Bashar al-Assad

People who lost their houses in the devastating earthquake, lineup to receive aid supplies at a makeshift camp, in Iskenderun city, southern Turkey, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

'Assad can't clean up his act with a natural disaster,' US Amb. to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says

After a catastrophic earthquake destroyed northwest Syria, assistance is slowly trickling in. It took a full week for the UN to strike a deal with the Syrian regime to open two additional crossings into the region. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield talks with host Marco Werman about the situation.

'Assad can't clean up his act with a natural disaster,' US Amb. to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says
people at gas pump

Renewed calls in Syria to overthrow Assad regime

Renewed calls in Syria to overthrow Assad regime
Firefighters hose down a burning building after bombing in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Russian forces have seized a strategic Ukrainian seaport and besieged another. Those moves are part of efforts to cut the country off from its coastline even as Mosco

For many Syrians, Russia's invasion of Ukraine feels painfully familiar

For many Syrians, Russia's invasion of Ukraine feels painfully familiar
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad heads a cabinet meeting, in Damascus, Syria

Report: Syrian government manipulates exchange rates to pocket aid money

Report: Syrian government manipulates exchange rates to pocket aid money
A Syrian grocery shop in Istanbul sells brands that are familiar to Syrian customers, such as canned meats and condensed milk.

Syrian refugees and migrants in Turkey face a difficult decision to return home 

Syrian refugees and migrants in Turkey face a difficult decision to return home 
People wearing masks stand in front of white bags of food aid

Russia's vote at UN could cut off humanitarian aid to northwest Syria

Millions of people could be cut off from assistance if the Bab al-Hawa crossing, along the border between Turkey and Syria, closes. Basma Alloush, policy and advocacy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, spoke with The World's Marco Werman about what's at stake.

Russia's vote at UN could cut off humanitarian aid to northwest Syria
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are show sitting in opposite armchairs with two wooden side tables between them.

Blinken continues diplomatic mission in the Middle East

Top of The World: Sec. Blinken announced plans to reopen a diplomatic office in Jerusalem that oversees outreach to the Palestinians. And, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko is defending his decision to divert a passenger jet. Also, Syrians living in government-held areas are heading to the polls on Wednesday, for the second presidential election since the uprising-turned-war started in the country 10 years ago.

Blinken continues diplomatic mission in the Middle East
A person is shown in the near ground with their fist in the air and wearing a white construction helmet with a large crowd of people sitting and holding candles.

Myanmar declares martial law on deadly day

Top of The World: Myanmar marked its deadliest day since protests erupted following a military coup. As many as 50 people were killed on Sunday. And, the British government and police are facing public condemnation after what’s being viewed as heavy-handed treatment by police authorities breaking up a vigil for Sarah Everard. Also, it's been 10 years since demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

Myanmar declares martial law on deadly day
People walk past the looted premises of cellphone company Syriatel, which is owned by Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, in Deraa March 21, 2011.

Syria’s first family is caught in a feud

For the past few weeks, the world has been getting a rare glimpse into a heated feud between Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, and his maternal cousin, Rami Makhlouf. 

Syria’s first family is caught in a feud
Syrian defendant Eyad A. hides himself under his hood prior to the first trial of suspected members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's security services for crimes against humanity, in Koblenz, Germany, April 23, 2020.

Syrian officials on trial for war crimes in Germany

The pandemic has led to delays for many cases across the country, but the court deemed the first criminal trial worldwide on Syrian state torture too urgent to postpone. 

Syrian officials on trial for war crimes in Germany
A man is shown sitting and bent over while pulling his hood over his head and another man sitting next to him pointing.

High-profile Syrian war crimes trial opens; Countries debate rescue packages, billionaires ask for bailouts; Missouri sues China over economic coronavirus losses

Germany begins the trial of two Syrian officials accused of crimes against humanity in the Syrian civil war. The US and Europe discuss huge economic rescue packages. Also, billionaries are asking for relief. And, drug cartels are among the many industries hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Plus, desperate parents on the US-Mexico border are sending their children to seek asylum alone, hoping it will give their kids the best chance for their future.

High-profile Syrian war crimes trial opens; Countries debate rescue packages, billionaires ask for bailouts; Missouri sues China over economic coronavirus losses
A large portrait photograph is show of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad with several Syrian flags flying behind it.

First Syria torture trial opens in Germany

The first trial of suspected members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's security services for crimes against humanity, including torture and sexual assault, starts in Germany on Thursday.

First Syria torture trial opens in Germany
A large helicopter is shown in the distance making its landing approach with the shadow of soldiers in the nearground.

ICC says US can be investigated for war crimes; Putin and Erdoğan hold talks over Syria; Governments, businesses take measures to halt spread of COVID-19

The International Criminal Court in The Hague has authorized investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan, including alleged crimes by US forces. And, in Mexico, violence against women and girls has sparked outrage and calls for strikes to protest. And governments and businesses are taking increased measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. But the internet is providing some light-hearted reminders on how to keep germs at bay.

ICC says US can be investigated for war crimes; Putin and Erdoğan hold talks over Syria; Governments, businesses take measures to halt spread of COVID-19
Several Syria soldiers are shown walking alongside and riding on a tank in a dirt road.

Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way

Government air strikes have hit hospitals and displaced persons camps in northwest Syria and killed about 300 civilians as President Bashar al-Assad's forces press an assault against the last rebel stronghold, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way
Portrait of foreign correspondent and author Sam Dagher.

How Syria's Assad regime clings to power

Throughout Syria's war, President Bashar al-Assad has managed to stay in power through "ruthless desire to rule and perpetuate the reign of this family," says Sam Dagher, foreign correspondent and author of a new book on the Assad family.

How Syria's Assad regime clings to power