Thursday Briefing: Rebel Factions Try to Unite Syria
Plus, “Squid Game” returns.
Syria’s New Leaders Try to Unite Rebel Factions Under a Single Government
The fighters who ousted Bashar al-Assad are aiming to transform their revolutionary movement and assert control over the country.
U.S. holds first meeting with rebels in charge of Syria
WASHINGTON — Senior U.S. diplomats traveled to Damascus Friday and held a first-ever meeting with the rebels who toppled longtime dictator Bashar Assad. Washington officially regards the rebel group as terrorists. U.S. officials said they pressed the transitional government established by rebels to respect the rights of Syria’s numerous ethnic and religious sects as well as […]
Syria rebel leader dismisses controversy over photo with woman
Syria’s rebel leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has dismissed the online controversy over videos showing him gesturing to a young woman to cover her hair before he posed for a photo with her last week. The incident sparked criticism from both liberal and conservative commentators amid intense speculation about the county’s future direction after rebels swept to […]
BBC speaks to Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said his country is exhausted by war and is not a threat to its neighbours or to the West. Speaking to the BBC’s Jeremy Bowen in Damascus, Sharaa said sanctions on Syria should be lifted and that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), should be de-listed as a terrorist […]
Syria’s Rebel Leader Vows to Disband Armed Factions
The leader of the rebel coalition that swept to power last week said that fighters would be brought under the defense ministry’s authority. It was not immediately clear how that would be achieved.
Syrian Rebel Leader Calls for Lifting of Sanctions, as Assad Defends Exit
Ahmed al-Shara urged nations to remove sanctions from Syria and the terrorism designation from his group so Syria could rebuild. Bashar al-Assad also gave his first account of fleeing to Russia.
How to Understand the Rebel Factions Operating in Syria
The fighters shared a desire to topple Bashar al-Assad’s government, but they don’t share much else.
Syria’s Government Battles Multiple Rebel Uprisings
The longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is facing threats from rebellions on numerous fronts as his key ally, Iran, is paring back support.
As Syrian Rebel Advance Accelerates, Nervous Neighbors Close Their Borders
The rebels’ gains prompted Lebanon and Jordan to close border crossings and Israel to reinforce its forces in the Golan Heights.