An analysis suggests Israel is adopting a strategy of 'forever war' by creating buffer zones in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, reflecting a significant shift in its post-October 7, 2023 defense posture amidst US-Iran truce talks.
Σε μια περίοδο έντονων γεωπολιτικών εξελίξεων, ο Πρωθυπουργός Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης παραχώρησε συνέντευξη στο CNN και τη δημοσιογράφο Κριστιάν Αμανπούρ, όπου τοποθετήθηκε για την εκεχειρία στη Μέση…
CaixaForum Madrid is hosting an exhibition featuring 158 objects from the British Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Assyria and the reign of Ashurbanipal.
Syrian authorities have announced that the al-Hol camp and its surrounding areas in the northeastern Hassakeh province are now a fully closed military zone.
Mohammed Massoud Morsi's second novel, "The Hair of the Pigeon," is reviewed as an epic tale following a Palestinian teenager's coming-of-age and forced exile during the Syrian civil war.
Many businesses at the Kontula shopping center in Helsinki remained closed on Monday following a devastating fire, with the Syrian restaurant Damaskino suffering the most significant damage.
Christians in Syria who follow the Western calendar celebrated Easter Sunday with prayers and liturgies held in churches nationwide, with services emphasizing themes of solidarity.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated that Kyiv has no connection to the incident in Serbia, where explosives were discovered near the TurkStream pipeline.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for negotiations with Israel to prevent a devastating conflict in southern Lebanon, warning against a scenario similar to the destruction seen in Gaza.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that Iran's agreement to grant safe passage for Philippine-bound energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz is a government 'risk management' strategy to secure the country's oil supply.
Christian churches are being abandoned across Germany, while new religious buildings emerge to serve immigrant communities from countries like India and Syria, leading to an increasingly diverse urban religious landscape.
Reporting from Tehran early Friday, FRANCE 24’s Reza Sayah says there’s been a “disturbing trend” in recent days of US-Israeli strikes hitting non-military targets across Iran.
The ongoing Iran war is impacting global financial policy and fundamentally changing Israeli politics, economy, and society, with accusations of war crimes against the US and Israel, while Iran reportedly beefs up its defenses and recruits children in preparation for a ground war.
A new photo gallery highlights the emerging entrepreneurial landscape in Syria, featuring individuals and businesses striving to innovate and rebuild amidst challenging circumstances. The images offer a glimpse into the country's evolving economic initiatives.
German politician Friedrich Merz has stated that Syrians have three years to return to their home country, a move seen as a definitive shift away from Germany's previous "Willkommenskultur" (culture of openness) policy.
Investigators searching for the remains of Dov Parmet discovered a mass grave containing 17 soldiers who fought and died at the hands of a Syrian-Lebanese force during the 1948 struggle for the State of Israel, with five soldiers still missing.
A significant archaeological discovery in Homs, Syria, including a Greek inscription, is shedding light on the ancient Temple of the Sun and the profound influence of Greek culture in the region, bridging three religions.
Syrian troops have uncovered a network of tunnels along the border with Lebanon, raising questions about their purpose and potential cross-border activities.
The former president of the Greek community in Syria describes the increasingly difficult reality for Christian populations, highlighting recent attacks on Greek Orthodox communities and the fear driving youth to leave.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was seen struggling to open a water bottle during a state visit to London, specifically at Chatham House, a moment that has since amused online users.
In Germany, Al-Scharaa has contradicted Merz, stating that he did not speak of '80 percent,' amidst ongoing political discussions, while Chancellor's Office Minister Frei suggested those seeking protection in Syria should return.
Athens is exerting diplomatic pressure and expressing strong concern over attacks targeting Greek Orthodox communities in Syria, sending messages to Damascus amid reports of a 'silent' displacement plan.
Families of Palestinian prisoners are protesting against a controversial bill passed by the Israeli Knesset, which allows for the death penalty for Palestinians in the West Bank, with jailed Palestinians expressing fears of execution without due process. The UN has warned that applying this new law would constitute a war crime, condemning it as 'deeply discriminatory', sparking global outcry.
The Syrian President has met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his first visit to the UK in years, with migration and border security on the agenda.
A dispute has emerged regarding the return of Syrians from Germany, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarifying that the interim Syrian President Ahmad Shara, not he, mentioned the goal of 80 percent of Syrians returning home.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's interim leader, has begun a visit to Berlin to discuss the Middle East war, the rebuilding of his country, and the return of refugees, marking his first visit to Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have reiterated their goal for 80% of Syrian refugees in Germany to return to Syria within three years, aiming for approximately 200,000 returns annually, with an initial focus on Syria taking back its criminal citizens, following al-Sharaa's visit to Berlin where Merz's government emphasized a tougher stance on refugees and migrants.
