World

What Political Governance for Post-Assad Syria? (1/2)
SpotlightWhat Political Governance for Post-Assad Syria? (1/2)

Sunday, December 8, marks a historic turning point for Syria and, more broadly, for the Middle East. The dictatorial regime of Bashar al-Assad has fallen! After decades of authoritarian rule, defined by brutal repression and years of devastating civil war, a new chapter of freedom is beginning to unfold. At dawn on Sunday, rebel forces took ...

Across Europe, Syrians Hold Joyful Rallies to Celebrate Fall of Assad
Across Europe, Syrians Hold Joyful Rallies to Celebrate Fall of Assad

Thousands of jubilant Syrians rallied in Berlin and cities across Europe on Sunday, waving flags and singing with joy to celebrate the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. "Finally we are free!" exclaimed a smiling Bassam Al-Hamada, 39, among 5,000 people at an exuberant rally in the capital of Germany, the country home to the largest ...

Syrians Enter Bashar al-Assad's Looted Damascus Home
Syrians Enter Bashar al-Assad's Looted Damascus Home

Dozens of Syrians explored President Bashar al-Assad's luxurious Damascus home after it was looted on Sunday, an AFP correspondent said, following the fall of the capital to rebel forces. Women, children and men could be seen touring the home and its large garden, with the rooms completely empty, save some furniture and a portrait of Assad ...

Biden To Meet With National Security Advisors on Syria
Biden To Meet With National Security Advisors on Syria

US President Joe Biden will meet Sunday with his national security advisors over Syria, where Islamist-led rebels declared they had taken Damascus and overthrown President Bashar al-Assad. The United States so far has been muted in its response, as other world leaders have weighed in to urge peace, hailing the fall of Assad and encouraging a ...

Syria: Various Indicators of an Imminent Collapse
Syria: Various Indicators of an Imminent Collapse

A new dawn breaks over Syria, liberated from the man who has been known at times as “the tyrant of Damascus,” and at other times as “the executioner.” After the fall of Homs on Saturday night into the hands of opposition rebels, the collapse of Damascus and Bashar al-Assad’s regime was just a matter of hours. Since the surprise ...

Notre-Dame de Paris: The Organ’s Rebirth
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Organ’s Rebirth

How can one condense five years of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and hope into words? The profound emotions of this moment, the sight of a scarred yet triumphant cathedral, and the collective awe of those present transcend the limits of language. Some milestones defy articulation; they must be felt, shared, and celebrated. The rebirth of ...

Post-Assad Syria: Political and Institutional Prospects
Post-Assad Syria: Political and Institutional Prospects

The fall of Bashar al-Assad marks the beginning of a new era for Syria, one that holds the promise of political and institutional transformation after 13 years of civil war. This prolonged conflict has devastated the country’s state institutions and torn its social fabric. Observers believe that the regime’s end could create an opportunity to ...

Hamas Tells Gaza Militant Groups to Identify Hostages They Hold
Hamas Tells Gaza Militant Groups to Identify Hostages They Hold

Sources within Palestinian militant groups in Gaza said Sunday that Hamas had told them to compile information on the hostages they hold in preparation for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Israel. Hamas told factions including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front and the Popular Resistance Committees to prepare information such ...

The Fall of Assad: Another Major Setback for Hezbollah and Its Allies
SpotlightThe Fall of Assad: Another Major Setback for Hezbollah and Its Allies

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime delivers a major blow to the Iranian axis in the region, with Hezbollah bearing the brunt of the impact. Assad's departure signals the disintegration of the once-aspired "Shia Crescent," which aimed to connect Tehran to Beirut via Baghdad and Damascus. As a new Middle East takes shape ...

Iranian Embassy in Syria \
Iranian Embassy in Syria "Attacked" After Assad's Fall

Iran's embassy in Syria was "attacked" on Sunday, Iranian state TV said, after Islamist-led rebels declared the fall of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad following a sweeping offensive that culminated in Damascus. "Unknown individuals have attacked the Iranian embassy, as you can see in these images shared by various networks," a state TV broadcaster ...

Syria Post-Assad – Day 1: Basic Necessities, Telecommunications and the Future of the Syrian Pound
ExplainerSyria Post-Assad – Day 1: Basic Necessities, Telecommunications and the Future of the Syrian Pound

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syria is left with a crumbling economy, shaped by decades of state control and average wages barely surpassing $40 per month. The country’s economic prospects now depend largely on the removal of American and Western sanctions, as well as financial assistance from the international community. ...