Syria
The latest on Syria. Officially the Syrian Arab Republic, the current state formed in the mid-20th century after Ottoman rule and a brief French mandate. Originally called the Republic of Syria when it declared a parliamentary independence in 1945, the country was renamed the Arab Republic of Syria in 1961. Bashar al-Assad has been president since 2000, taking over after his father, Hafez al-Assad, served as president from 1971 until 2000. al-Assad and his ruling political party, the Ba'ath Party, have been condemned internationally for human rights violations and censorship.
Biden Administration's Syrian Sanctions Target Prisons, Two Armed Groups
"The United States is taking action to promote accountability for entities and individuals that have perpetuated the suffering of the Syrian people," Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.
Russia, China Offer Support to Syria Amid Biden Moves in Afghanistan, Iraq
A joint statement by Russia and Syria argued that "an illegitimate stay in Syria of foreign military contingents...impedes stabilization in occupied areas," and China issued "unwavering support for Syria's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."
Syria Tells Israel It Will Defend 'By All Means' After Back-to-Back Strikes
The Syrian Foreign Ministry "reiterated its warning to Israel of the dangerous repercussions of its continuous attacks and holds it fully responsible for them."
Israel Threatens Lebanon Over Rockets, Syria Warns Israel on Airstrikes
The IDF chief of staff said his forces "would respond both overtly and covertly to any violation of Israeli sovereignty from Lebanon," while Syria warned Israel of "dangerous repercussions."
Israel Says Two Rockets Fired from Lebanon, Hits Back After Syria Strikes
The IDF said that the "Iron Dome Air Defense System intercepted one rocket, while the second fell in an open area" and, shortly after, announced that "IDF Artillery struck in Lebanese territory."
Syria Accuses Israel of New Attack After China Promises Support
"China strongly supports Syria in safeguarding state sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.
U.S., Russia Reach Life-Saving Agreement in Syria, But Troops Remain Issue
"We expect that this scenario will become a turning point that will not only benefit Syria and the Middle Eastern region, but the world in general," Russia's U.N. envoy Vasily Nebenzya said.
Russia's U.N. Ambassador 'Grateful' for Reaching Agreement on Syrian Aid
The U.N. Security Council gave unanimous approval for the delivery of aid on Friday, which will provide lifesaving aid to 3.4 million Syrians.
EU Increases Pressure for Syria's Lone Aid Checkpoint to Remain Open
"Non-renewal of this lifeline across Bab al-Hawa would have tremendous, dramatic humanitarian consequences for millions of people," a top EU official said.
Syria Says U.N. Must Condemn U.S. Military Actions, Meets with Iran, Russia
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Sousan "stressed the need to raise a loud voice over the violations of the Turkish and American occupation forces against the Syrian people."
U.S., Syrian Troops Foil Drone Attack on Base Housing American Forces
The attacks come as tensions continue to rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters after American airstrikes in Syria killed four Iraqi fighters late last month.
Russia Won't Re-Open Border Crossing Into Syria for Humanitarian Aid
Russia has come under pressure from the U.N., U.S., Europeans and others who warn of dire humanitarian consequences for over a million Syrians if all border crossings are closed.
Iraq Voices Anger over Strikes to NATO, Says Don't Use Us Against Neighbors
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi "stressed the importance of Iraq not being an arena for settling conflicts, or a springboard for aggression against any of its neighbors" during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
What Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria Say About U.S.-Middle East Policy
President Joe Biden's latest military action exposes the hot mess otherwise known as Washington's Middle East policy.
U.S. Strikes on Pro-Iran Militias Reveal Iran's Arms Trafficking Hub
In the absence of the ability to remove them, airstrikes against Iranian weapons trafficking and its drone bases amount to the only way to keep Tehran in check.
U.S. Forces 'Under Multiple Rocket Attack' after Syria Strikes, Fires Back
"U.S. Forces in Syria, while under multiple rocket attack, acted in self-defense and conducted counter-battery artillery fire at rocket launching positions," U.S.-led coalition spokesperson Army Colonel Wayne Marotto said.
Iraq Condemns Biden's 'Unacceptable' Strikes, Discusses U.S. Withdrawal
Iraq's National Security Council told Newsweek it has "expressed its strong condemnation and censure of the American bombing that targeted a site on our border with Syria" and "is studying resorting to all available legal options to prevent the recurrence of such attacks."
Ilhan Omar Condemns Joe Biden Ordering Air Strikes on Iran-backed Militias
Omar has been criticized previously for speaking out against attacks against Iran, and has condemned U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
US Bombs Iran Targets in Iraq and Syria Before Israel President's White Hou
"The targets were selected because these facilities are utilized by Iran-backed militias that are engaged ... against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq," the Pentagon stated.
Turkey Calls EU's Additional Aid for Refugees 'Big Delusion'
"Reducing cooperation on migration to a financial dimension is a big delusion," the country's Foreign Ministry said.
Russia Deploys Fighter Jets to Syria for Drills After Encounter With U.K.
Russia deployed fighter jets to Syria for drills in a show of force amid high tensions with Britain.
U.N., U.S. Warn Russia That Syria's Aid Border Checkpoint Must Remain Open
"Without cross-border access, more Syrians will die," warned U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Help Fathers and Refugees
As you search for the perfect Father's Day gift, think of making one in his name that helps dads in need, especially refugees.
Joe Biden Mixed up Syria With Libya at G7 Press Conference
The president was talking about how the United States and Russia can work together to help the people of "Libya."
Syria Says Intercepted Israeli Missile: Iran Militias May Have Been Target
The missiles targeted central and southern regions in the country and didn't result in any casualties, according to Syrian state media.
Russia Should Keep Lone Syria Border Crossing Open: U.S. Ambassador
"We want the U.N. to bring food to starving children and protection to homeless families. We want the U.N. to be able to deliver vaccines in the middle of a global pandemic," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
Russian Ambassador Says U.N. Watchdog Illegitimate After Report on Syria
The head of the international chemical weapons watchdog reported that out of 77 allegations against Syria making or using chemical weapons, 17 of those cases were likely. Russia claimed factual and technical errors and acting under pressure from Western nations.
America, Take a Stand for Yazidis
If Americans want to protect religious freedom globally, they will take a stand for Yazidis.
Germany Health Minister 'Anything but Happy' Syria Given Seat on WHO Board
Jens Spahn said that he was not pleased that Syria was confirmed for a spot on the World Health Organization executive board, amid decades-long war the Syrian government waged against dissenters.
Bashar al-Assad's Cousin Accuses World of Abandoning Syria's Democrats
The rigged election in Syria caps off the dictator's victory in a bloody decade-long battle to retain power.
