Damascus

Damascus shifts east: How a Syrian-Saudi defense pact redefines regional power dynamics - analysis

The regime in Damascus operated outside the traditional Arab state system. Fast forward several decades, and things begin to change.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ​meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 4, 2026.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ​meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 4, 2026.

Analysts question Saudi Arabian strategy as Syria denies reports of deployment in region

A group of armed security forces walk in line on a street in Al-Hasakah, Syria on October 9, 2026.

Everything known about Syria reportedly sending forces to support Saudi Arabia

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ​meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 4, 2026.

Syria, Saudi Arabia expand partnership with defense cooperation agreement amid Houthi threat


Syria aids Saudi Arabia with military advice, training amid Houthi attacks, sources say

The diplomat said a Syrian-Saudi defense cooperation deal signed on Wednesday "specifically includes advisory support, training and exchange of expertise."

Fighters from the Saudi-led coalition hold a position during clashes with Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's northwestern Jawf province on November 2, 2026.

Saudi Arabia, Syria sign military, financial pacts in Riyadh as ties between countries deepen

Although details of the military agreement have not been made public, Reuters previously reported that Syria was considering assisting in the war against the Iran-backed Houthis.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ​meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 4, 2026.

Inside Syria's campaign against Hezbollah: How Damascus is countering Iran’s proxy - analysis

Recent incidents illustrate how the collapse of the Assad regime has disrupted Hezbollah’s former Syrian operations and weapons corridors.

A military police officer stands on a road following an explosion at a weapons depot in the Al-Eis area, in the southern countryside of Aleppo, Syria, September 21, 2026.

Does Iraq's rerouting of oil exports make Turkey a big winner of the Iran war? - analysis

Turkey has already made use of its position to work with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The increase in oil exports from Iraq appears symbolic.

Oil trucks arriving from Iraq at the Baniyas oil terminal, in Baniyas, Syria, May 14, 2026.

Hezbollah-appointed Lebanese official welcomed in Syria in first since fall of Assad regime

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed the delegation after they crossed through the Masnaa-Jdeidet Yabous border crossing, the same crossing that was closed in April.

Hezbollah fighters put Lebanese and Hezbollah flags at Juroud Arsal, Syria-Lebanon border

Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages- analysis

The prospect of renewed activity has also revived concerns among Syrians who remember the involvement of Iran-backed armed groups in the country's civil war.

Shiite muslim pilgrims hold portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (R), Imam Ali (C) and depiction of Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali ibn Abi Talib (L) as they march to the shrine city of Karbala ahead of commemorations for Arbaeen on July 19, 2026.

Syria's Alawite women face rape, abduction, forced marriage amid state complicity, report finds

A human rights report alleges that Alawite women in Syria face systematic rape, abduction, and forced marriage, with authorities accused of obstructing investigations and protecting perpetrators.

A Syrian refugee wears a scarf reading 'Freedom' while taking part in a demonstration in Athens calling for women rights on March 8, 2017, marking the International Women's Day.

Jordan, Syria seek to reduce tensions following strike with joint security committee - analysis

Damascus condemned the strikes as a violation of Syrian sovereignty. Jordan maintained that it targeted ISIS positions posing an imminent threat, claiming more than 20 terrorists were killed.

Mourners pray during the funeral of four members of the same family, including three children, who were killed in a reported Jordanian airstrike in the town of Al-Mismiyah, in Syria's southern Daraa province, October 27, 2026.

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi arrives in Syria in landmark post-Assad summit on security, trade - analysis

Syria’s Sharaa said that Syria's role as a trade corridor for Iraq is important. He stressed the example of the connections between Iraq's Faw Port and Syria's Mediterranean port of Tartous.

Iraqi Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chairs the Ministerial Council for National Security for an emergency meeting, to discuss the latest security developments and the attack carried out by the US and Saudi air forces, Baghdad, Iraq, July 29, 2026.

As Syrian families struggle with missing loved ones, Assad's government figures reemerge

The renewed public prominence of former government supporters has deepened the anguish of victims' families, particularly those still waiting for information about missing relatives. 

Syrians walk past shops down an alley at the Old City in Damascus on October 21, 2026.