Ahmed al-Sharaa

Islamic State claims responsibility for northeastern Aleppo attack that killed two Syrian soldiers

The attack came amid a series of assaults claimed by Islamic State since February, when the jihadist group announced what it described as a new phase of operations against the Syrian government.

Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) members hold an Islamic State flag, which they pulled down, during the war between Iraqi army and Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) against the Islamic State militants in Tal Afar, Iraq August 27, 2017.
VOLUNTEERS OF the National Guard participate in a simulation training in Sweida in January. Pro-Israel and anti-Damascus regime sentiments typically mark this heartland of the Druze community in Syria.

Cold war brewing in Syria as Druze, Kurds, and Alawites resist al-Sharaa's rule

Conoco gas plant after it came under the control of the Syrian government following the withdrawal of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in the countryside of Deir al-Zor, Syria, January 19, 2026.

Syrian Petroleum Company signs new gas deal with US energy companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra

US President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, in Evian-les-Bains, France, June 16, 2026.

Trump on Lebanon: 'If Israel can't do the job without killing everyone, Syria should do it'


Israel refused normalization with Syria at last minute, says Al-Sharaa

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that although his government reached good points, Israel changed its mind "at the last minute."

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa gestures outside 10 Downing Street, after meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in London, Britain March 31, 2026.

Attacks on Syria’s Christian community fuel distrust of Sharaa regime

Residents of a Syrian Christian town protested after homes and shops were burned in sectarian violence, calling for investigations and stronger state control.

Interior of the Assyrian church in the village of Tell Nasri, Hasakah province, Syria, on February 24, 2026, destroyed by ISIS militants in 2015 during their occupation of the area.

Syria attempting to avoid regional conflict, Iran war as it navigates internal strife - analysis

Syria, now led by a new government headed by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has only recently emerged from a decade-long civil war following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

A child stands next to a missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Qamishli, Syria, March 4, 2026.

Syria unveils plan to rid country of Assad's chemical weapons stockpile

Syria has unveiled a plan to eliminate Assad's chemical weapons with international support. The operation will inspect 100 sites to track and destroy remaining toxic munitions.

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa looks on as he attends the “Aleppo, Key to Victory” celebration marking Syria’s liberation, in Aleppo, Syria May 27, 2025.

US encourages Syrian action against Hezbollah, Damascus is hesitant, sources say

Despite historic enmity towards Hezbollah and Tehran, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has moved cautiously since US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran began on February 28.

A Syrian flag is displayed outside the White House following the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 10, 2025.

Turkey's Ambassador to Syria, Nuh Yilmaz, presents credentials to President Sharaa in Damascus

Nuh Yilmaz, Turkey's new Ambassador to Syria, presents his credentials to President Sharaa, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.

Nuh Ylmaz talking to media at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, March 17, 2025; illustrative.

UN probe: Syrian minorities face kidnappings, rape, and arbitrary detention

A UN report reveals that Syria's new government has failed to stop human rights abuses, including abductions, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions, despite efforts for accountability.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the Ministry of Awqaf conference titled "Unity of Islamic Discourse" at the Conference Palace in Damascus, Syria, February 16, 2026.

Israel’s next test: Turkey positions itself to lead a post-Islamic Iran Middle East - opinion

With Iran in decline, Turkey emerges as a major player, reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East.

Turkish President and Leader of the Justice and Development (AK) Party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses to the party members during the AK Party Group Meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye on February 25, 2026.

Syria appoints key Kurdish commander Sipan Hemo as deputy defense minister

As a deputy, Sipan Hemo will focus on an area in eastern Syria.

Sipan Hemo, the new deputy to the Syrian defense minister. August 14, 2025.

Israeli relations with Middle Eastern countries improving as war goes on with Iran

As the US-Israel war with Iran intensifies, countries like Morocco, UAE, and Bahrain boost military cooperation with Israel, strengthening regional alliances.

International Cooperation Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Amit Adler, July 2024; illustrative.