Damascus

Sharaa's nightmare is on the verge of realization, and a push could topple his regime - analysis

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is in a difficult predicament: he wants complete control over all of Syria but has lost the trust of the minorities.

 Leader of new Syrian administration, Ahmed al Sharaa and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (not seen) watch the view of Damascus on Mount Qasioun following their meeting in Damascus, Syria on December 22, 2024
 A stash of burnt pills is scattered on the grounds of the Mazzeh military air base on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus on December 11, 2024.

Explosion heard in vicinity of the Mazzeh area of Damascus in Syria, state news agency says

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

Sharaa's Islamist army fuels Syria's descent into sectarian slaughter

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; illustrative.

Meeting between Dermer, Syrian FM on Druze humanitarian corridor postponed - report


Syrian soldier killed in clashes with SDF in Aleppo, state news agency says

In March, the SDF agreed with Syria's Islamist-led government to join state institutions as part of efforts to reunite a country fractured by 14 years of civil war.

Fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) put an SDF flag in al-Omar oil field in Deir Al Zor, Syria March 23, 2019

Behind the journey: Why did Congressman Hamadeh travel from Jerusalem to Damascus? - analysis

US Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh travelled to Syria to “discuss the Congressman's continuing efforts to bring Americans home" and advance peace

(L-R) US Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh (R - AZ) and Israeli Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif

Syria's defense ministry and Kurdish-led SDF trade blame over attack in northern Syria

The defense ministry accused the SDF of carrying out a rocket barrage on one of the army's outposts in the city's countryside, injuring four troops and three civilians.

Internal Security Forces officers escort a Druze prisoner and prevent him from being attacked by Bedouins, at an Internal Security Forces checkpoint working to prevent Bedouin fighters from advancing towards Sweida, following renewed fighting between Bedouin and Druze, Sweida, Syria, July 19, 2025.

Russia's Putin meets Syrian FM in Moscow, Sharaa invited to Russia-Arab summit

Lavrov thanked Syrian authorities for ensuring the security of two Russian bases in the country, where Moscow continues to maintain a presence, as well as backing the removal of sanctions on Syria.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attends a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, July 31, 2025.

Russia aims to keep hold of key influence over Syria as top diplomats meet - analysis

Ahmed al-Sharaa's government faces many hurdles and having Russia playing a stabilizing role in Syria is important for Damascus. It is not clear how Russia-Syrian relations will develop these days.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani (L) shake hands during a press conference following their talks in Moscow, Russia, July 31, 2025.

Israeli, Syrian officials to meet in Azerbaijan to discuss situation in southern Syria - report

Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani are scheduled to attend the meeting, which will focus on the security situation in southern Syria.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaks during a press conference in Damascus, May 20, 2025; illustrative.

Syria, Israel agree to further talks on de-escalating conflict, Ekhbariya TV reports

On Friday, US envoy Tom Barrack said officials from both countries spoke about de-escalating the situation in Syria during the talks on Thursday.

 Ahmed Al-Sharaa standing atop Mount Qasioun, overlooking the fall of Damascus, December 9, 2024.

US tries to claw back influence in Middle East after crisis in Syria - analysis

US Special Envoy to Syria Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack has been under a spotlight in the last two weeks as US policy continues to face challenges.

 US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.

Selective outrage: Why the world looks away from Syria’s atrocities but fixates on Gaza - analysis

Gaza is widely covered because it is symbolically and politically loaded. Syria is ignored because it is seen as broken, and no one cares.

Bedouin families ride on a vehicle as they leave the village of Al-Mazraa, as residents reported calm in Syria's Sweida on Sunday after the Islamist-led government announced that Bedouin fighters had withdrawn from the predominantly Druze city, Sweida, Syira, July 21, 2025.

Israel’s message in defending the Druze goes beyond borders, wanting to correct history - analysis

While strategic considerations were still in play, the heart of the decision lay in defending the extended family of Israel’s own Druze—a gesture shaped as much by kinship as by security.

 Bedouin fighters ride motocycles, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Sweida, Syria July 18, 2025.

Netanyahu confirms ceasefire, Syrian withdrawal from Sweida due to 'forceful action'

"I instructed the IDF to act with force because the Damascus regime sent its army south of the capital and massacred the Druze," Netanyahu said.

 An Israeli soldier holds a megaphone as Israeli-Druze gather, near the ceasefire line amid the conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, July 16, 2025.