Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
5 hours, 53 minutes ago

Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'

Raw Story  

by Maher Al Mounes with Lisa Golden Two weeks after seizing power in a sweeping offensive, Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Sunday said weapons in the country, including those held by Kurdish-led forces, would come under state control. Sharaa spoke alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, after earlier meeting with Lebanese Druze leaders and vowing to end "negative interference" in the neighboring country. During a press conference with Fidan, Sharaa said Syria's armed "factions will begin to announce their dissolution and enter" the army. During his meeting with visiting Lebanese Druze chiefs Walid and Taymur Jumblatt, Sharaa said Syria would no longer engage in "negative interference in Lebanon at all". Assad had long played a strategic role in Iran's "axis of resistance", a loose alliance of regional proxy forces aligned against Israel, particularly in facilitating the supply of weapons to Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.

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History of this topic

Turkiye FM meets Syria’s new leader, calls for lifting of global sanctions
1 day, 17 hours ago

Turkiye FM meets Syria’s new leader, calls for lifting of global sanctions

Al Jazeera  

Meeting comes two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his minister will visit Damascus to discuss the new structure in Syria. Photographs and footage shared by the Turkish ministry showed Fidan and al-Sharaa hug and shake hands, their meeting coming two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Fidan would be going to Damascus to discuss the …

US diplomats arrive in Damascus to meet Syrian rulers days after Assad's ouster
3 days, 17 hours ago

US diplomats arrive in Damascus to meet Syrian rulers days after Assad's ouster

India Today  

Top diplomats from the Biden administration are in Damascus on Friday to meet new Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a State Department spokesperson said, the first in-person and official meeting between Washington and Syria's de-facto new rulers. The State Department's top Middle East diplomat Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and newly appointed Senior Advisor …

Is Syria now a threat to the West? Rebel leader speaks out after toppling Bashar al-Assad's regime
4 days, 15 hours ago

Is Syria now a threat to the West? Rebel leader speaks out after toppling Bashar al-Assad's regime

Daily Mail  

Syria's new de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has said the country is not a threat to the West or its neighbours. Syrian de-facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa speaking to BBC News about the takeover Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8 He said HTS did not target civilians or civilian areas and consider themselves to …

Syria's new rulers step up engagement with the world
6 days, 5 hours ago

Syria's new rulers step up engagement with the world

Raw Story  

Syria's new rulers stepped up engagement on Tuesday with countries that deemed ousted president Bashar al-Assad a pariah, with the French flag raised at the embassy for the first time in over a decade. After meeting Syria's new leaders, the United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said on Tuesday he was "encouraged", and that there was a "basis for ambitious …

UN’s Syria envoy meets HTS chief Sharaa, calls for inclusive transition in post-Assad govt
6 days, 10 hours ago

UN’s Syria envoy meets HTS chief Sharaa, calls for inclusive transition in post-Assad govt

Firstpost  

Geir Pedersen, the United Nations’ Syria envoy, has held a meeting with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader and Syria’s de facto ruler Abu Muhammed al-Jolani, who has now started referring to himself as Ahmed al-Sharaa FILE PHOTO: UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen meets with head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed …

Syria’s new rulers must not repeat the past mistakes of Lebanon and Iraq
1 week ago

Syria’s new rulers must not repeat the past mistakes of Lebanon and Iraq

Al Jazeera  

In these first days of what is being hailed as a “new era” in Syria, the authorities now controlling Damascus are sending mixed signals. The path they eventually choose to follow will determine whether the mistakes and miscalculations that devastated not only al-Assad’s Syria but also Iraq and Lebanon will be repeated here in this “new era”. This appointment, made …

Turkey Says Syria’s New Rulers Agree to Abolish Kurdish Forces
1 week, 1 day ago

Turkey Says Syria’s New Rulers Agree to Abolish Kurdish Forces

Live Mint  

-- Turkey said Syria’s new rebel government agrees with Ankara on the need to dismantle Kurdish military forces — a critical US ally in the northern region of Syria — as countries rush to shape the future of the region after the downfall of the Assad regime. “It is out of the question for the Syrian people, or the new …

Syria's de facto leader not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks
Trending News
1 week, 1 day ago

Syria's de facto leader not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks

Hindustan Times  

By Hatem Maher Syria's de facto leader not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks Dec 14 - Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Saturday Israel is using false pretexts to justify its attacks on Syria, but that he is not interested in engaging in new conflicts as the country focuses on rebuilding following the end of Bashar …