Syria has announced a 'vast attack' by drones targeting its military bases located near the border with Iraq, as Damascus attempts to remain uninvolved in the regional war.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to Berlin has sparked controversy among Germany's Kurdish population due to human rights accusations, while discussions with German officials, including Merz, focused on accelerating the return of Syrian refugees.
Syria has largely managed to stay out of conflicts in the Gulf and neighboring Lebanon, though doubts persist about whether Islamist al-Scharaa in the presidential palace can lead the country to a better future.
Protests have erupted in Al-Suqaylabiyah, a Christian city in central Syria, demanding security accountability following an altercation and previous attacks against the community, prompting the Patriarchate of Antioch to request an official investigation.
A new UN report documents sectarian violence in Syria, stating that over 1,700 people were killed. Investigators noted that President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government has done little to address the extrajudicial killings and torture of Druze civilians in July 2025.
UN investigators have indicated that the ongoing violence in Syria's Druze heartland could potentially amount to war crimes, prompting calls for further examination.
A UN investigative commission states that possible war crimes were committed during a week of violence in Syria's Sweida province last year, which killed at least 1,700 people and displaced 200,000.
Iraq's Oil Ministry has announced plans to construct a new oil pipeline that will connect to Syria's Baniyas port, signaling a significant regional energy infrastructure development.
A human trafficking network operating in the English Channel has been dismantled, leading to 21 arrests, including four Syrian organizers. Contraband kits valued over €10,000 reportedly included inner tubes instead of life jackets.
The UN Security Council debates freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as Gulf Arab countries consider joining the war against Iran, with Turkey urging de-escalation, while Saudi Arabia's strategic thinking has shifted from seeking de-escalation to seeing 'no coexistence' with hardline Iran.
Syria is positioning itself as a nation beyond recovery, actively seeking international business and investment opportunities to rebuild and grow its economy.
Amid escalating violence and new Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including the bombing of Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, over 125,000 people have crossed into Syria, returning to a country still struggling to rebuild after more than a decade of civil war.
Syrian military authorities confirmed that a military installation in northeastern Syria was attacked by rockets launched from Iraq, while an Iraqi security forces officer also commented on the incident.
Police arrested a 39-year-old driver in connection with a fatal accident last Thursday in Strovolos, Cyprus, where his car collided with a motorcycle, killing a 15-year-old Syrian boy.
Multiple Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted by Israeli forces over Syria and Israel, with videos emerging that reportedly show their destruction in the exosphere, marking a new escalation in the Middle East conflict.
Hundreds of Syrians protested in central Damascus against new restrictions on alcohol sales, raising concerns about potential tightening of personal freedoms by Islamist authorities.
Education Above All (EAA) has concluded its third 'Eid Gifts' campaign, an initiative aimed at supporting Palestinian and Syrian children in the spirit of giving.
The number of asylum applications in Austria has reached its lowest value in ten years, with most applications coming from Syrians, though their recognition rate is now only 25 percent.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have condemned recent Israeli strikes on Syria, describing the attacks as a blatant aggression and urging UN action, following reports of Israeli attacks on military facilities in southern Syria.
The Israeli military confirmed striking Syrian government targets and army camps in the south in response to alleged attacks on the Druze community, with the IDF stating these strikes were a direct response to the attacks.
A pregnant Syrian woman and her five young children died when a fire ripped through containers housing agricultural workers near the southwestern Antalya resort, the governor and media reports said…
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye’s security and stability are complementary with those of Syria. He underscored Ankara’s position during a news conference with his Syrian counterpart.
Rafik A., a 57-year-old Syrian man, is on trial today accused of committing crimes against humanity as a soldier for the Assad regime in 2013 and 2014, with the defendant claiming the case is fabricated.
A 57-year-old Syrian man from Druten is facing trial in a Dutch court on charges of crimes against humanity, including torturing and raping prisoners in Syria, as an alleged henchman of Bashar al-Assad.
A Syrian refugee has been found not criminally responsible for failing to stop after a deadly crash in Ontario and has received an absolute discharge. He was previously released on bail while appealing a dangerous driving conviction.
Following inaugural JETCO talks, Türkiye and Syria have set an ambitious target to increase their bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, aiming for $5 billion initially.
