Middle East & North Africa
Violence in Syria after clashes between Assad loyalist and the Syrian government sparked a weekend of civil instability
After 13 years of civil conflict, the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad gave Syrians a sense of hope for stability. However, recent attacks led by Assad loyalists threaten the potential to eliminate division within the country.
Syrian Transitional Government and SDF Announce Merger Amid Sectarian Violence and Constitutional Shift
The Syrian Democratic Forces merged with the transitional government amid sectarian violence, as President al-Sharaa signed a five-year interim constitution.
Op-Ed: International Silence as Israel Expands its Occupation of Syria While Destroying its Defence Capabilities
The international community remains silent when it comes to Israel’s violations of international law in Syria. The Golan Heights occupation and annexation, as well as the destruction of Syria’s defense capabilities render Syria weak and vulnerable during this time in its governmen’s transition. This elephant in the room has been conveniently ignored at international meetings regarding Syria’s future under HTS. How much longer will Israel continue to evade international law in Syria?
Peace in the Middle East: A Fantasy or Possibility?
The endless cycle of conflict in the Middle East demands a shift from moral debates to pragmatic solutions — a practical, incentive-driven framework may be the only path forward.
US Airstrikes Target Iranian-Backed Groups in Syria
On Nov. 12, the United States carried out two airstrikes in Syria, targeting a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. The US military said that the strikes were in retaliation for a series of over 50 rocket and drone attacks that left at least 56 US personnel with a “combination of traumatic brain injury and minor injuries.”
International Court Addresses Syrian Torture Case
The International Court of Justice has addressed the 12-year legacy of torture and false imprisonment of the Syrian Assad Administration for the first time on Oct 11, 2023. The case, brought forward by Canada and the Netherlands, accused Assad of violating the UN’s Convention against Torture (CAT), which Syria has opted in to.
ISIS Leader Taken Down in US Air Strike
A United States helicopter raid eliminated senior ISIS leader Abd-al-Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali in northeast Syria.
Saudi Arabia Leads Landmark Diplomatic Efforts Between Syria, Iran, and Arab States
Saudi Arabia has pushed forward several diplomatic initiatives in recent weeks, signaling a wider effort to bring stability to the region and restore cooperation between various Arab states.
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria Inspires Activism at NYU
Speaking at the Turkish Cultural Association’s vigil, NYU Professor Ayse Baltacioglu-Brammer said, “Your friends, your colleagues from Turkey, from Syria, they are not well.”
UN Conference on Nuclear Proliferation, WMDs in the Middle East Meets in New York
From Nov. 14 to Nov. 18, representatives of 21 nations in the Middle East met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City to discuss nuclear non-proliferation and efforts to improve compliance with bans on biological and chemical weapons.
Questions on Palestine, Food Insecurity Highlight First Arab League Meeting
The Arab League held its first summit in three years in Algeria, on Nov. 2, where economic concerns sparked by the war in Ukraine, and tensions between Israel and Palestine remained at the heart of discussions.
Russian Oligarch Admits Ties to Wagner Group, Accused of War Crimes in Syria
Less than a decade after the Kremlin had denied the fledgling Wagner Group's existence, a close associate of the Russian president admitted to founding and managing the group.