Rubio warns Syria’s government could collapse in weeks, triggering civil war

ReutersAid lorries were photographed arriving at the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing with southern Gaza on Monday morningIsrael permitted five UN lorries of humanitarian aid, including baby food, into Gaza after an 11-week blockade, though this is deemed insufficient for the 2.1 million people facing potential famine. Prime Minister Netanyahu attributed the temporary allowance to US Senate pressure, emphasizing the need to prevent starvation while pursuing military operations against Hamas. He plans to establish secured hubs...

Syria is contemplating a potential overhaul of its currency amid growing economic pressures, with the Central Bank confirming ongoing collaboration with a Russian firm for printing banknotes. The Syrian pound has dramatically depreciated since the civil war began in 2011, with the black-market rate now over 15,000 pounds to one US dollar, reflecting severe economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions and hyperinflation. While no immediate currency changes have been announced, experts emphasize that any effective reform...

The Asra Media Office has raised alarm about the deteriorating health of Palestinian prisoner Muammar Shahrour, claiming he faces continuous torture and assassination attempts by Israeli jailers. Detained since 2002, Shahrour reportedly suffers severe beatings and daily cell raids by soldiers and attack dogs, leading to serious health issues including kidney pain and rheumatic deformities, while being denied proper medical care and nutrition. His situation is deemed life-threatening, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns in Israeli...

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Syria is on the brink of a new civil war of "epic proportions," as the transitional authority faces imminent collapse, following recent violent attacks on Alawite and Druze minorities. Rubio emphasized the importance of supporting Syria's transitional leadership, particularly after President Trump announced the lifting of sanctions, which aims to facilitate international assistance and investment in Syria's recovery. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed this development as...

Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, visited Damascus to enhance diplomatic relations with Syria, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other officials to discuss issues such as the U.S. lifting sanctions on Syria, combating ISIS, and the transfer of ISIS camps to the Syrian government. This visit follows U.S. President Trump's call for Syria to take control of these camps and Ankara's push for the disarmament of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), seen...

Summary Britain and Iran summoned each other's diplomats following the arrest of three Iranian nationals in London under a national security law, accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, specifically Iran, between August 2024 and February 2025. The individuals, Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, were charged amid heightened scrutiny of Tehran-backed activities in the UK. Iran labeled the accusations as “false claims” and asserted that Britain would bear responsibility for...