens in Daraa and Quneitra are struggling to secure remittances as transfer offices in the area close down out of fear of prosecution reports Brocar Press.

Germany Declines US Request for Ground Troops in Syria

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.

Four Parties Pressure Iran to Reduce Presence in Syria

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.

The Life of Professor Tayyeb Tizini

Professor Tayyeb Tizini, who has died at the age of 85, was seen as one of Syria’s greatest thinkers and philosophers writes Philosophers of the Arab World.

What 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.

What Happened Over the Weekend

A Syrian Facebook, Russian reticence about an Idleb assault, a halt to the registration of refugees in Germany and Syrians arrested in Lebanon. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

Syria’s Dog Economy

The breeder and trading of dogs is a growing business in Syria, with some dogs being sold for as much as 3 million Syrian pounds writes Al-Watan.

Syrian Man Goes on Trial Over Germany Stabbing

The incident caused a wave of far-right anti immigrant protests in Germany, which has accepted the largest number of refugees in Europe writes Asharq al-Awsat.

Six Problems for Assad

Despite Bashar al-Assad now being in control of the large majority of the country, his problems are far from over writes Alsouria Net.

Warsaw: The Failure of the American-Israeli Project

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.

Accused Syrian War Criminals Named

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.

Undocumented Syrians Suffer in Germany

For Syrians living in Germany, securing employment can also mean subjecting yourself to dangerous environments, with no rights and little pay writes Zaman Al Wasl.

Muallem and Pedersen Meet in Tehran

The two diplomats meet in Tehran to discuss the constitutional committee and the upcoming summit that will be held in Russia writes Al-Watan.

US Suggests Ending Astana, Sochi Talks on Syria

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.

What Happened Over the Weekend

Kurdish meetings to discuss Turkish military movements, civilians killed in Hajin, rising tensions in Idleb and weapon caches found in Daraa. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

The New American Policy in Syria

After much confusion, the United States have announced a clear strategy on Syria and what they hope to achieve writes Al-Hurra channel.

Istanbul Talks Exclude the Opposition

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.

US: Syria Summit Took ‘Huge Steps’ Toward Ending War

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.

Syria’s Solution Rug

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.

What Happened Over the Weekend

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.

German Islamic State Bride Faces Terrorism Charges

The German women travelled to Syria in 2015, before moving into Iraq and then attempting to return to Germany after the death of her husband writes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Displaced Syrians Stripped of Their Property

The implementation of Law No. 10 has forced many to sell their homes for a fraction of their price or simply give it up writes Alsouria Net.

Greek Police Arrest Syrian Swimmer Who Rescued Migrants

Sara and Yusra Mardini have been accused of working with people smugglers and receiving refugees coming from Turkey and encouraging others to migrate illegally reports Enab Baladi.

What Happened Over the Weekend

Saudi funding, the ending of aid, US airstrikes and condemnation at the UN. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

Jamil Hassan and the Challenges of Universal Jurisdiction

Despite the low probability of Jamil Hassan seeing the inside of a German court, the arrest warrant gives hope to other Syrian victims writes the Syria Justice and Accountability Center

The Constitution Debate: Damascus, Open City

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

Events in Syria Over the Weekend

A regime offensive in the Eastern Ghouta and a rally in Berlin backing the newly freed Salih Muslim marked the first weekend of March

Opinion: Germans and Syrians Between Two Trains

Writing for Saudi-owned Al-Hayat, Europe-based scholar Muhammad An-Naam contrasts the plights of two fleeing peoples — 80 years apart — at the hands of their own governments

Opinion: Black Holes or a Turbulent Downfall?

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

Pro-Assad Shabeeha Militants Find Refuge In Germany

Zaman al-Wasl claims members of pro-regime militias, who are known to have conducted abuses against civilians, are among those living within Europe’s refugee communities

Syrian Refugee Making His Mark on Swedish Sports

After staging a 45 km run to draw attention to refugee issues, long-distance runner Ahmad Jassem may have the chance to compete for the 2018 Olympic qualifiers

Syrian Parents in Europe Cashing in on Rising Dowry

Syrian men in Germany may be less inclined to marry Syrian girls as the community raises the average price of dowry payments, Sweden-based website writes

What the Rest of the World Knows, and Doesn’t Know, About Syrians

‘We as Syrians abroad undergo many situations that show how low the bar is for other people’s expectations of us.’ Enab Baladi speaks with four refugees living in Germany and Turkey about the common misconceptions of Syrians voiced by locals on a day to day basis

Chemicals Once Again: Liberating Syria From the Grip of Assad

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

500 Germans on Assad Intelligence Records Since 1960s, NDR Says

According to an investigative report by NDR and Zaman al-Wasl, German citizens have been on the Syrian regime’s watch list for decades, with instructions in place to bar them from entry into Syria or detention when inside Syria

Geneva Charade: Regime is the Opposition

This charade called Moscow and Cairo’s platforms is only an accessory to the Syrian regime

Assad: The Government Can Execute Anyone Legally

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

Destinies of Syria’s Former Female Prisoners

Ain al-Medina speaks to former female inmates about the social rejection and suffering they face after being released from prison, as many return to collapsed relationships as well as exclusion from families and friendship circles

Opinion: Trump, Like Putin and Assad, Does Not See People in Syria

Trump symbolically and practically has given a green light to finish off Aleppo city, and he has become, along with Obama, partners with Putin in the most horrific stage the city has endured in its long history, writes Abdel Wahab Bedarkhan

