US efforts helped pave way for Syria-Druze deal, source tells 'Post'
Months of US diplomacy paved the way for a historic detainee swap between Damascus and the Druze of Sweida, marking a breakthrough in Syrian peace efforts.
Middle East
Should Hezbollah announcement shift Israeli view of intensity of Iran attack? - analysis
Afghanistan launches retaliatory attacks on Pakistan border posts, Taliban says
Details emerge on killing of father of 8-year-old Pakistani cricket player, Aina Wazir
UN rights chief says Taliban decree expands executions, deepens repression
The Taliban has restricted women's movements and barred girls from education beyond primary school since coming to power in 2021, via a series of morality laws limiting expression and employment.
US-Iran nuclear negotiations: Red lines, risks, and what’s at stake in Geneva talks - explainer
A deal would also have to require thorough accounting for Iran's stock of enriched uranium. Any doubts about that could trigger a new conflict.
Syria blames SDF withdrawal for chaos and escapes at al-Hol camp
The camp, located near the Iraqi border, had long housed relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) members alongside civilians displaced by years of conflict.
As Damascus prepares for Ramadan, its cannon call to prayer returns after 14 year haitus - feature
Ramadan in Damascus brings vibrant markets, traditional foods, Maghrib prayers, and the historic Ramadan cannon, creating a festive, nostalgic, and community-filled atmosphere.
‘Mouse Ali’: Khamenei’s hidden network sustains his authoritarian rule from hiding
Bayt-e Rahbari has allowed Khamenei’s authority to remain intact in his absence and, according to United Against Nuclear Iran, highlights the regime’s durability.
In post-Assad era, Hezbollah’s shrinks to cells, smugglers, and cheap rockets - analysis
The Iranian proxy group once helped sustain Assad’s war machine; now it stands accused of running deniable operations with cheap hardware.
Iranian opposition orgs. urge ICC probe into regime's alleged crimes against humanity
Legal analysts cited in Western coverage say the ICC faces jurisdictional challenges because Iran is not a member of the Rome Statute.
Damascus, Druze forces exchange prisoners after Sweida violence
The swap involved Damascus releasing 61 prisoners from the Druze factions detained in Adra Central Prison near the capital.
Iranian delegation meets US envoys in Geneva amid nuclear program negotiations - analysis
These are important talks and come amid tensions between the US and Iran.
Trump advisors eye Israel-first Iran strike to boost US backing for American assault - report
“There’s thinking in and around the administration that the politics are a lot better if the Israelis go first and alone and the Iranians retaliate against us," sources told Politico.