Israel launched an attack on Iran's largest petrochemical complex, identified by some reports as the South Pars facility. The Israeli Defense Minister confirmed the strike, stating the complex accounts for approximately half of Iran's petrochemical production.
More than 20 citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who joined various militant groups including the Islamic State in Syria since 2012, are now reportedly held in Kurdish and other prisons following ISIS's defeat.
Türkiye and Syria are set to hold a series of meetings this week aimed at deepening economic ties and paving the way for a new level in trade after Ankara added Syria to its target...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking a diplomatic push to forge new security partnerships in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have condemned 'acts of rioting and assaults' that occurred at the UAE embassy in Damascus, with a UAE official emphasizing that attacks on embassies violate international law.
A senior Syrian official announced that the self-styled autonomy of the U.S.-backed YPG group will soon be dissolved as Syria moves forward with its integration.
The Israeli army announced that one of its soldiers was killed 'in battle' in southern Lebanon, an area where Israel and the pro-Iranian Shiite organization have been clashing for over a month.
Germany is considering the return of approximately 800,000 Syrian refugees and is prepared to offer 200 million euros for Syria's reconstruction to accelerate the process.
A report indicates that foreign nationals are suspects in nearly half of all rape cases in Austria, with Syrians forming the largest foreign group among them. The number of rape suspects in the country has more than doubled since 2015.
A New York Times investigation uncovered that abductions of women and girls from Syria's Alawite minority are more prevalent and brutal than acknowledged by the government, fueling fears within the community.
A Moscow court has sentenced German carnival sculptor Jacques Tilly to eight-and-a-half years in prison in absentia for creating carnival floats that depicted Russian President Vladimir Putin and Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill in sexual situations, which was deemed insulting.
The German Chancellor's proposal to send 800,000 Syrians back to Syria within three years has caused a political uproar, intensified by an offer of assistance from Trump's migrant chief.
The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council confirmed that 22 men from Bosnia and Herzegovina, suspected of being part of ISIS, have been transferred to Iraq after years in Syrian prisons.
Cities across Syria witnessed widespread protests for the second time, expressing solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and opposing Israel's death penalty law.
A German Chancellor's office minister has differentiated the demand for Syrian refugees to return, while the German Association of Cities wishes for skilled workers to remain, and proposals for healthcare savings receive mixed reactions.
A discussion on the return of Syrians includes insights from labor market researcher Kosyakova, who states that the overall economic consequences would not be dramatic. Approximately 450,000 Syrians currently receive basic security, while others work in sectors dependent on them.
Greek MEP Vangelis Meimarakis has submitted an urgent question to the European Commission regarding recent Islamist attacks against Greek Orthodox Christians in Syria and the wider Middle East.
German politician Friedrich Merz and Syrian leader Ahmed al Shara have reportedly agreed that the majority of Syrian refugees should leave Germany within three years.
Residents of a Syrian Christian town protested after homes and shops were burned in sectarian violence, calling for investigations and stronger state control.
An IDF Alpinist Unit carried out a cross-border operation in complex mountainous terrain, extending from the Syrian Hermon to southern Lebanon, to gather intelligence and locate terrorist infrastructure.
The Syrian army announced it successfully repelled a drone attack originating from Iraq, targeting a military base in the southern part of the country, which was recently vacated by American forces.
Prosecutors have demanded a seven-year prison sentence for a Dutch woman who traveled to Syria in 2014 with her two minor children to join the terrorist group ISIS, where one of her children later died in a bombing.
The UN reports that over 1,700 people were killed and nearly 200,000 displaced during a week of violence in southern Syria's Suweida in July. Multiple actors, including Syrian government forces, tribal fighters, and Druze armed groups, are cited for committing acts that may amount to war crimes, according to a new report.
More than one million people have been displaced by Israeli evacuations in Lebanon, with over 250,000 fleeing in two weeks, including 125,000 crossing into Syria.
A storm system, previously anticipated to strike the Middle East, has now caused widespread flooding across the region, washing away vehicles in Oman and inundating homes in Syria.
A 34-year-old Dutch woman, Hasna A., a returnee from Syria, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the court of appeal for enslaving a woman in Syria.
More than a year after the fall of the Assad regime, the complex and costly task of rebuilding Syria continues in Aleppo. Three women architects are highlighted as beacons of post-conflict restoration and recovery efforts.
More than 130,000 people have fled from Lebanon to Syria, prompting the IOM to warn of increasing humanitarian pressures and appeal for international support for those in fragile conditions.
