HTS

Washington’s Syrian mistake: Empowering HTS, endangering Kurds - opinion

History will record who stood by democratic values at this critical moment and who sacrificed these values for short-term interests.

A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida, on July 17, 2025.
 Smoke rises, after Syrian rebels announced that they have ousted Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 8, 2024.

On This Day: One year since Syrian rebels overthrew Assad regime, ending over 50 year rule

Armored personnel carriers stand outside a compound of the Syrian army's new 80th Division in northwest Syria, June 3, 2025.

Syrian army starts training in Turkey, while Ankara gains influence over Damascus gov't - analysis

 Rebel fighters ride a vehicle, after rebels led by HTS have sought to capitalize on their swift takeover of Aleppo in the north and Hama in west-central Syria by pressing onwards to Homs, in Hama, Syria December 6, 2024.

UK removes terrorism designation for HTS, formerly led by Syria's Ahmed Al-Sharaa


Syrian Jews can finally visit one of the oldest synagogues in the world

Syria's historic Jobar synagogue is safe to visit after years of war, revealing looting and heavy damage.

 A damaged synagogue is seen in the Damascus suburb of Jobar December 14, 2014. The shrine and synagogue of prophet Eliahou Hanabi, dates back to 720 B.C.

Lebanon returns 70 officers and soldiers to Syria, security official says – report

Reuters reported that one of the Syrian soldiers that was returned was Rifaat Assad, Bashar Assad's uncle.

 Fighters of the ruling Syrian body patrol the streets in Homs, Syria, December 26, 2024

'I thought Gaza, Lebanon, Jenin were exciting – then I went to Syria'

Unlike Gaza and Lebanon, Syria had a full-fledged army with tanks, aircraft, and chemical weapons, and a well-guarded dangerous border.

 AT THE Tel Kudne base in southern Syria: Circular trench, dank bunker, abandoned structures, garbage.

Projecting strength and tolerance: New Syrian gov't faces biggest test yet - analysis

Two weeks after rebels overthrew the Assad regime, protests and accusations start up over the new government.

 Rebel fighters pose as they hold a Syrian opposition flag at the Umayyad Mosque, after rebels seized the capital and ousted Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria December 9, 2024.

Syrian forces suffer 14 casualties in ambush as unrest reaches Assad’s loyalist regions

The HTS soldiers were allegedly targeting a former Assad soldier who worked at Sednaya prison.

 SPENT BULLET CARTRIDGES lie on the ground after rebels seized Damascus and ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad this week.

'If the gov't won't protect us, we will leave': Syrian Christians protest burning of Christmas tree

Protesters held crosses and the new national flag of Syria as they called for an end to "injustice and sectarianism against Christians."

 People carry crosses next to a flag adopted by the new Syrian rulers, during a protest against the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama, in Damascus, Syria December 24, 2024.

No sanctions relief for Syria until HTS proves it is done with jihadism - opinion

Our approach should be humanitarian aid, yes, but no to US reconstruction aid or sanctions relief until Syria is unambiguously not jihadist.

 HTS LEADER Abu Mohammed al-Julani (right), meets with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt in Damascus.

HTS's Julani is not a pragmatist, but a sophisticated strategist - opinion

The West must view the Middle East and its leaders through a realistic lens. Julani is not pragmatic in the Western sense but a sophisticated strategist.

 Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, is seen in Damascus, Syria, on December 23, 2024.

Syrian Christians attend Christmas mass for first time since fall of Assad

Christians in Syria remain unconvinced by HTS's al-Julani's assurances of safety and religious freedom.

 Christians attend a Christmas mass at the Lady of Damascus church, after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 24, 2024.

As Washington woos Syria’s new leader, pivotal meeting signals policy shift – analysis

Washington cancelled the $10 million reward for HTS chief, Ahmed al-Sharaa, noting his 'pragmatic' leadership.

 A view shows a damaged poster of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo, after the Syrian army said that dozens of its soldiers had been killed in a major attack by rebels who swept into the city, in Syria November 30, 2024.