Pentagon watches closely for signs Iran will attack Israel

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The Israeli military shot a protester in the leg during a demonstration against their activities in a village in southern Syria, following hundreds of air strikes on Syrian military facilities to prevent them from falling into hostile hands. Israel also sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, calling it a defensive measure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to seize the buffer zone after Assad's overthrow, with Israel framing the move...

US diplomats met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa of HTS, to seek assurances of moderation and inclusivity post-Assad's ouster, amid concerns over minority and women's rights. The lightning offensive by HTS has led to new policies as the group is designated a terrorist organization by some countries. The delegation also met with activists, minority groups, and civil society representatives, including efforts to locate missing Americans like journalist Austin Tice. Full Article

Sawsan Abou Zainedin, a Syrian activist who fled from Bashar al-Assad's regime, is returning to her hometown in southern Syria after the fall of the regime to see her father for the first time in seven years. She expresses excitement and concern about the future, emphasizing the need for a democratic government that protects the rights of all Syrians. Following the overthrow of the Assad regime by rebels led by H.T.S., an Islamist group, uncertainty...

US diplomats have arrived in Syria to engage with the new Islamist-led rulers, aiming to promote a moderate and inclusive path while seeking information on missing Americans. The delegation, led by Barbara Leaf and Daniel Rubinstein, will meet with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham representatives and other Syrian groups to discuss the country's future and US support. Despite concerns about HTS's terrorist designation, discussions are ongoing on potential sanctions relief and diplomatic engagement in the post-Assad era....

Egypt adopted its first-ever asylum law, sparking concerns from human rights groups over its "security-focused approach" that could undermine refugee protections. The legislation, signed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aims to manage the growing refugee population, with over nine million "guests" now in Egypt. Critics argue the law was rushed and lacks consultation with civil society organizations or the UNHCR, raising fears of weakened refugee protections and a climate of fear around refugees. Full Article