Opinion: In Syria, Trump Equals Obama

Despite the president-elect’s promises to withdraw American power from the region and revert to a more isolationist strategy, history shows us that major changes in US foreign policy rarely occur with the rotation of presidential administrations, writes Eyyad al-Jaafari

National Coalition Welcomes Trump’s Presidential Victory

Opposition leader hopes Trump can prove his critics wrong by showing greater leadership over Syria than his predecessor Barack Obama, with a comprehensive new approach to protect civilians

Opinion: Opposition on Verge of Abandoning Political Process

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

Syrian Crisis Beats German Crisis in World War II

Aleppo remains the most destroyed and devastated, representing 58% of the ruined surfaces in Syria due to the regime’s heavy bombing, with explosive barrels and Russian missiles

Syrian Refugees Return to School Desks For Full Integration

Older refugees face major learning issues with new languages in the countries they reside in, but people are unfair to judge them for laziness and a lack of motivation, says linguistics expert

The Syrian Truce and the Siege of Turkey

Before the implementation of the truce, Russia attacked opposition-held areas in the north and Aleppo and cut supply routes and arms and fighters’ corridor from Turkey

Syria and the Federalism Proposals

There must be an extensive study of the reality of Syria, its geography, and the diversity of its people before we encourage the promotion of a federalist country or begin attacking the concept as treacherous

The Syrian Dilemma – Accused Even if Proven Innocent

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

Notes from a Palestinian Family in the Country of Resistance

“They took my three brothers right in front of us in a night raid. This was the toughest night ever. Two days later, two of my brothers were released while the third remained arrested, we haven’t heard anything about him since”

Opinion: What If Putin Succeeds in Syria?

As the Syrian regime embraces the “Russian protection”, it finally becomes ready to engage in arbitration and partnership without the fear of being forced to divide its power

Syrian Migrants Taste Hell on Journey Through Balkans

“We continued to Serbia where we were supposed to take a van to drive us to Belgrade. It was January and the last day of the snowstorm when we walked for 14 hours in snow,” survivor recalls

Opinion: Iran at a Fork in the Road on Syria

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

Opinion: Defending Assad for $37

Despite a desperate Assad increasingly relying on Iraqi, Afghani and Iranian mercenary, his forces are continuing to lose ground

Syria’s War Haunts Survivors in Their Nightmares

“Dreams are considered the first indication of the existence of psychological trauma. War changes the psychological balances and manipulates standards”

A Ghost City Full of Painful Memories

I turned my mind back to the moment we heard a knock on the door, my father opened it to greet my mother, my aunt and some friends, and my mother said, “Ahmad has been martyred!”

The Girl Who Fooled ISIS


A new documentary produced by France 24 shows life in the city of Raqqa through the eyes of a young Syrian woman

A Letter to Those Attending Moscow 1

“You must know those Russians are responsible for each additional minute the Damascus gang stays in power”

Syria Neighbors Call for Help With Refugees

Economics, public services, the social fabric of communities and the welfare of families are all affected, not to mention the security impact of the Syrian conflict in the whole region

Opinion: Assad’s ISIS Gambit II

Mouallem’s statement coincided with one from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov calling for coordination with the relevant countries

Opposition Figures Meet with Dardari: Leaked Document

Dardari, the chief economist at the Beirut-based U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and a former deputy Prime Minister in the regime government, is one of Assad’s closest allies

Assad's Regime Flatters Christians of Homs

The regime started restoring churches, while it left most mosques destroyed, to show the West that it wants Christians to return

Who’s who: Saeb Nahas

Adnan Abdulrazak writes for The Syrian Observer on the businessman who mediated between the Syrian regime and major superpowers

Can Federlism Work?

Economic planning will be crucial for any successful federal state

Not America’s Man: Idriss

Idriss says Muslim identity of fighters is nothing to be ashamed of

Opinion: On One Day in Syria

Kill the wounded without rejoicing or expressing joy, says the higher-ranking “Hajj”

Opinion: Our People Are Paying the Price for Obama’s Deals

As a result of all this American hesitation in our region, some stubborn and oppressive regimes have succeeded in staying in power and maintaining the grip of their forces and their “guards” over their people

UN Refugee Chief: Syria Crisis Could Be Worst Ever

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.

Who's who: Mapping of documentation groups in Syria

Several bodies of international law provide standards applicable to the Syrian crisis, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights law

Has America Changed its Stance?

It has become clear in recent weeks that a change in the balance of power would have to precede any form of negotiation with the Assad regime. This change has now been demonstrated in the arming of the opposition, enabling it to deter the regime’s army, break its siege of Homs, and expedite its collapse in and around Damascus.

Syria: The Forest and the Trees

Because Syria is a country of paramount importance, the issue there is not just about toppling the regime, while retaining the same inherited and historical structure, including the ideology, of the regime itself. Indeed, we are dealing here with a smaller version of countries like Germany and Japan after the Second World War, in that they were countries whose internal circumstances led them to destabilise their regions and subsequently the world.

The Syrian Revolution: The Heart and the Mind

n Syrian modern history itself we have a dangerous precedent of this, when the Alawi right to eliminate longstanding oppression paved the way for a military coup that engendered a grim tyrannical regime, which is now fighting its last and most devastating battle. Furthermore, the Lebanese know well how the Shiite right to defend the villages of the south became a leverage for Hezbollah, which has now become one of the biggest obstacles to the establishment of the Lebanese state.

Mazen Darwish: the Journalist of the year

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.