War

Syria's Jolani: From Jihadist to Pragmatist

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of the Islamist rebel alliance that has captured swathes of Syria in a lightning offensive, is an extremist who has adopted a more moderate posture to try to achieve his goals. At the head of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Syria's branch of Al-Qaeda, Jolani says the goal of his offensive is to ...

Iran, Iraq Join Syria in Warning Rebel Advance Threatens Whole Region

Iran and Iraq issued a joint statement with Syria on Friday warning that sweeping rebel gains at the expense of President Bashar al-Assad's forces posed a danger to the whole region. "Threats against Syria's security constitute a danger for the stability of the region," said the statement issued after a meeting of the three countries' foreign ...

Syria: Despite Assad's Appeal, Russian and Iranian Support Remains Shy

As Islamist rebel forces from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) approach the city of Homs, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad desperately needs the help of his Russian and Iranian allies. However, Moscow and Tehran's military resources are already stretched thin due to the war in Ukraine and numerous conflicts in the Middle East. According to experts ...

Gaza Civil Defense Says 29 Dead in Israeli Strikes Around Key Hospital

Gaza's civil defense agency said 29 people were killed on Friday by Israeli strikes around a major hospital in the northern city of Beit Lahia. Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of northern Gaza's last functioning health centers, was hit by several strikes in the morning, the agency and the hospital director said. "There was a series of air strikes on ...

Syria HTS Leader Says Goal is to Overthrow Assad

Rebel forces pressing a lightning offensive in Syria aim to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad's rule, their Islamist leader said in an interview published on Friday. "When we talk about objectives, the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime. It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal," Abu ...

Life in Nabatieh: Struggling to Return

In Kfar Sir, a village 10 km from Nabatieh, residents are slowly returning to shattered homes, while others open their doors to support neighbors in need. Amid the challenges of rebuilding, a strong sense of community offers a glimmer of hope.

Ceasefire Week One: Life in Nabatiyeh

On the seventh day of the ceasefire, and despite fears of a potential escalation on Monday night, life in Nabatiyeh is gradually returning to normal. In the Nabatiyeh Souk, residents and shop owners remain hopeful, taking steps to rebuild their livelihoods. Stay tuned to This is Beirut for an in-depth report from the heart of Nabatiyeh.

The War Within the Couple: A Reflection of Lebanon's War?

Testimony "Once, our apartment at Galerie Semaan was a peaceful haven. Now, it feels like a real pressure cooker. The atmosphere in our home has completely changed. My husband yells over the smallest things. I do too, actually. Yesterday, we argued simply because the kids were making too much noise while playing— as if noise could still bother ...