Syria’s new leader tells Russia to hand over Al Assad - and his '$2 billion': Ahmad Al Shara says former president must be brought to justice in first meeting ...
thenationalnews.com/news/2025/01/29/syrias-new-leader-al-shara-tells-russia-to-hand-over-former-president-al-assad/
Syria’s Sharaa: jihadist to interim head of state: DAMASCUS: In less than two months, Syria’s Ahmed Al-Sharaa has risen from rebel leader to interim president ...
arabnews.com/node/2588340/middle-east

Key FactsAhmed al-Sharaa Appointed Interim President of Syria
Jan 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: france24.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: france24.com
- Ahmed al-Sharaa has been appointed interim president of Syria following Bashar al-Assad's ousting in December.
- He is tasked with forming a transitional legislature and will represent the country in international forums.
- All military factions and the former regime's army have been dissolved and integrated into state institutions.
- Sharaa emphasized Syria's priorities: filling the power vacuum, ensuring civil peace, and rebuilding state institutions.
AANES ambassador to 'Post': 'Syria’s security needs Israel involved' - interview: Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed says Israel must be part of the solution for ...
jpost.com/middle-east/article-840032
Syria’s Julani names himself transitional president, dissolves Baath institutions
jpost.com/breaking-news/article-839840
Rebels declare Ahmad Al Shara President of Syria: Al Shara leads Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, which was behind last month's toppling of Bashar Al Assad
thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/01/29/rebels-declare-ahmad-al-shara-president-of-syria/
A secret Turkish intelligence deal with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham included no attacks in Turkey - Nordic Monitor
nordicmonitor.com/2025/01/the-secret-turkish-intelligence-deal-with-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-included-no-attacks-in-turkey/

Syrian peace or conflict? The future of HTS-SDF relations after al-Assad: The most complex issue in the new Syria is the future relationship between “Hay’at ...
ara.tv/haxbm
They won the war. Can Syria's new leaders rebuild the country?: Officials in Syria's caretaker government were left with a state in ruins ...
middleeasteye.net/big-story/after-winning-war-can-syrias-new-leaders-rebuild-country

Russian officials make first visit to Damascus since Assad's overthrow: Delegation arrives amid escalating violence in wake of the toppling of its allied regime
thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/01/28/russian-officials-make-first-visit-to-damascus-since-assads-overthrow/

🇸🇾 "Six weeks down the line, now it's about building a new nation," says FRANCE 24's senior reporter James André about the situation he witnessed in ... Show more
HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa says Israel's advances in Syria unacceptable: Syria's interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has called Israel's advances on his country's ...
middleeasteye.net/news/hts-leader-ahmad-al-sharaa-says-israels-advances-syria-unacceptable

Israel must set conditions for Syria withdrawal, 6 month stay would backfire, INSS expert says
jpost.com/israel-news/article-839670
Syrians in Hama were filmed chanting “Oh, Gaza, we are with you until death” on Tuesday, as over 46,700 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military’s ... Show more
Syria’s new HTS-led regime reinforces police force with the help of its fighters: After the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad on December 8 ...
france24.com/en/middle-east/20250119-syria-s-new-hts-led-regime-reorganises-police-force-with-the-help-of-its-fighters

E.U. to Cautiously Pare Back Sanctions on Syria: European foreign ministers agreed on a “road map” to lift financial restrictions, but the change will happen in ...
nytimes.com/2025/01/27/world/europe/eu-syria-sanctions.html

Syria's new government lists conditions to end rift with Kurdish-led SDF: Syria's new administration does not seek bloodshed with the Kurdish-led Syrian ...
middleeasteye.net/news/syria-lists-conditions-end-rift-sdf

HTS raids and forced disappearances fuel fear in Syria’s Alawi heartlands: Alawis say their neighbourhoods and homes are being searched for former Assad forces
pulse.ly/yhawli0tal

Top Syrian commander reveals details about battle to overthrow Assad: A top commander in Syria’s “Ahrar al-Sham” has revealed that the decision to retake the ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/01/22/top-syrian-commander-reveals-details-about-battle-to-overthrow-assad
U.S. shared secret intelligence with Syria’s new leaders
washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/01/24/us-syria-intelligence-hts-isis/

Syria's new leaders reckon with reintegrating vestiges of Assad regime: Syria's new leadership has seized abandoned military housing previously occupied by ...
france24.com/en/middle-east/20250118-syria-s-new-leaders-reckon-with-reintegrating-vestiges-of-assad-regime

Southern forces loom large as Syria’s new rulers try to form a national army: NAWA, Syria: As opposition forces raced across Syria in a surprise offensive ...
arabnews.com/node/2587466/middle-east

