Damascus

Why Syria's FM is changing his messaging to Israel - and why it matters - analysis

Syria’s foreign minister is hinting that Damascus and Jerusalem may be able to come to more arrangements in the future, in the wake of talks held in Paris in January.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani speaks during a press conference in Damascus, May 20, 2025; illustrative.
A woman and child walk in the the al-Hol camp in Syria's northeastern Al-Hasakah Governorate on July 28, 2024, as Syrian families of suspected Islamic State fighters prepare to return to their homes in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Thirty-four Australians released from a camp holding families of suspected ISIS terrorists in Syria

 Syrian security forces take control of Al-Hol camp in the desert region of Hasakeh Province, Syria, on January 21, 2026

Damascus says it took over Ash Shaddadi base as part of US-coordination framework

 Women and children seen inside al-Hol camp, amongst them some 6,200 women and children from around 40 nationalities, and including relatives of suspected Islamic State jihadists in the desert region of Hasakah province on January 25, 2026 in Al Hasakah, Syria.

Moving suspected ISIS prisoners to Iraq shows Washington doesn’t fully trust Damascus, expert says


Syria’s Justice Ministry tells TML Sweida investigation committee will hold public trials

Officials frame public trials as a transparency test after July’s clashes, with legal observers watching for access rules, indictments, and independent monitoring.

People stand next to a destroyed tank turret, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.

Saudi project discusses potential involvement in rebuilding Syria's historic sites

Diriyah’s CEO discusses potential involvement in the reconstruction of Syria’s historic sites, as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural heritage development strategy.

The Citadel of Aleppo, which had suffered damage during the years of war in Syria, undergoes restoration, to be reopened to the public for World Tourism Day, in Aleppo, Syria, September 25, 2025

Russian, Syrian defense ministers talk bilateral cooperation in Moscow

The meeting comes following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Moscow in mid-October, in which he pledged to honor the agreements between the two countries.

Syria's new defense minister Murhaf Abu Qasra attends an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Syria January 19, 2025.

Israel exploited Assad govt's fall to impose expansionist, destabilizing project, Syrian FM claims

Syrian FM Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani accused Israel of pursuing expansionist goals and said Moscow aided Assad’s regime, as Syria rebuilds ties with China.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani attends a press conference at the Lebanese foreign ministry, in Beirut, October 10, 2025.

Damascus businessmen forum aims to rebuild regional trust with focus on investment, not aid

Business leaders announced the establishment of Damascus SBN Holding Company to fund reconstruction and development.

Damascus Businessmen's Forum.

Turkey to send Syria weapons in exchange for greater reach against Kurdish group - report

Syria has reportedly elected to only use the equipment on its northern border, to avoid further stoking the already tense relations with neighboring Israel.

The Bayraktar Akinci, a long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar, is displayed at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 16, 2025.

Senior Syrian official denies return of Eli Cohen’s remains imminent, negotiations in progress

A senior Syrian official refutes claims that Israeli spy Eli Cohen’s remains will be returned to Israel, but confirms ongoing talks with Israel regarding the matter.

Eli Cohen relaxing in his Damascus residence, 1963.

October 7 massacre a 'mistake that cost Iran dearly,' regime-aligned newspaper says

The piece noted that Hamas’s assault had severe negative repercussions for the regional standing of the “Axis of Resistance” led by Iran, chief among them Syria’s drift away from Iranian influence.

Iran unveils a clock to countdown to the destruction of Israel

Turkey eyes more influence in Iraq, Syria, Gaza after deal - analysis

Erdogan hopes the deals can pave the way for more Turkish influence in Gaza and around the region.

 Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reacts during a press conference at a NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands June 25, 2025.

Syria open for business as it eyes end to US sanctions - analysis

Syria is moving to capitalize on its new ties abroad.

 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack in Istanbul, Turkey, May 24, 2025.