The Latest Breaking News from Damascus

Syria Constitutional Talks Conclude 8th Session, Position on Army ‘Thwarts’ Discussions in Geneva

Once again, the position regarding the Syrian state institutions, especially the army, thwarted the sessions of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. A dispute had erupted between the government delegation headed by Ahmed al-Kuzbari and the opposition negotiating body headed by Hadi al-Bahra over institutional reform. In contrast to Damascus’ warnings…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 6, 2022

SDF: Syria Army Should Use Air Defenses Against Turkish Invasion

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces would coordinate with Syrian government troops to fend off any Turkish invasion of the north, the SDF commander told Reuters on Sunday, saying Damascus should use its air defense systems against Turkish planes. Ankara has vowed a new offensive on swathes of northern Syria controlled…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 5, 2022

Syria army should use air defences against Turkish invasion, U.S.-backed SDF says

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces would coordinate with Syrian government troops to fend off any Turkish invasion of the north, the SDF commander told Reuters on Sunday, saying Damascus should use its air defence systems against Turkish planes.

Reuters · Jun 5, 2022

Damascus Rejects Erdogan’s Call to Establish Safe Zone in Northern Syria

Damascus on Friday rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyeb Erdogan’s call for establishing a safe zone in northern Syria. These "cheap statements" reveal the "aggressive manipulations plotted by this regime against Syria, and the unity of its territory and people," the Syrian Ministry said. Damascus’ response came days after Erdogan called…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 21, 2022

Three killed in Israeli 'aggression' targeting southern Damascus - Syrian ministry

An Israeli "aggression" launched from the Golan Heights and targeting southern parts of the Syrian capital Damascus killed three people and caused some material damage, the Syrian ministry of defence said on Friday.

Reuters · May 21, 2022

3 Killed in Israeli ‘Aggression’ Targeting Southern Damascus, Says Syria

An Israeli "aggression" launched from the Golan Heights and targeting southern parts of the Syrian capital Damascus killed three people and caused some material damage, the Syrian ministry of defense said on Friday. Earlier on Friday, state TV reported that Syrian air defenses shot down a number of missiles in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 21, 2022

‘Translation Dialogues’…Views, Personal Experiences

Damascus-based Dar Kanaan Publishing released ‘Translation Dialogues’, a book by Palestinian-Syrian writer and journalist Mahmoud Abu Hamed.

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 18, 2022

American Sanctions Waivers: Syrian Pitfalls and Regional Questions

If someone were to carry out an investment project in Qamishli, which is held by Washington's allies in northeastern Syria, and employed people from the "security square" affiliated with Damascus, would that be a violation of American sanctions? If someone were to carry out an investment project in Azaz in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 15, 2022

On my radar: Marwa al-Sabouni’s cultural highlights

The Syrian architect and writer on the idea of home in Branagh’s Belfast, smart Arab horses in Homs and the joy of lentils in Damascus

The Guardian - UK · May 14, 2022

Assad Signs Iranian Credit Line to Supply Syria with Energy

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad signed an Iranian credit line during a surprise visit to Tehran on Sunday, Syrian local media reported. The official Syrian News Agency (SANA) said that Assad had signed a “new phase” of the credit line, which included supplying Syria with energy and other basic materials to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 10, 2022