According to Lebanese Member of Parliament Sajea Ateyah, Syria's de-facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa told Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a meeting ... Show more
Egypt unconvinced and has no trust in new Syrian regime: Analysis: Egyptian president says HTS rulers to be judged by their actions, noting the affiliation of ...
ynetnews.com/article/sjhe4iklyg

Biden administration will not lift Syria’s HTS terror designation: Officials: The Biden administration will not revoke the terror designation on Syria’s “Hayat ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/01/08/biden-administration-will-not-lift-syria-s-hts-terror-designation-officials
'Syrian above all': The Alawite community refuses to pay for Assad's crimes: A month after Bashar al-Assad's regime collapsed, Syria's Alawite minority ...
france24.com/en/middle-east/20250113-syrian-above-all-the-alawite-community-refuses-to-pay-for-assad-crimes

Fighting between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces kills 101: Syria war monitor : More than 100 combatants were killed over the last two days in northern Syria in ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/01/05/fighting-between-pro-turkey-kurdish-forces-kills-101-syria-war-monitor-

From HTS head to leader of Syria, Ahmed al Sharaa's evolution mirrors the transformation of the war-ravaged country.
Here is his backstory: https://trt ... Show more
Turkish Intelligence operative admits to smuggling arms to jihadists in Syria, reveals ties to al-Sharaa's HTS - Nordic Monitor
nordicmonitor.com/2025/01/turkish-intelligence-operative-admits-arms-smuggling-to-jihadists-in-syria-reveals-ties-to-jolanis-hts/

Syria’s new leader holds meeting with Ukraine's foreign minister: On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had sent its first ...
wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-holds-meeting-with-ukraines-foreign-minister-8577983

Key FactsSyria and Ukraine Pursue Strategic Alliances
Dec 30, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
- Syria is pursuing strategic partnerships with Ukraine, as stated by new Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani in Damascus.
- Both countries share similar experiences of suffering and conflict, potentially leading to mutual recognition of sovereignty and diplomatic representation.
- During the talks, Ukraine sent 500 tons of wheat flour as humanitarian aid to Syria, while Russia had previously provided wheat through complex mechanisms.
- The Ukrainian delegation's visit is seen as a victory for new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seeks international recognition amid uncertainty over the future of Russian military bases in Syria.
Syrian elections may not be held for 4 years, says de facto leader: Ahmed al-Sharaa outlines longer than expected transition after fall of Assad regime
ft.com/content/bf11898a-8e0a-416b-bd37-b7835bc8fd1c

Syria appoints some foreign Islamist fighters to its military, sources say: The move to give official roles, including senior ones, to several jihadists may ...
jpost.com/middle-east/article-835508
From Aleppo to Damascus: Scenes of a post-Assad Syria: Less than a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, FRANCE 24’s Wassim Nasr travelled to Syria to ...
france24.com/en/middle-east/20250109-from-aleppo-to-damascus-scenes-of-a-post-assad-syria

Turkey's position boosted by HTS' coup in Syria - opinion: Turkey rises after Assad’s fall, aiming to shape Syria’s future and curb Kurdish autonomy.
jpost.com/opinion/article-836207
Video: Celebrations erupt at Damascus airport as international flights resume after 13 years
wionews.com/world/celebrations-erupt-in-damascus-airport-as-international-flights-resume-after-13-years-8601115

Syria’s New Era and Its Opportunities for the US: The fall of Assad opens up possibilities for Washington that it should be quick to explore by engaging with the ...
newlinesmag.com/argument/syrias-new-era-and-its-opportunities-for-the-us/

Foreign Fighters Promoted In Syria's New Army Have Their Governments Concerned: Syria's new leaders have reportedly given high-ranking military posts to several ...
rferl.org/a/foreign-fighters-syria-military-hts-blowback-concerns/33266542.html

US eases some Syria sanctions, but stops short of widespread relief: The United States on Monday issued a sanctions waiver for Syria authorising a narrow range ...
middleeasteye.net/news/us-eases-some-syria-sanctions-stops-far-short-big-exemptions

US to ease Syria aid restrictions while keeping sanctions in place, sources say: Jan 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. is set to announce an easing of restrictions on ...
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-06-us-to-ease-syria-aid-restrictions-while-keeping-sanctions-in-place-sources-say/

Syria’s New Government Steps Up Pursuit of Assad Loyalists: Finding the remnants of the old dictatorship and bringing them to justice has emerged as a top ...
nytimes.com/2024/12/28/world/middleeast/syria-government-arrests-human-rights.html

