Refugees Return to Syria as Caretaker Prime Minister Appointed
By Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari
DAMASCUS, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Syria's new interim prime minister said he aimed to bring back millions of Syrian refugees, protect all citizens and provide basic services but acknowledged it would be difficult...
Russia Transported Assad in ‘Most Secured Way,’ Russian Deputy FM Tells NBC News
Dec 11 (Reuters) - Russia transported Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted as Syria's president by a lightning rebel offensive, very securely to Russia, the country's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, told NBC News in an interview aired...
Israel Says Its Air Strikes Destroyed Most of Syria’s Strategic Weapons Stockpiles
By James Mackenzie and Suleiman Al-Khalidi
JERUSALEM/DAMASCUS, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Israel aims to impose a "sterile defence zone" in southern Syria that would be enforced without a permanent troop presence, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on...
Hezbollah Must Focus On Lebanon Not Wider Region, Senior Politician Bassil Says
By John Irish
PARIS, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Iran-backed Hezbollah needs to focus on domestic issues in Lebanon and not the wider region, senior Lebanese Maronite politician Gebran Bassil said on Tuesday, adding that he was against...
Two Former Syrian Intelligence Officials Face US War Crimes Charges
By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - A U.S. indictment unsealed on Monday charged two former high-ranking Syrian officials under ousted President Bashar al-Assad with war crimes, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.
The indictment, which was unsealed in the Northern District...
UK, Germany and France Say They Are Extremely Concerned About Iran Uranium Enrichment Increase
BERLIN, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Germany, Britain and France said on Monday they were "extremely concerned" about Iran's acceleration in its capacity for enrichment of uranium, urging Iran to halt and reverse these steps.
Rafael Grossi, head...
Collapse of Assad Regime Deals Severe Blow to Islamic Republic
By Ahmad Rafat
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's dictatorial regime has collapsed in the space of a little over a week. A coalition of anti-government forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – which is listed as...
NATO Chief Urges Peaceful Transition in Syria, Criticizes Russia and Iran
BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte voiced cautious optimism on Monday following developments in Syria, calling for a peaceful transition of power and an inclusive, Syrian-led political process.
"This is a moment of joy...
UN Rights Chief Urges Accountability in Syria, Sees Chance for Fair Transition
By Emma Farge
GENEVA, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The U.N. human rights chief called on Monday for accountability for perpetrators of abuse under toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, but said there was a "huge chance" for an inclusive political transition,...
Israel Says It Will Destroy Syria’s Heavy Strategic Weaponry
By Maayan Lubell and James Mackenzie
JERUSALEM, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Israel will step up airstrikes on Syrian stores of advanced weaponry, Israeli officials said on Monday, and keep a 'limited' troop presence on the ground, hoping...
