Syria Conflict

An Israeli army Merkava main battle tank is carried on the back of a trailer truck to be deployed near a watchtower of the UN-patrolled buffer zone's Quneitra checkpoint, separating Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights, on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords

Syria's new leader seems open to joining the Abraham Accords under 'certain conditions,' but Israelis remain skeptical about his true intentions and an emerging alliance with Turkey.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa attends the closing ceremony of Syrian National Dialogue Conference at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria on Feb. 25, 2025.

Analysis

Why Syria’s Sharaa is hinting at Israel ties

Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who recently met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, said the Syrian leader told him he would “absolutely” be open to normalization with Israel if conditions are met.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images

Russia, Turkey to hold talks as Moscow seeks to keep Syria military bases: What to know

The talks come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated his openness to negotiating with Moscow over the future of Russian military bases in Syria.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd R) leaves a bilateral room after his meeting with Qatar's minister of foreign affairs during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Antalya, April 11, 2025.

UK lifts sanctions on Syrian ministries, intelligence agencies

It marks the second raft of sanctions on Syria lifted by the United Kingdom since the toppling of long-time dictator Bashar Al-Assad in December and the formation of a new government.

Latest News

IMF appoints first Syria mission head in 14 years: What to know

Employees stand behind stacks of local currency notes as they serve clients at an exchange shop in Damascus, on April 16, 2025.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad says Syria arrested 2 members: What we know

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (R) and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (L) bid farewell to participants at the Syrian National Dialogue Conference.

First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know

People wave the flag of Palestine and the new flag of Syria as Syrians gather in a protest dubbed "Syrians Against the Occupation" to denounce Israel's continued war on Gaza as well as its occupation of parts of Syria and Palestine in Damascus, Syria, on April 7, 2025.

Feature

Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power

Raqqa

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

People celebrate the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad and Baath Party rule, Umayyad Square, Damascus, Dec. 8, 2024.

Analysis

Turkey in post-Assad Syria: Balancing PKK, jihadist threats & opportunities

Although pleased with the rebel takeover in Syria, Ankara wants to avoid the instability that gripped Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Syrian men stand outside the building of the Iranian Embassy.

Analysis

Iran’s strategy unravels: Assad fall and collapse of Tehran's regional bloc

What began as a bold strategy to challenge Israel and reshape the Middle East’s balance of power now appears increasingly fragile, with Iran’s influence faltering and its allies under siege.

Ali Hashem

In Doha, reporting on Iran, regional politics, conflict

A man rides his scooter past a destroyed mosque and apartment buildings in Harasta, near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Dec. 19, 2024.

Analysis

China seeks to protect Syria interests, work with HTS on Uyghur 'threats'

With a new administration in Damascus, China is revaluating its relationship with Syria and increasingly focused on rise of Islamists' threats.

Sabena Siddiqui

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Turkey, Israel on collision course in Syria over incursions, Kurdish support

Ankara is concerned that Israel may seek to solidify its territorial gains in Syria, leveraging regional instability and pro-Israel US policies.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) shakes hands with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) before a picture of the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, during their meeting at Ankara Esenboga Airport on December 12, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Turkey's Erdogan offers help in Syria state structure ahead of Fidan visit

The Turkish president said his top diplomat will soon travel to Damascus to support Syria's interim government in its fight against groups that Ankara deems a threat to its national security.

The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, waves to the crowd before addressing them at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8, 2024. Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, gave a speech as the crowd chanted "Allahu akbar (God is greatest)," a video shared by the rebels on their Telegram channel showed. (Photo by Abdulaziz KETAZ / AFP) (Photo by ABDULAZIZ KE

US scraps $10M bounty on HTS leader Golani after meeting in Damascus

A delegation including Assistant Secretary Barbara Leaf and hostage envoy Roger Carstens met with leaders of the powerful rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Walid Jumblatt delivers a speech during a gathering in Ain Zhalta on June 25, 2023.

Ahead of Syria visit, Lebanon Druze leader Jumblatt says give HTS 'a chance'

The influential member of the Lebanese Druze community warned against the influence of Israeli Druze leader Mowafaq Tarif and called for Syria to remain united after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

A Syrian man prays on July 12, 2017, at a cemetary in Khan Sheikhun

Syria’s hidden stash of chemical weapons hangs over post-Assad transition

Destroying what remains of the Syrian regime's chemical arsenal is a top concern for the United States and its partners following Bashar al-Assad's sudden ouster.

Erdogan Sisi met in Cairo on Dec. 19

Turkey’s Erdogan in Egypt, holds first meeting with Sisi after Assad's fall

The Turkish and Egyptian leaders focused on Syrian reconstruction, humanitarian aid to Gaza and strengthening bilateral relations.

A Russian soldier stands next to submarines at the Russian naval base in the Syrian Mediterranean port of Tartous, on Sept. 26, 2019.

Analysis

Russia, reeling from Assad loss, delays decision on Syria naval presence till March

Russia’s military withdrawal from Syria marks a strategic shift, with diplomatic efforts now focused on retaining influence.

Anton Mardasov

By Anton Mardasov

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 8, 2024.

HTS expands Syria rule with amnesty programs, minority outreach: What we know

Authorities in Syria, led by the Islamist rebel group, are calling for the dissolution of armed groups and are reportedly allowing alcohol to be served in Damascus as crime and economic issues persist.

Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (2ndL) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L)

Qatar emir in Turkey on surprise visit as efforts for Syria ceasefire intensify

The Qatari leader's unannounced visit came amid efforts to extend a ceasefire between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria. The two also discussed reconstruction efforts.