Key FactsSyria’s Intelligence and Rebel Groups Reshaped
Dec 29, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: diepresse.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: diepresse.com
- Syria’s intelligence agencies, known for repression and torture under Assad, are set to be completely dismantled and restructured.
- Anas Khattab condemns decades of suffering caused by the former regime and aims to rebuild security services with honor.
- Rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa estimates it could take up to four years before elections occur due to constitutional drafting.
- The Islamist HTS militia plans to dissolve through national dialogue, with hopes for the removal of US sanctions.
The security services of the old regime were numerous and diverse, but they all shared the common trait that they had been imposed on the people to oppress them for five decades.— Anas Khattab, new head of the security services, in a Sana-distributed statement
New Syrian leader hopes Iran will reconsider regional intervention - analysis: ‘He also expressed his hope that the new US administration headed by Donald Trump ...
jpost.com/middle-east/article-835269
Syria's Hayat Tahrir Al Sham gives foreign Islamist fighters defence roles in bid to consolidate security
thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/12/31/syrias-hayat-tahrir-al-sham-gives-extremists-defence-roles-in-bid-to-consolidate-security/

Syria's new rulers raise pressure on former Assad loyalist areas: Campaign by HTS to capture former regime enforcers raises fears of sectarian violence
thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/01/06/syrias-new-rulers-raise-pressure-on-former-assad-loyalist-areas/

Syria's Alawites fear retribution under the new regime, given former Assad ties
jpost.com/middle-east/article-835952
Aide to Syrian leader meets with head of tiny Jewish community, urges Jews to return
timesofisrael.com/aide-to-new-syrian-leader-meets-with-head-of-tiny-jewish-community-pledges-protection/

Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, met with the leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) ... Show more
Key FactsTurkish Foreign Minister Calls for YPG Disbandment
Dec 22, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus as the first minister since Assad's fall, stating there is no place for the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria's future.
- Fidan urged the international community to lift sanctions to aid Syria's reconstruction efforts.
- He emphasized that the YPG poses a threat to Syria's national unity and must disband.
- The new Syrian government could manage Islamic State prison camps if necessary.
'We want peace': New Damascus gov. says Syria wants better relations with Israel
jpost.com/middle-east/article-835106
LIVE: HTS holds military show in Damascus: Reuters Live on X (Twitter)
x.com/i/broadcasts/1DXGydRZvLWKM
Protests in Syria after Christmas tree set alight: Christians demonstrate to urge Syria's new Islamist leadership to protect minorities.
bbc.com/news/articles/cx27yx1y0deo

Key FactsSyria Protests Sparked by Christmas Tree Arson Incident
Dec 24, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- Protests erupted in Syria following the arson of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town.
- The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham claimed that the responsible individuals were foreign fighters who have been detained.
- Demonstrators demanded protection for religious minorities and voiced opposition to foreign fighters in Syria.
- The new Islamist leadership faces challenges in ensuring the rights and freedoms of all ethnic and religious groups.
US-Backed Syria Rebels Hope Trump Won't Withdraw Troops Just Yet: The Syrian Free Army "values its partnership with the United States in the fight against ISIS ...
newsweek.com/us-backed-syria-rebels-hope-trump-wont-withdraw-troops-just-yet-2009029

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed the Biden administration is in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ... Show more
Key FactsBlinken and Iraq PM Discuss Syria's Future
Dec 13, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: aljazeera.com
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss the future of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
- Both leaders emphasized the need for an inclusive, non-sectarian government in Syria that protects minorities and prevents the country from becoming a platform for terrorism.
- Blinken highlighted the successes in combating ISIL and stressed the importance of Iraq reinforcing its sovereignty and stability.
- Additionally, Blinken expressed optimism about progress towards a ceasefire in Gaza and encouraged Turkey to leverage its influence over Hamas.
Syrian Islamist Rulers Shun The Taliban Governance Model : Syria's new Islamist rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have swiftly moved to distance themselves ...
rferl.org/a/syrian-islamist-government-women-taliban-sharaa-hts/33250490.html

Syria’s New Government Declares Christmas A Public Holiday: Yesterday Thousands of Syrians took to the streets in protest after a Christmas tree was set alight ...
greekcitytimes.com/2024/12/24/syrias-new-government-declares-christmas-a-public-holiday/

In Syrian military housing, former rebels take the homes of Assad's officers: Their rapid replacement shows the sudden reversal of fortune for supporters of each ...
reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-military-housing-former-rebels-take-homes-assads-officers-2024-12-31/

Syria could take four years to hold elections, new leader Al Shara says: Ahmad Al Shara acknowledges shared strategic interests with Russia and hopes US will ...
thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/12/29/syria-could-take-4-years-to-hold-elections-new-leader-al-shara-says/