A report indicates that a group of members from the YPG, which agreed to a deal with Damascus in January, will undergo training at a military college in the Syrian capital as an integration deal moves forward.
Hundreds of Syrians protested in central Damascus against new restrictions on alcohol sales, reflecting growing fears that Islamist authorities may curtail personal freedoms.
Syrians are protesting a new decree issued by the governor of Damascus this week, which prohibits the sale of "alcoholic beverages of all kinds in restaurants and nightclubs."
This article explores the stark contrast between childhood experiences in Syria and the broader landscape of global conflicts, highlighting opposing scenarios within the same world.
The small remaining Jewish community in Damascus, Syria, donated meat for iftar to support Muslim families in need during Ramadan, highlighting longstanding ties between the communities.
This week's ban on alcohol in Damascus has sparked a debate among Syrians. Some say it's about more than just being able to have a drink: It's about the country's future governance, personal freedoms…
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated his government is working to keep the country out of the ongoing Middle East conflict, emphasizing good relations with all regional countries.
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry has denounced Israeli strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression," urging the international community to intervene, a stance also taken by Turkey.
A fire that erupted in a container in the Kepez district of Antalya, southern Türkiye, tragically killed a pregnant Syrian mother and her five children on the morning of Eid, with five other individuals sustaining injuries.
Hosh Mustafa, a 15-year-old Syrian boy, has died after a motorcycle collision in Strovolos, Nicosia, with a 17-year-old passenger remaining in critical condition in intensive care.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has visited Ankara for talks, just days after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to Damascus, signaling a deepening of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is facing significant challenges, primarily due to ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which Iran argues are a violation of the truce. Disagreements over whether Lebanon was included in the ceasefire terms have led to confusion and threats of withdrawal, while US President Trump has also used the situation to criticize NATO allies for their perceived lack of support.
La plainte s’appuie notamment sur un article du Canard Enchaîné mercredi, qui affirme que ce porte-parole, Sacha Straub-Kahn, a échangé avec plusieurs journalistes pendant l’audition de Rima Hassan…
A 58-year-old Syrian man, accused of being a lead interrogator in a Syrian paramilitary group, has denied torture charges as his trial commenced in the Netherlands.
The Iraqi Christian Foundation reported a drastic 80 percent decline in Syria's Christian population, with 1800 deaths attributed to ISIS/AlQaeda terrorist government soldiers in recent days.
A Syrian man has been arrested for indecent acts in central Zagreb, and a court has ordered his pre-trial detention to prevent him from fleeing Croatia or repeating the offense.
Germany is planning to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, while Switzerland has seen only individual cases of returns. Both countries are monitoring the situation in the Gulf region due to the ongoing Iran war, which may impact migration policies.
Reports indicate that the infrared seeker from a THAAD Kill Vehicle has apparently been discovered intact in Syria, raising questions about its presence.
Lebanon has reported nearly 1,500 deaths, over a million internally displaced persons, and 200,000 refugees in Syria, one month after being drawn into a regional war that began on February 28.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Monday, following Barrack's critical visit to Syria. The ministry did not comment on the specifics of their discussion.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic addressed media speculation, asserting that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) will not be closed and will continue to guarantee Bosnia's constitutional order. Meanwhile, twenty-two former ISIS members from BiH have been transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq, where they face potential long-term imprisonment or death sentences.
Ukraine is actively expanding its influence in the Middle East, planning long-term security cooperation and re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria.
Israeli airstrikes continue to target Lebanon, killing civilians and leading to Indonesia laying to rest peacekeepers killed in the conflict, while renewed strikes have also forced a Syria border crossing to close.
The search for the missing American pilot from a US fighter jet shot down by Iran continues into its second day, with the pilot rescued but the whereabouts of the weapons systems officer still unclear.
The United Arab Emirates has condemned 'disturbances, acts of vandalism, and attacks' that occurred outside its diplomatic mission and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus, Syria.
A six-year-old Syrian girl was killed in İstanbul when concrete fell from a building being demolished, striking her as she walked past with her mother and raising safety concerns.
A review of the play 'I was a stranger,' which depicts the plight of people fleeing the Syrian civil war, noting its intense and poignant portrayal of the refugee experience.
Iraq Revives Syria Land Route, Post-Assad, To Export Oil To Europe
Via Middle East Eye
Iraq has restarted overland oil exports through Syria, marking a significant shift in regional…
Attacks on Christians in Syria are deeply alarming, raising concerns for Christian communities across the Middle East. Violence in the Greek Orthodox town of Sqaylabiyah in central Syria has prompted loud alarm bells.
