US strikes Iran-backed militias in Syria in latest round of retaliation

After a devastating war, Syria is now marked by the flag of the rebels who overthrew dictator Bashar al-Assad. Ben Hubbard, reporting for The New York Times, shares insights from his journey through Syria, where he interacted with locals trying to rebuild their lives amidst the destruction. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A new flag is waving in Syria because people worked hard to change their leader, and now they are trying to...

As night descends in Tel Aviv, many residents seek refuge in the metro and car parks to escape Iranian missile attacks, which have surged since the conflict began on June 13. Despite low casualty numbers, the situation is dire for those without safe shelters, leading to daily struggles as families adapt to life underground amid ongoing threats. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: People in Tel Aviv are going to sleep in the subway...

Queen Hatshepsut, a successful female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled 3,500 years ago, saw her legacy erased after her death by her stepson Thutmose III, who aimed to eliminate evidence of her reign. Recent research by Jun Wong suggests that the motivations behind Thutmose III's actions were more complex than previously thought, indicating they may have stemmed from ritual necessity rather than gender-based animosity. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Queen Hatshepsut was...

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, shared his harrowing experience of spending 104 days in ICE detention, targeted by the Trump administration for deportation. Released on bail, he spoke out against his treatment and criticized Columbia University for its lack of support during his ordeal, emphasizing the emotional toll of detention on him and other detainees. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Mahmoud Khalil was in jail for a long time because the government...

President Trump announced a staggered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, aiming to officially end a conflict that has resulted in hundreds of deaths from missile strikes. The ceasefire will begin with Iran halting operations, followed by Israel after 12 hours, amid ongoing tensions and recent U.S. military involvement in the region. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Iran and Israel agreed to stop fighting, which is good news because many people got hurt, and...

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, resulting in a confirmation of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel by President Trump. The attack, which saw conflicting reports on the number of missile impacts, follows a series of deadly exchanges between Iran and Israel, with at least 430 Iranians and 25 Israelis killed in the escalating conflict....