G7 meeting today for common view on Syria as HTS leader calls on people to celebrate 'victory of revolution'
1 week, 3 days ago

G7 meeting today for common view on Syria as HTS leader calls on people to celebrate 'victory of revolution'

Firstpost  

As leaders of G7 countries meet today to hold urgent talks to establish a common approach to Syria’s new leadership, Syria’s rebel chief on Friday called on people across the country to celebrate “the victory of the revolution” on Friday Syrians walk to the Umayyad mosque for Friday prayers in Damascus, Syria, on Friday. AP As leaders of G7 countries …

Will Syria’s new leadership be inclusive and recognised by world powers?
1 week, 3 days ago

Will Syria’s new leadership be inclusive and recognised by world powers?

Al Jazeera  

Ahmed al-Sharaa is promising justice, stability and unity. Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, says he will set the country on a path to development. The World Bank estimates more than a decade of war has destroyed infrastructure to the tune of $11bn. Religious and ethnic minorities are concerned about their future – will the new administration be inclusive? Presenter: Bernard …

Syria rebel leader says will announce 'list' of former officials wanted for torture
1 week, 6 days ago

Syria rebel leader says will announce 'list' of former officials wanted for torture

New Indian Express  

DAMASCUS: Syria's Islamist rebel leader said Tuesday that the incoming authorities will announce a list of former senior officials "involved in torturing the Syrian people". "We will offer rewards to anyone who provides information about senior army and security officers involved in war crimes," rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, said in a statement …

After taking Damascus, Syria’s opposition begins government formation
1 week, 6 days ago

After taking Damascus, Syria’s opposition begins government formation

Al Jazeera  

Syria’s opposition forces are in talks to take formal control of the country after a sweeping offensive that captured swaths of territory, including Damascus, and ousted longtime President Bashar al-Assad. “People are wondering what the new order will look like,” Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from Damascus, said, adding that a fragmented opposition could ignite intense political jockeying. “Security is …

These Syrian rebel forces played key role in Bashar al-Assad's ouster
2 weeks ago

These Syrian rebel forces played key role in Bashar al-Assad's ouster

Hindustan Times  

The Syrian Islamist rebels who ousted President Bashar al-Assad and seized the capital, Damascus, include fighters from different factions. The main rebel groups are Hayat Tahrir al-Sham The most powerful among rebel groups in Syria that spearheaded the advance against Assad starting Nov 27. Syrian National Army Turkey sent troops into Syria in 2016 to fight what it claimed as …

Watch live: Syrians in Turkey celebrate after rebel forces take control of Damascus
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Watch live: Syrians in Turkey celebrate after rebel forces take control of Damascus

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch live as Syrians in …

Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen in Syria. How will this impact an already fractured region?
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen in Syria. How will this impact an already fractured region?

New Indian Express  

The swift and unexpected fall of the Syrian capital, Damascus, to Sunni opposition forces marks a pivotal moment in the modern history of the Middle East. Syrian opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham: These groups, supported by Turkey, now control central Syria, extending from the northern border with Turkey to the southern border with Jordan. The opposition forces range …

As Syrian rebels encircle Damascus, threaten Assad’s grip, here's a look at key developments so far
2 weeks, 2 days ago

As Syrian rebels encircle Damascus, threaten Assad’s grip, here's a look at key developments so far

Firstpost  

Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have reportedly begun encircling Damascus, threatening President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Reuters Syrian rebels Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied groups, on a lightning offensive through the country, said on Saturday they had started to surround Syria’s government-held capital Damascus. - ‘Damascus awaits’ - “Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, …

Iraq considering intervention in Syria seeing rebels' advancement as threat
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Iraq considering intervention in Syria seeing rebels' advancement as threat

India Today  

Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim ruling parties and armed groups are weighing the pros and cons of armed intervention in Syria, viewing as a grave threat the advance of Sunni Islamist rebels who have taken two Syrian cities and now bear down on a third. Iraq has amassed on its border with Syria thousands of fighters from its conventional military as well …

Where Turkey stands as Syrian government falls to opposition insurgents
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Where Turkey stands as Syrian government falls to opposition insurgents

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Syrian refugees across Turkey jubilantly welcomed the downfall of Bashar Assad’s government Sunday, with many embracing the chance to return to their homeland. FILE - From left: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during their meeting in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Sept. 16, 2019. Share Share Copy Link …

