HTS

Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is an armed Islamist rebel group in Syria. They have been waging an armed conflict against the regime of Bashar Assad as well as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Where is Hanegbi? Conflicting reports cast doubts over Israel-Syria peace talks

Arab media reports that Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while Israeli officials say he is in the US with Netanyahu.

NATIONAL SECURITY Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi issues a statement to the media in Tel Aviv, in late October. Just days before the October 7 attacks, he said in an interview: ‘Hamas is very, very restrained and understands the implications of further defiance.’
 Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

US revokes foreign terrorist designation for Syria's HTS, as part of terminating sanctions

 French President Emmanuel Macron and interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference after a meeting at the Élysée Palace, in May 2025.

From jihadist to president: Is Ahmed al-Sharaa's transformation true or false? - opinion

 ISIS in Aleppo, Syria. 2017.

Syrian Interior Ministry announces targeted operation against ISIS cell in Aleppo


Syrians welcome sanctions relief, outcome remains unclear

In a partial policy shift, the US has eased some sanctions on Syria, allowing humanitarian aid, remittances, and limited civil sector activity.

 People celebrate after US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria, in Damascus, May 13, 2025.

Macron's eastward shift may spark Middle East anti-colonial revolt - opinion

Macron’s bet may buy short-term contracts and headlines, but it threatens to poison long-term relations and renew resentment.

 FRENCH PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron welcomes Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Élysée Palace in Paris last week.

Normalization between al Sharaa's Syria, Israel possible after decades of hostilities - opinion

If al Sharaa eventually delivers the state that he promises, he will have proved himself the most remarkable leader to have emerged in the Arab world.

 French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after a joint press conference after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 7, 2025.

Israel using old airstrike policy with new Syrian gov't - is it outdated? - analysis

The Druze in Syria are divided between different leaders and voices. It’s likely that many want a middle ground and prefer some kind of autonomy but don’t want a full break with Damascus.

 Israeli Druze demonstrating against Islamist violence in Syria, April 30, 2025.

Syria's Sharaa will attend Arab Summit, marking a potential path towards stability

Syria's invitation to the Arab Summit comes after Sharaa met Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani.

 Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

UK lifts sanctions against Syria's defense ministry and intelligence agencies

A notice posted online by the British finance ministry said that 12 entities no longer subject to an asset freeze.

 A tank that belonged to the Syrian Army is parked on a street in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024.

Syrian forces detain two ‘Palestinian leaders in Damascus’ - report

This comes after the new Islamist leadership in Damascus cut ties with the Islamic Republic.

 SUPPORTERS OF Hamas and Islamic Jihad take part in a rally last year in the southern Gaza Strip to celebrate a deadly shooting attack in Tel Aviv.

US military poised to slash troops in Syria, officials say

The US plans to cut its troop presence in Syria by half, consolidating bases as part of a broader regional military review.

 A soldier from the US-led coalition holds the hand of a boy during a joint US- Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol in the countryside of Qamishli in northeastern Syria, February 8, 2024.

Syrian ambassador to Moscow requests asylum in Russia, TASS reports

Syria’s former permanent representative to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, has requested asylum in Russia, signaling a potential shift in Syria's diplomatic landscape.

 PEOPLE GATHER during a celebration called by HTS at Umayyad Square in Damascus in December.

Syria's Sharaa meets UAE counterpart in second visit to a Gulf country as leader

Syria’s new Islamist-led government looks to reassure Gulf leaders during President Sharaa’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

 UAE's Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan greets Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as UAE's Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan looks on, at Al Shati Palace, in Abu Dhabi.

HTS members, Druze, and Kurds: A look at Syria's diverse new goverment

The government includes ministers educated in the West, one woman, and members of the Druze, Kurdish, Christian, and Alawite groups.

 President Ahmed al-Shara'a speaks during the formation of the new Syrian government. March 29, 2025.