Violence in Syria Shows Difficulty in Unifying Armed Forces
Sectarian-driven killings of civilians this month displayed the government’s weak control over both its own forces and affiliated fighters, experts said.
While Calm Reigns in Damascus, Battles in Syria’s Northeast Rage On
The conflict poses a challenge for the new interim president as he tries to unify Syria and extend his authority over the entire country.
Al-Assad Becomes a Punchline in Syria’s Comedy Scene
Comics had already been trying to foster stand-up in Syria before Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Now, they are telling jokes in a liberated country, while warily eyeing the new government.
Talks on Syria’s Future Fall Short of Promises, Participants Say
The country’s new leaders had billed a two-day “national dialogue” in Damascus as the start of a process to build an inclusive government. But some who attended came away disappointed.
Ahmed al-Shara: The Evolution of Syria’s New Leader
Ahmed al-Shara’s unlikely path from membership in Al Qaeda to head of state has raised questions about how he intends to govern Syria.
Syria Begins National Dialogue but Without Kurdish-Led Militia
Although the conference was called to chart the country’s future, the Kurdish-led militia that controls much of Syria’s northeast was not invited.
Trump Envoy Pushes Lebanon’s New Leaders to Isolate Hezbollah
Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia, has long been the country’s dominant political force and has formed part of the government for decades.
New Syrian Leader to Meet Erdogan in Turkey
It’s the first meeting of Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey has military posts in Syria and hosts millions of Syrian refugees.
Ahmed al-Shara, Syria’s New Interim President, Travels to Saudi Arabia
Ahmed al-Shara’s trip to Riyadh, where he spent his childhood, offers clues about his vision for a post-Assad Syria.
Egypt Fears Syria’s Revolutionary Fervor Could Be Contagious
Since Islamist rebels overthrew the Assad dictatorship in Syria, Egypt, with parallels in its own recent history, has watched warily.