No ‘credible civilian’ purpose for Iran uranium: UK, France, Germany

Bashar al-Assad's overthrow has allowed for increased US strikes against the Islamic State group in areas previously protected by Syrian and Russian air defenses, with Washington hitting over 75 IS targets to prevent their resurgence following Assad's fall. Despite the improved access for US military action, there is concern that IS militants could exploit the power vacuum left by Assad's departure, potentially leading to a resurgence of the group in a post-Assad Syria. The United...

The military chief of Syria's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stated they would dissolve their armed wing and integrate into the armed forces, emphasizing the importance of unity in the country. They rejected federalism and emphasized that Syria will not be divided, including Kurdish-held areas. Additionally, they called for international intervention to address Israeli strikes and incursions in Syrian territory, while also urging Western governments to lift the terrorist designation on HTS and its leader...

In war-torn Maaret al-Numan, Syria, devastated by years of conflict, residents like Bilal al-Rihani are returning to rebuild their lives and businesses despite the destruction. The town, once bustling with nearly 100,000 people, became a ghost town due to the strategic importance of the M5 highway, leading to fierce battles between various factions. While challenges remain, including the lack of basic services, displaced residents are determined to restore their homes and start anew in the...

In a war-ravaged Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Radwan Adwan returns to Yarmuk cemetery after Bashar al-Assad's fall, rebuilding his father's grave. The camp, once home to 160,000 Palestinians, was bombed and besieged before being recaptured in 2018, allowing former residents to return. Amid ruins and broken tombstones, families search for loved ones' gravesites, hoping for a better future in the devastated area. Full Article

President-elect Donald Trump described Turkey's ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as an "unfriendly takeover," praising Turkey's strategic move. Assad fled to Russia after an offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, supported by Turkey, toppled his regime. Trump commended Turkey's President Erdogan for his strong military presence and shared goal of eliminating Kurdish separatist fighters in Syria. Full Article

The war in the Palestinian territories is devastating the local economy, with economic output in Gaza plummeting by 86 percent and in the West Bank by 23 percent, leading to a projected 26 percent contraction this year. The ongoing conflict has caused a collapse of basic services, skyrocketing poverty, and food insecurity for 91 percent of Gaza's population, with significant disruptions in communication networks and a sharp rise in inflation. Israel's retaliatory offensive has resulted...