Syria
Perspective
Inside the mind of Bashar al-Assad: Author explores brutal dictatorship
He has traits of Latin American dictators, of leaders of former Eastern European regimes but he distinguishes himself through his unique propensity to violence. That's the…
Turkey to host Syria summit with Russia, France and Germany
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host a summit on the Syria conflict with the leaders of Russia, Germany and France on October 27 in Istanbul, his spokesman said Friday.
UN Syria envoy De Mistura to step down
The United Nations envoy for Syria announced on Wednesday he will step down at the end of November after more than four years in the key post as UN efforts to end the seven-year…
'An extremely frustrating four years' for UN's outgoing Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura
FRANCE 24's UN correspondent Jessica Le Masurier discusses Staffan de Mistura's decision to step down at the end of November after more than four years of frustrated efforts to…
Jihadists 'still in Syria's Idlib' as withdrawal deadline passes
A deadline passed Monday without jihadists leaving a planned buffer zone around Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib as set out under a Russian-Turkish deal.
Jordan and Syria reopen main border crossing
The border crossing between Jordan and Syria officially reopened on Monday after being closed for three years, though it will not be open to normal traffic immediately.
Syria passes strict laws governing religious affairs
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has signed into law a new bill expanding the powers of a government ministry overseeing religious affairs and limiting the term of the country’s…
Middle East Matters
'Age old cities' exhibition: A virtual tour of the Middle East's landmarks
Ancient cities destroyed by war are brought back to life, thanks to state-of-the art virtual reality. A new exhibition at the Arab World Institute in Paris shines a spotlight on…
Syrian rebels 'complete' Idlib heavy weapons pullout
Syrian rebels have completed the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline of the last opposition-held province of Idlib, Turkish state media reported Monday.
Artist Banksy reworks iconic image for Syria anniversary
A YouTube video featuring the work of famed graffiti arist Banksy, British actor Idris Elba and rock band Elbow has been released as part of a global solidarity movement to mark…
Iran launches retaliatory strikes in Syria over Ahvaz attack
Iran launched a missile attack into eastern Syria targeting militants it blamed for a recent attack on a military parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz, the country’s Revolutionary…
Perspective
Ending the war in Syria: 'We do not want the Gaddafi scenario'
Dr Bassma Kodmani, co-founder of think tank the Arab Reform Initiative, is part of the delegation of the democratic opposition in the Geneva peace talks on Syria. She says that…