“The Butcher of Hama” Dies at 88: Who Was Rifaat al-Assad?
AL-THAWRA
January 22, 2026
His name became inseparable from the 1982 Hama massacre, when regime forces crushed an Islamist uprising, al-Thawra writes.
His name became inseparable from the 1982 Hama massacre, when regime forces crushed an Islamist uprising, al-Thawra writes.
Delegations from Germany, France, and Italy have visited Damascus to explore repatriation arrangements with Syria’s interim government
This is the third arrest warrant France has issued against Bashar al-Assad, +963 writes.
For years, Goznak has been in the crosshairs of Western governments, Ghazwan Koronfol writes to Enab Baladi.
US’ Dorothy Shea condemned recent atrocities in Suweida, stressing the importance of accountability to rebuild trust between the Syrian government and its diverse communities.
Husariya said the bank considers the decision “a significant step that supports Syria’s economic recovery and expands prospects for international cooperation.”
Germany announced on Monday a new aid package worth €300 million for Syria, ahead of the European Union–hosted donor conference in Brussels aimed at mobilising funds for Damascus following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
Some nations have successfully abandoned militarization in favor of development, Muhammad Berro argues for Syria TV.
“It is an honor to represent Syria at the World Economic Forum, marking a historic moment for our country,” al-Shibani stated
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned that escalating violence in Syria poses a threat to the entire region
The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman on Tuesday to advance efforts for a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
Badr Jamous expressing concerns that the conflict in Lebanon could lead to new demographic shifts in Syria.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree appointing Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali to form a new government.
The Council also expressed its hope for the resumption of the Constitutional Committee, Athr Press reports.
Switzerland has adopted sanctions in alignment with the European Union’s sanctions regime, Syria TV writes.
Alexandr Yefimov has stated that the media’s portrayal of the Syrian-Turkish rapprochement path is premature.
An opposition figure told Enab Baladi that, if such a proposal arises, the Syrian Negotiation Commission will deliberate on it, but said they maintain Geneva as their preference.
Pedersen aims to advance discussions on the ninth round of the Constitutional Committee talks, according to al-Watan.
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.
Sources informed pro-government daily Al-Watan that Geir Pedersen has requested an appointment to visit Damascus in February.
Jamous noted that regional and international conflicts have diverted attention from the Syrian crisis, according to Syria TV.
The humanitarian exemption was initiated by Switzerland in response to the earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria in February 2023, according to Syria TV
Lavrov emphasized that Russia can no longer regard Switzerland as a neutral platform, according to the pro-government Athr Press.
Asma al-Assad underscored the importance of merging scientific knowledge with a sense of identity and belonging, the pro-government al-Watan says.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood delivered a stern message about the ongoing crisis in the region, criticizing the Assad regime.
Minister Sabbagh called for more early recovery projects because of their importance in improving the humanitarian situation, according to al-Watan.
Moroccan media said this move undermines any potential resumption of relations between Rabat and Damascus, al-Souria Net reports.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Recalling the Syrian revolution’s early days, one can hardly find a year without a massacre etched into its memory, Mohammad Berro writes in Syria TV.
The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that it would be suitable for one of the Arab capitals to host the Constitutional Committee’s session, according to Syria TV.
Pedersen commended Egypt’s considerable efforts toward resolving the Syrian crisis, according to al-Watan.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
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
Turkey says it regards the attainment of a solution in Syria in accordance with United Nations resolutions as a primary objective, according to Syria TV.
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 United Kingdom issued a warning last week cautioning against sending international aid to Syria, according to Syria TV.
Switzerland expresses concerns over Turkey’s policy in Syria, Israel drops flyers over Quneitera and HTS reportedly involved in ISIS leader killing. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Switzerland said it is making efforts to ensure that all Russian official delegations can come to Geneva to work in the best conditions, according to al-Watan.
In attendance were representatives of the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, and Switzerland, according to the SOC Media Department.
