Searching for Syria’s Disappeared – The New York Times

The United States has made direct contact with Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating them as terrorists, seeking a peaceful transition and pressing for the release of kidnapped journalist Austin Tice. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of an inclusive and representative government in Syria, with respect for all Syrians' rights, as state institutions continue to provide essential services. Despite the terrorist designation, the US remains hopeful for a better future in...

Jordan will host US, EU, Turkish, and Arab diplomats for high-level talks on Syria after celebrations in Damascus over the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, ending over 50 years of brutal rule. Turkey plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, while Qatar will visit Syria for discussions on aid and reopening their embassy. Meanwhile, Syrians rejoice at the fall of Assad, with celebrations across the country and a focus on unraveling the secrets of his rule,...

Bayan al-Hinnawi, a former prisoner in Bashar al-Assad's Syria, celebrated the president's fall in Sweida's main square, a dream come true for the ex-inmate who was jailed for 17 years under the Assad regime. Hundreds of people gathered, waving pre-Assad flags and olive branches, symbolizing peace, while reflecting on lost family members and the torture endured in detention centers. Sweida's Druze community, historically marginalized, expressed hope for a better future, with residents seeking closure for...

Thousands of jubilant Syrians gathered at Damascus's Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, celebrating Assad's ouster with opposition flags and chants. Former rebels and civilians, including women and children, mingled in the streets, reminiscent of the early days of the 2011 uprising. The interim government, led by rebel forces, promised the "rule of law" and a better future for Syria, as citizens expressed hope for a new beginning free from Assad's regime. Full Article

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to remain in the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights throughout the winter, following the seizure of the demilitarised zone from Syrian forces. The deployment is temporary to maintain security amidst the collapse of Assad's rule and ensure stability on the border, despite international criticism. Israel's concern over potential jihadist access to strategic weapons from Syria may lead to an extended presence in the region....

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime has revealed the extensive export of the banned drug captagon by his brother Maher al-Assad and politician Amer Khiti, with a vast quantity of pills found concealed in electrical components for smuggling. The drug, which fueled Syria's economy during the civil war, was also discovered in military facilities and air bases seized by victorious Islamist-led fighters, who have vowed to destroy the harmful substance to prevent further harm...