Antoine Kassis, a cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been convicted of conspiracy to support a terrorist group after attempting to sell weapons from the fallen regime to a Colombian militia in a sting operation.
Friedrich Merz, a prominent German politician, is facing fierce criticism and has since back-pedaled on his remark that 80% of Syrians living in Germany should return to their home country within the next three years. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz clarified that the 'ambitious' return rate was not his idea, while Merz denied having made such a demand, sparking a dispute over the issue.
The alcohol ban in Damascus, the latest in a series of restrictions affecting lifestyle in post-Assad Syria, raises questions about the state's increasing interference in private life.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London to discuss the war with Iran, the fight against IS, and illegal migration.
Four Turkish university students have alleged abuse after being held in pretrial detention for nearly three months. Their detention was for participating in a protest against a Syrian government offensive in a Kurdish-controlled region of northern Syria.
An Israeli strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs shortly after a warning, with a Syrian girl orphaned by the attack expressing her desire to return to friends and school.
German politician Friedrich Merz is facing criticism for his statement that 80 percent of Syrians in Germany should return to their home country, with coalition partners calling such targets "not a clever idea" and "shameful."
Israeli troops entered southern Lebanon on skis from recently captured Syrian territory, marking the first such cross-border incursion, with Israel releasing video footage of the event.
German politician Merz received Syrian President Sharaa in Berlin, with discussions primarily focused on the slow progress of deporting Syrian migrants.
French prosecutors announced new arrests in connection with a thwarted bomb plot in Paris, which is likely linked to threats related to the Iran war. Meanwhile, the global organized crime network has been further exposed with the conviction of Antoine (Tony) Cassis, a cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a US court for conspiring to exchange weapons for Colombian cocaine for Assad's allies.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the situation in Al-Suqaylabiyah, Syria, a city predominantly inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians, and is closely monitoring developments while awaiting investigation results.
A dispute between two men in a Christian city in central Syria escalated into clashes between religious groups, resulting in damage to houses, shops, and cars.
Wives of missing persons in Syria are pushing for legal reforms to decades-old family laws that currently restrict their rights regarding custody, inheritance, and remarriage, impacting hundreds of thousands of women and children.
Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) played a crucial role in an international investigation that led to the conviction of a Lebanese-Syrian drug trafficker in the United States. The individual was found guilty on narco-terrorism charges.
Interim Syrian President Ahmad Shara is set to visit Berlin for talks on refugee returns and Syria's post-war reconstruction, a visit that has drawn criticism from Kurdish and human rights groups.
A scathing United Nations report has urged Syria to conduct investigations into abuses that occurred during deadly clashes with the Druze community last year.
Syria's government has started implementing an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to gradually integrate Kurdish fighters and administrative structures into state forces, following weeks of conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is nearing a critical point that could trigger extensive migration flows within the region and towards Europe, with the United Nations warning of a potential repeat of the post-2011 Syria scenario without a political solution and urgent international aid.
The Saudi Foreign Minister held discussions on regional developments with his Egyptian and Syrian counterparts, addressing key issues in the Middle East.
A Syrian army base in the country's northeastern region was reportedly targeted by rockets fired from Iraq, with an Iraqi security official blaming an armed organization for the attack.
The UN council has noted security and economic gains in Syria, indicating a shift in some countries' approach, while simultaneously urging caution on Israel and stressing the need to respect Syria's sovereignty.
Syrian refugees in Turkey face a profound dilemma, with many expressing fears that returning to Syria would result in their death, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Masses of Syrians protested in Damascus against authorities' efforts to restrict the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, reflecting growing public concern.
Austria recorded the fewest asylum applications in February in over ten years, with more than 1,000 people voluntarily returning to Syria, and the Iranian conflict has not yet impacted application numbers.
Syria, under its new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is reportedly attempting to avoid being drawn into a broader regional conflict and the ongoing Iran war, following the end of its decade-long civil war in December 2024.
Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, have condemned recent Israeli strikes on southern Syria, which Israel stated were in response to attacks against the Druze community in Sweida province, describing them as blatant aggression and urging UN action.
The Syrian government is actively working to prevent the country's involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict, with President Ahmed aš Šarā emphasizing a calculated neutral stance.
An immigration expert predicts that the instability in Iran is unlikely to trigger a refugee surge similar to those from Syria or Afghanistan, noting that the Trump administration has signaled no plans for refugee intake.