Pedersen expressed concern about “disturbing signs of military escalation in several locations across Syria,” according to al-Souria Net.
An op-ed by Joseph Daher, author and teacher at the University of Lausanne, about the recent Turkish-Syrian rapprochement, in al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Moscow wants to move the constitutional talks from Switzerland to another country, according to al-Souria Net.
The conference was held in the al-Assad library of Damascus, according to the Syria Times.
A group of Syrian activists and civil society figures called on Turkey to abandon its planned invasion and engage in dialogue.
Russia used the Syrian file to send political messages related to Syria itself, but also the war in Ukraine. A look at what the press said.
The meetings are held in the participation of members of the “Small Group” responsible for the writing of the constitution, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Zaman al-Wasl obtained information proving the arrival of Shawkat Saleh al-Ali to Europe, despite being accused of war crimes.
Lavrov said Oman and Russia shared a “common vision… on many international issues”, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad reaffirmed Syria’s support to Russia, according to SANA.
Divisions within the Syrian opposition delegation to the constitutional committee are getting deeper, after three coalition members visited Switzerland, according to al-Modon.
Abdel Halim Khaddam, the former vice president of the Syrian regime, and Muhammad Makhlouf, Bashar al-Assad’s uncle are said to hold millions at a swiss bank, according to Syria TV.
Russia requested a meeting of the UN Security Council regarding the latest developments in northeastern Syria, claiming that the regime is ready for a new round of the constitutional committee, according to Zaitun Agency.
Pro-Iran militias deployed in Deir-ez-Zor are stealing archaeological ruins to generate income, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Japan has signed an agreement with the WHO to provide 6 million dollars in aid to hospitals in Syria, according to Arab News.
Syrian activists participated in the UNSC special session, demanding that the Assad regime be held accountable for its war crimes, according to Syria Television.
Syria’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva said that Switzerland has handed over three artifacts from Palmyra to Damascus, according to al-Hal.
On Tuesday, the Syrian Constitutional Committee finished its meetings for the second consecutive day at its sixth session, focusing on security and the military, according to the Syrian News Agency.
The two co-chairs of the Constitutional Committee, representing both the regime and the opposition, held their first direct meeting, according to Syria TV and al-Souria Net.
The UN special envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen revealed that the sixth meeting of the Constitutional Committee will be held in Geneva on October 18th, according to Baladi News.
Opposition President Salem al-Meslet the international community for its lack of interest in the political solution in Syria, in favor of solely humanitarian issues, according to the Daily Sabah.
The representative of the AANES in Switzerland expressed “regret” at Syria’s condemnation of the opening of an AANES office in Geneva, according to North Press.
The National Conference for the Restoration of Resolution has announced its final statement, in which it calls for the fall of the regime, according to al-Modon.
Syria officially denounced Switzerland’s decision to allow the AANES to open a representative office in Geneva, according to SANA.
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.
Ibrahim Hamidi explains that the military and economic situation are prolonging the status quo in Syria despite the Rome conference.
The US President was confused between Syria and Libya during his press conference after a G7 meeting, according to Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The fifth round of the Constitutional Committee is underway, but has been plagued by disagreements, stalling tactics and intransigence writes Baladi News.
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.
Hadi al-Bahra has said that the Constitutional Committee will go ahead and will not be postponed unless the coronavirus situation changes in Switzerland writes Shaam Network.
The Syrian National Coalition has said that a civil administration must be established in the liberated areas and that efforts must be made to organize fair elections.
The UN, the EU and the Astana format countries have all welcomed the formation of the constitutional committee, writes Asharq Al-Awsat
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 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.
Visitors from Arab countries have risen sharply in recent months, while tourists from European countries are also starting to explore the country writes Al-Watan.
