Middle East

Barrack's Glaring Error on Syria and Lebanon
FocusBarrack's Glaring Error on Syria and Lebanon

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack keeps warning that Lebanon will be “reabsorbed” into Syria unless Hezbollah is disarmed, a historically unfounded threat from someone who derides the Sykes-Picot boundaries as colonial nonsense yet treats Syria’s borders as sacrosanct. His selective anti-colonialism spares Syria, disregards Kurdish and Druze ...

Bulgaria Court Refuses to Extradite Beirut Blast Shipowner
Bulgaria Court Refuses to Extradite Beirut Blast Shipowner

A Sofia court on Wednesday refused to extradite a shipowner wanted by Lebanon over the devastating 2020 Beirut port blast, one of the world's largest non-nuclear explosions that destroyed swathes of the Lebanese capital, killed more than 220 people, and injured more than 6,500. Lebanon wants Bulgaria to extradite Igor Grechushkin, a ...

The Future of AI… Is Rising in the Middle of the Desert
VideosThe Future of AI… Is Rising in the Middle of the Desert

What if the future of artificial intelligence was being built right in the heart of the desert? In the United Arab Emirates, a colossal 26 km² AI campus is taking shape, a project designed to become one of the largest data-center parks in the world, capable of serving up to 4 billion people.

Al-Qard al-Hassan’s Gold: Hezbollah’s New Financial Scheme
Al-Qard al-Hassan’s Gold: Hezbollah’s New Financial Scheme

After introducing ATMs, easy-access loans, and clandestine counters scattered throughout the alleys of Beirut’s southern suburbs, al-Qard al-Hassan (AQAH), Hezbollah’s financial arm, has taken its operations a step further: direct gold trading. Gold bars, coins, and jewelry are reportedly now being offered to the Shiite community, turning gold ...

Who Really Defeated ISIS in Syria?
AnalysisWho Really Defeated ISIS in Syria?

In the narrative promoted by Moscow and Damascus, Russia and Bashar al-Assad’s regime are credited with delivering the decisive blow against ISIS in Syria. This account frames Russia’s military intervention, which began in September 2015, as the turning point in the fight against the terrorist group. Yet, a closer look at the data paints a ...

Shelling of Unknown Origin Hits Damascus Area
Shelling of Unknown Origin Hits Damascus Area

Syrian state media said shelling of unknown origin hit a Damascus area home to a military airport on Tuesday, without causing casualties. "The vicinity of the Mezzeh military airport in Damascus was targeted by three shells of unknown origin, without causing casualties or material damage," state news agency SANA quoted a military source as ...

Syria: Three Wounded in Israeli Incursion
Syria: Three Wounded in Israeli Incursion

Three people were wounded on Tuesday by Israeli gunfire during an incursion in southern Syria, state television reported, while the Israeli army described the incident as a “clash” with “suspects.” According to state television, “three people were wounded by fire from the Israeli occupation forces” in the Quneitra region, on the Golan ...

Yemen Leader Warns Separatists a 'Serious Threat' after Territorial Gains
Yemen Leader Warns Separatists a 'Serious Threat' after Territorial Gains

The leader of Yemen's internationally recognized government criticized separatists who have made large territorial gains in a near bloodless takeover in recent days, calling them a threat to the country's stability. Last week, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, which wants to revive an independent South Yemen, swept through large parts ...

Syria's Sharaa Vows to Promote Coexistence, Reconciliation One Year after Assad's Ousting
Syria's Sharaa Vows to Promote Coexistence, Reconciliation One Year after Assad's Ousting

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowed to usher in an era of justice and coexistence a year after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to mark the anniversary. Sharaa's Islamist-led alliance launched a lightning offensive in late November last year and took Damascus on December 8, bringing a sudden ...

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign High-Speed Rail Deal to Link Kingdoms
Saudi Arabia, Qatar Sign High-Speed Rail Deal to Link Kingdoms

Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Monday signed a deal to construct a high-speed rail connecting the Gulf countries' capitals, marking the latest sign of improved ties between the two nations that were once deeply at odds. According to a statement in the official Saudi press, the "high-speed electric passenger railway" would connect Riyadh ...

Damascus Celebrates a New Era
VideosDamascus Celebrates a New Era

One year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, thousands gather in Umayyad Square in Damascus to celebrate a new chapter for Syria, as President Ahmad al-Sharaa calls for national unity amid ongoing tensions and the vast task of rebuilding the country.

Syria's Sharaa Calls for United Efforts to Rebuild a Year After Assad's Ouster
Syria's Sharaa Calls for United Efforts to Rebuild a Year After Assad's Ouster

President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday urged Syrians to work together to rebuild their country, still marred by insecurity and divisions, as they marked a year since the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. The atmosphere in Damascus was jubilant as thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, AFP correspondents said, after mosques ...