Syria

Syria: chemical attacks on Aleppo claimed

Syrian regime forces carried out chemical attacks in opposition-controlled parts of Aleppo during the final month of the battle for the city, Human Rights Watch charges.

Iraq

Can Assad (and Putin) reconquer all Syria?

Trump dramatically steps up US air-strikes along the Syrian border in Iraq, as Russia pitches the Kurds and Syrian rebels on a peace deal that will allow Assad to remain in power.

North America

Court issues stay on Trump immigration order

A Brooklyn federal judge blocked Trump's order barring immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries, as activists occupied JFK and several other US airports.

Planet Watch

Doomsday Clock: 2.5 minutes of midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the minute hand of its symbolic Doomsday Clock from three minutes to two-and-a-half minutes to midnight.

Syria

Syria: first joint US-Russian air-strikes?

The Pentagon denied Moscow’s claims of joint US-Russian air-strikes against ISIS, but the White House signalled its willingness to cooperate with Russia in Syria.

Iran

Iran’s land-grab in Syria

Iran's government and companies close to the elite Revolutionary Guards have signed major economic contracts with Syria, gaining control of large areas of the country.