Greater Middle East
Russia to establish base in Syrian Kurdistan
The Kurdish YPG militia says it has agreed to establishment of a Russian military base in its territory, although Moscow calls it a "reconciliation center."
Tag: Syria
Greater Middle East
Pentagon behind Syria mosque massacre: reports
The US is denying reports that it bombed a mosque in northwestern Syria during evening prayers, killing at least 50—despite mounting evidence from survivors and witnesses.
North America
Federal judges again block Trump travel ban
Two federal judges—one in Maryland and another in Hawaii—issued temporary restraining orders against President Trump's new 90-day travel ban.
Syria
Children’s suffering in Syria at its worst: UNICEF
Killings, forced recruitment and other grave violations against children in Syria were the highest on record in 2016, said UNICEF in a grim assessment as the war reaches six years.
Iraq
New Qaeda affiliate claims Damascus attack
A new Qaeda affiliate in Syria has claimed responsibility for a double bomb attack targeting Shi'ite pilgrims near a shrine in Damascus that killed at least 40 Iraqis.
Iraq
US prepares ground troops for Syria
The Pentagon is dispatching some 2,500 combat troops to back up forces fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, as the US-led anti-ISIS coalition continues to fracture.
North America
States challenge Trump’s revised travel ban
Massachusetts has joined Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and New York in suing to block President Trump's revised travel ban as unconstitutional under the Equal Protection clause.
Syria
Kurdish forces hand over villages to Assad regime?
Amid shifting alliances in the scramble for northern Syria, Kurdish-led forces are accused of handing over territory to the Assad regime, in a deal brokered by Russia.
North America
Trump travel ban bars Syrian activist from Oscars
Syrian cinematographer Khaled Khatib was barred by Homeland Security from traveling to the US for the Oscars, where a documentary he worked on was awarded.
Syria
US bombs post-Nusra militants fighting Assad
A US drone strike killed a supposed al-Qaeda leader in Syria fighting in an ex-Nusra Front cell that had just carried out a deadly suicide attack on a regime intelligence complex.
Iraq
Multiple forces hit ISIS on all fronts
US, Iraqi, Kurdish, Turkish and Syrian rebel forces are closing the ring around ISIS—but in an uneasy alliance, with little plan for the future of seized territories.
North America
Amnesty blasts global ‘politics of demonization’
Politicians wielding a dehumanizing rhetoric are creating a more divided and dangerous world, warns Amnesty International in its new annual report.