How global powerplay and terrorism have rekindled Syrian conflict
Trending News
2 weeks, 3 days ago

How global powerplay and terrorism have rekindled Syrian conflict

Firstpost  

West Asia is never quiet. As if the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon are not enough, let alone the simmering ones in Libya, Yemen, and Sudan, the past week’s conflagration in Syria has yet again proved that the causes of conflict must also be definitively addressed, especially when a highly complex situation is allowed to take deeper, divisive roots …

Turkey’s Erdogan says he remains hopeful about reconciliation with Syria
1 month, 1 week ago

Turkey’s Erdogan says he remains hopeful about reconciliation with Syria

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he remains hopeful that a reconciliation with Syrian President Bashar Assad can be achieved to end more than a decade of tensions between their two neighboring countries, state-run media reported on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists on his return from trips to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, Erdogan said he believes a …

Kurdish leader in Syria calls for diplomatic solutions to conflict with Turkey
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Kurdish leader in Syria calls for diplomatic solutions to conflict with Turkey

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Iraqi premier in Syria for first visit in over a decade to discuss boosting cooperation
1 year, 5 months ago

Iraqi premier in Syria for first visit in over a decade to discuss boosting cooperation

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Iraq’s prime minister held talks Sunday with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus during the first trip of its kind to the war-torn country since the 12-year conflict began. Assad referred to Turkey without naming it as being behind the “theft” of Iraq and Syria’s shares in the Eurphrates River in what is affecting agriculture in both …

Turkey and Syria agree to improve ties after talks in Moscow
1 year, 7 months ago

Turkey and Syria agree to improve ties after talks in Moscow

Associated Press  

MOSCOW — Syria and Turkey agreed Wednesday to set up a “roadmap” to improve strained ties, following talks alongside Russia and Iran in Moscow. Moscow has spent years trying to help Syrian President Bashar Assad rebuild ties with Turkey and other countries that were fractured in the war, which has killed nearly 500,000 people and displaced half of Syria’s prewar …

Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iran hold high-level talks in Moscow
1 year, 7 months ago

Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iran hold high-level talks in Moscow

Al Jazeera  

The talks are taking place as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad mends ties with regional powers after more than a decade of isolation. The foreign ministers of Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iran have met in Moscow for high-level talks on rebuilding ties between Ankara and Damascus after years of animosity during Syria’s war. Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad was quoted as …

Saudi foreign minister visits Syria as relations thaw
1 year, 8 months ago

Saudi foreign minister visits Syria as relations thaw

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat arrived in the Syrian capital on Tuesday, the first official visit by an official from the kingdom in more than a decade, the Syrian government said. A statement published by Saudi state media said that bin Farhan’s visit came “within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keenness and interest to reach a …

Iran’s Khamenei warns Erdogan against Syria military operation
2 years, 5 months ago

Iran’s Khamenei warns Erdogan against Syria military operation

Al Jazeera  

Turkish president met Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Raisi in advance of a trilateral summit with Russian President Putin, with Ukraine and Syria on the agenda. Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has advised Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to launch a new military operation in Syria, in advance of the arrival of Russian President …

US-backed Syrian Kurds to turn to Damascus if Turkey attacks
2 years, 6 months ago

US-backed Syrian Kurds to turn to Damascus if Turkey attacks

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — The U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria said Tuesday that they will turn to the government in Damascus for support should Turkey go ahead with its threat to launch a new incursion into the war-torn country. Erdogan has repeatedly said over the past weeks that he’s planning a major military operation to create a 30-kilometer deep buffer …

SDF will turn to Assad if Turkey attacks in Syria
2 years, 6 months ago

SDF will turn to Assad if Turkey attacks in Syria

Al Jazeera  

Reports state that Russia and Syrian government forces have bolstered their presence in northern Syria. The United States-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have said that they will turn to the Syrian government for support if Turkey decides to launch a new military operation against them in northern Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly said over the past few weeks …

In new Syrian operation, Turkey faces a Gordian knot
3 years, 1 month ago

In new Syrian operation, Turkey faces a Gordian knot

Al Jazeera  

Any Turkish action in areas under Kurdish forces’ control would likely draw a reaction from Russia, the US, or both, analysts say. Any Turkish action in the area, Ozkizilcik says, would likely draw a reaction from Russia, the United States, or both, who have a military presence in the areas Ankara would like to take from Kurdish forces. Turkish and …

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