Despite the fall of its long-time ally in Syria, Russia isn't retreating; it is adjusting—leveraging military assets and transactional diplomacy to pursue its strategic interests across the region
A national army was formed in August 1945 from remnants of French Troupes Speciales. In December 2024, the army fell apart amid a lightning HTS-led offensive that toppled the regime.
Syria's new interim president seems to be wavering between two choices: maintain ties with Moscow despite domestic and international opposition or sever ties and risk alienating a global power
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdoğan are both concerned about Kurdish separatism for slightly different reasons. What will they do about it?
Some are happy to do so, some may need coaxing, and others have completely ruled it out. Al Majalla gives an overview of the different armed factions and what they want.
HTS's recent overthrow of the Assad regime recalls the key role militias played throughout history—from Sudan's recent civil war all the way back to the American Revolution. Al Majalla explains.
The visit of a Syrian president to Saudi Arabia in 1945 ushered in a new era in the region. Will the visit of Syria's new president on 2 February also be the start of a new chapter?
The US can either undertake major sanctions relief that allows for significant cash flow and economic normalisation for the new Syria or utilise it as leverage against the new HTS-led government
Residents of Quneitra province are wary of a creeping Israeli presence in their land, with some vowing "not to betray" those who died to keep the land Syrian
A critical mineral found on Japan's seabed has caught US attention, and the two are teaming up to see whether it can yield future benefits and reduce their dependence on China
For a filmmaker who has spent decades challenging norms, a film about traditional Japanese theatre seems like an odd choice. At the Venice Film Festival, he explains to Al Majalla why it is not.
Across Central and South America, a raft of right-wingers borrow from each other's playbooks and ride on the US president's coattails to win elections and power. Is it ideology or practicality?