Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is an Arab nation in the Middle East, situated in the Levant region. The country boasts a rich history and some of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
In 1963, Syria's government was taken over by the Ba'ath Party, led by Hafez al-Assad. For decades, he and his son and successor, Bashar al-Assad, would rule the country in a reign that has been highly criticized for being totalitarian and for carrying out widespread human rights abuses.
In 2011, a major civil war broke out in Syria, leaving governance of the country fractured between the Russia- and Iran-backed Assad regime based in Syria's largest city and capital of Damascus, US-backed rebel groups led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Turkey-backed forces, and Islamists under the banner of Hay'at Tahir al-Shams (HTS).
However, in December 2024, HTS and its allies carried out a major offensive from their base of operations in the Idlib province, eventually fully ousting the Assad regime and seizing control of Damascus as well as other major cities such as Homs and Aleppo. Currently, HTS has been spearheading the establishment of a new Syrian interim government. However, the country still remains fractured between them, Assad loyalists, Turkey-backed forces, and the SDF and its allies.
HTS ordered ex-leader Awda to stand down – but it might not be the last Damascus hears from him.
Shin Bet politicians react to Shin Bet leak • Israel reportedly strike vehicle in s. Lebanon • Security forces arrest brothers involved in attacks
Netanyahu put a positive spin on his visit, which he described as “very warm and friendly.”
We want, and strive, to live in peace with our neighbors. That is why Azerbaijan’s peacemaking stance is so crucial in the current crisis.
The two countries' delegations also discussed the fate of missing and detained Lebanese people in Syria, an issue that came under the spotlight after the toppling of Assad.
Syria’s former permanent representative to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, has requested asylum in Russia, signaling a potential shift in Syria's diplomatic landscape.
The 1949 Armistice Agreements were signed between Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria and were part of the end to Israel's 1948 war.
The trip highlights al-Sharaa's clout and ability to navigate the complex politics of the Middle East.
Syria’s new Islamist-led government looks to reassure Gulf leaders during President Sharaa’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
Syrian armed forces and patrols are facing frequent fire from Hezbollah terrorists seeking to rearm after its war against Israel.
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