Saudi funding, the ending of aid, US airstrikes and condemnation at the UN. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
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
Syria’s representative to the world body calls on Israel to give up its nuclear weapons, SANA reports
Opposition attempts to legitimize loyal force as Russian-backed safe zones see the Coalition increasingly sidelined in political decisions
Coalition leader meets with U.S. envoy to Syria on the sidelines of Geneva negotiations between representatives from the Assad regime and opposition spectrum
Demonstration held outside U.N. headquarters in Geneva as negotiations take place between the Assad government and envoy to Syria
The international body, along with its influence, has been compromised by the Russian veto which on several occasions stood to thwart any attempt at salvaging Syria today
Religious and political figures pay tribute to the Aleppo-born priest and controversial activist, who was once convicted of smuggling weapons to Palestinian militants in the 1970s, after passing away earlier this month in the Italian capital
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
Swiss aid delegates confirm plans to open office in the Syrian capital during meeting to discuss increasing cooperation in development
Emergency respondent says Russian strikes hit medical storehouse in Tarmanein’s residential areas as diplomats meet in the Swiss city for negotiations to end the intensification of fighting
According to a seven-page draft agreement, Moscow and Washington are considering high-level coordination beyond “carrying out air defense” in Syria’s skies, to reach a level of “direct cooperation” between the two armies and their intelligence agencies against Nusra Front and ISIS
Swiss delegation agrees to bolster humanitarian and relief support for Syria in coordination with Damascus
Swiss development organization delivers a dozen ambulances to Syrian Red Crescent to assist in emergency work
Truce between warring parties ends in practice while political opposition calls for suspension to the peace talks in Geneva
Loyalist media publish names of regime negotiation team, including relative of controversial opposition figure Roay Sherbiji and notorious security official Samer Bareedi
Top diplomats meet in the Iranian capital to discuss distribution of aid to the Syrian people
Syrian health officials order the removal of over 200 products from local markets
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
Influential security official and caretaker of the Syrian-Iranian alliance dies after a long battle with illness
Delegates meet in Iranian capital to discuss the effective distribution of humanitarian aid to Syrian people
Damascus calls for dialogue between Yemeni parties after Saudi-led assault strikes capital of Sanaa
Bouthaina Shaaban: “My position in the government does not mean that I cannot be considered an opposition supporter”
More opposition parties boycott Moscow 1, causing the regime to consider lowering the attendance of its delegation
The elections came in the midst of internal divisions within the Democratic Bloc of the Coalition
The Dean of Marketing and Management Studies Centre at the European University in Damascus has allegedly imposed unacceptable fees on students for certificates
Talks are only of value if the issue of terrorism is dealt with
Darwish was set to appear before a Damascus court on Monday on “terror” charges along with his colleagues Hussein Ghreir and Hani Zaitani
No way Assad to be part of the transition plan, and he could not regain legitimacy to govern, Kerry says
Assad appeared at ease, wearing a navy blue suit and smiling regularly throughout the 45-minute interview
President says mentality threatens entire Middle East
The U.N. has sought to raise an unprecedented $6.5 billion for Syria
Syrian women are paying a heavy price as a result of the current situation
Official tells BBC that the allies said the group will lose credibility if they don’t attend
After the ceremonies in Montreux when the two Syrian delegations, Lakhdar Brahimi, and Jeffrey Feltman go to Geneva to negotiate, the urgent issues will be somewhere else
The group has long insisted that it refuses to negotiate until President Bashar al-Assad’s regime exits power
Mikdad was meeting an Australian delegation comprising of activists from the “Hands Off Syria” movement
U.S. and Russia have a common interest in terms of preventing the fall of Syria into the hands of extremists
Economic planning will be crucial for any successful federal state
Idriss says FSA will fight throughout the conference
The NCC has previously stated it will not attend unless its leaders are released
The powerful opposition group’s statement comes on Sunday as fighting rages on near the border with neighboring Iraq and in the central city of Homs
Many have transferred their wealth to, the UAE, Russia, and Eastern European countries
Syria’s first lady Asma Assad has carried on shopping as the killing in Syria spreads. She orders Western food for her three children because she doesn’t want them to have a Syrian diet
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.
Several bodies of international law provide standards applicable to the Syrian crisis, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international human rights law