Damascus

October 18, 2019

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.

Does US withdrawal leave Syria open to Russia?

October 11, 2019

In a Twitter thread, US President Donald Trump said the US withdrawal from Syria would be a thorn in the side of Russia and China, who "love to see us bogged down, watching over a quagmire, & spending big dollars to do so." But analysts disagree.

Culture

We’re just beginning to grasp the toll of ISIS' archaeological looting in Syria

The Conversation

May 15, 2019

According to a new study, a small portion of a site can yield thousands of objects, adding up to millions of dollars.

Conflict & Justice

Syria's Assad struggles to reap spoils after military gains

March 14, 2019

It's been eight years since Syria began its descent into war, and while ISIS is fighting over a final shred of territory in eastern Syria, there are wider economic difficulties the Syrian government faces despite military victories.

US-led coalition says it has started Syria withdrawal

January 11, 2019

The US-led coalition against ISIS has begun the process of withdrawing from Syria, a spokesman said on Friday.

Syria state media says Israeli planes attack targets near Damascus

December 26, 2018

"Israeli" war planes attacked with missiles unspecified targets near Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Tuesday and injured three Syrian soldiers

Arts, Culture & Media

This Philadelphia museum hired Iraqi and Syrian refugees as tour guides for its Middle East gallery

October 02, 2018

Refugees from Syria and Iraq help visitors at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology make connections between history and the present day.

Conflict

Russia-Turkey agreement provides inkling of hope to Syrians in Idlib

September 21, 2018

The Russian-Turkish agreement to designate a demilitarized zone may have averted an imminent attack on Idlib but many of the Syrians who live there, like Mohammad Hmeidan and his family, are still waiting for a more permanent solution to their displacement.

Conflict

Latest assault leaves over 30,000 displaced in Syria's Idlib

September 10, 2018

More than 30,000 people have fled their homes in northwest Syria since Syrian government and allied forces resumed air and ground bombardments there last week, a United Nations official said on Monday.

Pages

Syria and the West

September 04, 2008

The World's Aaron Schachter reports on signs that Syria may be trying to improve its relations with the West.

Israel and Syria

September 18, 2008

Israel's foreign minister Tzipi Livni could become the country's next prime minister. She's pledged to continue peace negotiations with Syria started by Ehud Olmert this summer. But as The World's Aaron Schachter reports, Syrians aren't that optimistic.

Arts, Culture & Media

Geo Answer

September 25, 2008

The answer to today's Geo Quiz is the "Bawabet Dimashq" or Damascus Gate restaurant in Damascus, Syria. The place can seat over 6,000 people. The World's Aaron Schachter went there to check out the menu.

Lifestyle & Belief

Ramadan traditions

September 26, 2008

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is one steeped in tradition: fasting, family and food. The World's Aaron Schachter reports on a dying Ramadan tradition in Syria: the art of story-telling.

Arts, Culture & Media

Global Hit - Lena Chamamyan

September 29, 2008

There is an unlikely rising young star in Syria. She's a Syrian-Armenian singer who counts the grand dames of American jazz as her influences.

Conflict & Justice

Gaza tensions rising

December 16, 2008

A ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip is set to expire this week, and there's concern that violence will erupt when it does. Anchor Lisa Mullins finds out more from The World's Quil Lawrence - who's in Gaza.

Geo answer

April 12, 2010

The answer to today's Geo Quiz is Damascus, the capital of Syria where children had the opportunity this weekend to perform in a circus show sponsored by the UN and Danish government. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC's Lina Sinjab in Damascus.

Clinton announces two new envoys to Syria

The Takeaway

March 04, 2009

Hillary Clinton announced that the U.S. will be sending two high-level envoys to Syria. To learn what these new envoys will face, we are joined by Richard Murphy, former U.S. ambassador to Syria and former assistant secretary of state for the Near East.

Return to Damascus: Obama Will Appoint Ambassador

The Takeaway

June 25, 2009

After four years with no official presence in Damascus, the Obama administration will reinstate an ambassador to Syria. The Takeaway talks to Andrew Tabler, a Syria expert with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.