Syria

In Türkiye for talks and a conference, Syria's new president knows that there is much to do and many to satisfy if he is to rebuild his country. Amidst the smiles, those with agendas jostle.

A simple satirical image can cut through in a way that words cannot, so those brave enough to lampoon Syria's brutal Assad regime played a crucial role in its downfall.

To be successful, Syria needs genuine representation to make all citizens feel included—not token appointees to check the "diversity" box

On 5 April 1949, the first round of direct Syria-Israel talks were held just weeks after Husni al-Za'im's successful military coup that unseated Syrian President Shukri al-Quwatli

Israel's offensive posture in Syria and its offer to "protect" minorities points to broader ambitions that could also end up backfiring

Damascus must weigh the risks and benefits of an exclusive economic zone with Ankara against the broader implications for its international standing and reconstruction efforts

As Syria takes this important step forward, the journey ahead remains fraught with obstacles but also hope

On 29 March, 1949, Husni al-Zaim overthrew the government of Shukri al-Quwatli, sparking a vicious cycle of coups and countercoups for decades to come

Alongside the Syrians who ousted Assad in December were Chechens, Uyghurs, Arabs, Europeans, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turks, and Albanians, to name but a few. What next for them?

If the interim government fails to deliver on promises of stability and prosperity, divisions will deepen, tensions will rise, and Syria could once again descend into violent unrest