Islamism

The burning of a Christmas tree near Hama has sparked protests across Syria, with thousands taking to the streets to demand protection for religious minorities from the country’s new rulers.

Syrian church leaders are advising Christians to scale back Christmas celebrations this year, despite assurances from the Islamists who have just taken power that they are free to practice their religion.

The figures of the transitional government in Syria have gradually begun to shape two weeks after the regime's collapse, with new appointments to the critical portfolios of foreign affairs and defense ministers.

"The general command announces the nomination of Mr Assaad Hassan al-Shibani to the post of minister in the new Syrian government," a statement said.

The recent U.S. delegation's visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, to meet with the new administration, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is "very significant," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, mentioning that prior to the U.S. officials' visit, European countries and global organizations had already met with the new administration.

Syria’s new leadership appointed a foreign minister, as reported today by the official Syrian news agency SANA, as part of their efforts to develop international relations two weeks after ousting Bashar al-Assad.

The United States has withdrawn a USD 10 million reward for the capture of Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Julani), Syria's newly appointed leader and head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. This decision follows significant talks held in Damascus earlier this month, marking the first visit by US officials to Syria since President Bashar al-Assad's ousting.

American envoys have arrived in Syria to talk directly to the new Islamist leaders, the State Department says, in the most official U.S. diplomatic mission to the country since the start of the long-running civil war.

TOPSHOT - The leader of Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, addresses a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 8, 2024.

A 27-year-old singer has been arrested by authorities in Iran after Parastou Ahmadi appeared at an online concert via YouTube without wearing a hijab.

U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen met Sunday with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss recent developments in Syria.

Pedersen visited Damascus for the first time since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime to meet with al-Sharaa, according to information from Syrian government sources.