Syria

Synagogue attack thwarted: Russia's FSB arrests man allegedly planning arson attack on Jewish site

The suspect, a Russian national who was allegedly obeying instructions from a handler in Syria, purchased components and chemicals used to manufacture incendiary devices, according to the FSB. 

|ByDANYA SAPERSTEIN
A synagogue in Yaroslavl, Russia, targeted by an alleged terrorist arson plot, published June 29, 2026.
(L-R) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the backdrop of Syrian and Israeli flags (illustrative)

US believes Israel-Syria normalization chances before Knesset elections 'very slim,' source to Post

The Syrian government's core demand is for Israel to carry out some form of withdrawal from the buffer zone it entered following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

|ByAMICHAI STEIN
ABU DHABI’S Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan attends the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Gulf states' reactions to Lebanon agreement show signs of stability for region - analysis

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, said he sees the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel as a step to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
The Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament of Iran (center) arrives to meet with the Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (not pictured) on June 21, 2026 in Obbuergen, Switzerland.

Another mechanism stopping Israel from defending against terrorists - opinion

Vance’s proposal isn’t “deconfliction.” Instead, it is a mechanism to limit Israel’s ability to respond while Hezbollah pursues conflict.

|ByMORTON A. KLEIN

New Syrian chemical weapons find could help prosecute perpetrators of war crimes, experts say

Syrian Authorities have detained 18 individuals suspected of involvement in operating and managing the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program.

MAY 30, 2026ByRIZIK ALABI / THE MEDIA LINE
A drawing exhibition by a group of young men and women depicting various scenes related to the chemical attack, during an event commemorating the 12th anniversary of the attack on August 21, 2025 in Moadamiyat Al-Sham, Syria.

‘Rebuilding a country the size of Syria means contracts worth billions of dollars,’ expert says

Renewed attention to reconstruction opportunities is colliding with unresolved sanctions exposure, weak institutions, damaged infrastructure, and uncertainty over Syria’s political future

MAY 29, 2026ByRIZIK ALABI / THE MEDIA LINE
Syrians gather to mark the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against the ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria March 15, 2026.

Could Trump’s push for Abraham Accords undermine long-term peace? - analysis

Trump is increasing pressure on Gulf countries to join the Abraham Accords, but experts warn that forcing states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar could backfire.

MAY 28, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US President Donald Trump raises a fist as he departs after delivering a speech about the economy at Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, New York, on May 22, 2026.

Australian woman charged with joining Islamic State after returning from Syrian refugee camp

The 34-year-old traveled to Syria between 2013 and 2014 with others, including a man, to allegedly join the Islamic State, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement.

MAY 28, 2026ByREUTERS
Members of Australian families believed to be linked to the Islamic State militants wait to leave Roj camp near Derik, Syria April 24, 2026.

Syria establishes task force to find and destroy last 'Assad-era chemical weapons'

In a separate report by the AFP in Arab News, it was reported on Wednesday that “dozens of undeclared chemical weapons have been found in Syria."

MAY 27, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Ghouta residents commemorate the 12th anniversary of the chemical attack on August 21, 2025 in Zamalka, Syria. On 21 August 2013 President Bashar al-Assad ordered strikes on two opposition-controlled areas of Ghouta, in the suburbs around Damascus.

Syrian officials find remnants of chemical weapons program from Assad regime era - report

The country’s government had “located remnants of former Syrian ‌president Bashar al-Assad's clandestine chemical weapons program, including raw materials and munitions."

MAY 26, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Chemical weapons disposal [file]

Second group of Australian women linked to Islamic State to return home

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was not assisting their travel and that any who have committed crimes "can expect to face the full force of the law."

MAY 26, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A group of supporters surround an Islamic State-linked family, as they arrive at Melbourne international airport, in Melbourne, Australia, May 7, 2026.

Syria’s limited Kurdish election exposes limits of Damascus’s democratic transition - analysis

Syria had already held types of limited elections in other areas of Syria last year. However, areas outside government control did not hold a vote.

MAY 25, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Children hold signs on the day Syrian Kurds demonstrate to mark Kurdish Language Day, demanding constitutional recognition of the Kurdish language by the Syrian government, in Qamishli, Syria, May 14, 2026.

Last of Australian ISIS linked families leave Syrian camps

Seven Australian women and 14 children recently arrived in Damascus from the Roj camp in northeast Syria, marking the departure of the last known Australian group from camps for ISIS-linked families.

MAY 24, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Members of Australian families believed to be linked to the Islamic State militants wait to leave Roj camp near Derik, Syria April 24, 2026.

Turkey captures ten wanted ISIS terrorists in cross-border operation with Syria

Investigators say one of the key figures is Omer Deniz Dundar, who is linked to the planning of the deadly 2015 bombing at Ankara’s main train station.

MAY 24, 2026ByELI LEON
ISIS fighters.