Syrian authorities name HTS commander as defence minister : Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which ...
wionews.com/world/syrian-authorities-name-hts-commander-as-defence-minister-785919

“This is the first time in my life I’ve seen such joy, the first time I’ve seen people happy and celebrating like this.”
Syrians in Damascus celebrate New ... Show more

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt met with Ahmad al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ... Show more
OPINION | Russia’s fight for Syria isn’t over: The U.S. stands to reap the benefits from any and all disruptions to Russia’s expansionist activity.
trib.al/spmYWLx

Reported attacks on Christian symbols have fueled fear and mistrust in Syria ahead of Christmas Syria's Christians fearful of new Islamist leaders as Christmas approaches | Reuters
US will not pursue $10m bounty on HTS leader after diplomats visit Syria: A delegation of American diplomats held their first in-person meeting with ...
middleeasteye.net/news/us-wont-pursue-10m-bounty-htss-ahmed-al-sharaa-after-diplomats-visit-syria

Key FactsUS Eliminates Terror Bounty for New Syrian Leader
Dec 20, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timesofisrael.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timesofisrael.com
- A US diplomat informed Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa that the US is rescinding the reward for his capture and welcomed positive outcomes from their discussions.
- Syria expressed a desire to contribute to regional security and rejected any form of polarization.
- The US supports a political process that fosters an inclusive government and respects the rights of all Syrians.
- The US diplomat indicated an expectation that Iran would no longer have a role in Syria and called for a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
US to remove $10mn bounty for Syria’s Islamist rebel leader: Measure comes after American officials meet Abu Mohammed al-Jolani in Damascus
ft.com/content/79780e5f-e0bb-47db-a7e3-146ccf3b9aad

“Assad was also partially toppled because millions of Syrians fought against it, spoke out against it, paid their suffering, and their blood ... Show more
Syria’s disappeared: One woman’s fight to find her father | Wafa Mustafa | Real Talk - YouTube
Syria’s disappeared: One woman’s fight to find her father | Wafa Mustafa | Real Talk - YouTube
Protesters in Syria demand justice for disappeared activists: Protesters in Syria have held a sit-in demanding justice for four activists who were forcibly ...
apnews.com/article/syria-disappeared-activists-assad-hts-zaitouneh-douma-e75b4c4967b5d241831f271a19f0696a
In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya, Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa confirms that the dissolution of HTS will be announced at the National Dialogue ... Show more
Syria’s new rulers name defence, foreign ministers as interim cabinet takes shape
france24.com/en/middle-east/20241222-syria-s-new-rulers-name-defence-foreign-ministers-as-interim-cabinet-takes-shape

Syria’s al-Jolani says not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks: Syria’s opposition leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Saturday Israel is using false ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2024/12/15/syria-s-al-jolani-says-not-interested-in-new-conflicts-despite-israeli-attacks

HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions
wionews.com/world/hts-leader-says-syrian-rebel-fighters-to-be-placed-under-defence-ministry-calls-on-west-to-lift-sanctions-784557

🎉 To mark the end of the year, here’s a collection of some images of key news events impacting #women globally in 2024.
The 51 Percent - France 24 will be back ... Show more
How will women fare in a new Syria? - The 51%
How will women fare in a new Syria? - The 51%
Israel approves plans to double settler numbers in Golan Heights: The 'demographic development' plan to increase settler numbers only applies to the ...
euronews.com/2024/12/15/israel-approves-plans-to-up-golan-heights-settler-numbers-as-new-front-opens-in-syria

Key FactsIsrael's Population Surge Plan in Strategic Golan Heights
Dec 16, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ndtv.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ndtv.com
- Israel's government approved a plan to double the Golan Heights population following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
- The Golan Heights cover 1,800 square kilometers and were captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, annexed in 1981.
- Israeli officials cite security concerns and a new Syrian front created by Islamist rebels to justify expanding settlements.
- Regional neighbors and Germany condemn the move as illegal under international law and call for Israel’s withdrawal.
It is perfectly clear under international law that this area controlled by Israel belongs to Syria and that Israel is therefore an occupying power.— A spokesman for Germany's foreign ministry commented on Israel's plan to double the population in the Golan Heights.
HTS leader says 'no more excuses' for Israel to strike in Syria: Jolani makes a point of referring to the Jewish state by its name, rather than "the Zionist ...
i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/artc-hts-leader-says-no-more-excuses-for-israel-to-strike-in-syria

Syrian Christians after the fall of the regime: ‘We don’t want to be second-class citizens’
english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-20/syrian-christians-after-the-fall-of-the-regime-we-dont-want-to-be-second-class-citizens.html

