Around 15,000 ceramic doves were suspended over the streets in Old City of Damascus. It was installed as part of an art exhibition that was set to debut before Syria’s war. The art installation in Old City of Damascus was crafted by Buthaina al-Ali. The doves were in a basement since the conflict in Syria in 2011.

Damascus: 15,000 doves are finally free!

A bomb attack on an army in killed 14 people Wednesday in the bloodiest such attack to strike the Syrian capital in four years, the SANA state news agency reported.

The violence appeared to mark one of the bloodiest days in months in Syria, where a decade of conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people and fractured the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-syria-terrorists-actively-entering-afghanistan-vladimir-putin-420560">Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin&nbsp;</a>

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Damascus bomb, which exploded as a bus carrying army personnel was crossing a bridge in the middle of the capital during the morning rush hour, state television reported.

Syrian state TV posted on its Telegram account images of the charred cabin of the bus, and rescue workers could be seen removing body parts. The channel reported at least 14 people were killed and three wounded.

Two explosive devices went off as the bus was on the Hafez al-Assad bridge, it said. A third device was defused by an army engineering unit in what officials said was a terrorist blast.

Bomb attacks in Damascus have been rare since forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad crushed rebel enclaves around the city. Helped by a Russian military presence and Iranian Shi’ite militias, Assad now controls most of the country.

Northwestern Syria is the last major stronghold of rebels fighting Assad. The witnesses and rescue workers said shelling struck residential areas of the rebel-held town of Ariha shortly after the Damascus bomb attack.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-bomb-kills-six-in-syrias-afrin-monitor-419945">Car bomb kills six in Syria's Afrin: Monitor</a>

Among the casualties were several school children, witnesses and medical workers in the opposition enclave said.

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said government forces and Iran-backed groups targeted a market place in the Ariha town centre.

Islamic State militants continue to operate in the Syrian desert, where they have mounted several attacks this year on army vehicles.

A bomb attack on an army in killed 14 people Wednesday in the bloodiest such attack to strike the Syrian capital in four years, the SANA state news agency reported.

A bomb attack on an army in killed 14 people Wednesday in the bloodiest such attack to strike the Syrian capital in four years, the SANA state news agency reported. The violence appeared to mark one of the bloodiest days in months in Syria, where a decade of conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people and fractured the country. Also Read | Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Damascus bomb, which exploded as a bus carrying army personnel was crossing a bridge in the middle of the capital during the morning rush hour, state television reported. Syrian state TV posted on its Telegram account images of the charred cabin of the bus, and rescue workers could be seen removing body parts. The channel reported at least 14 people were killed and three wounded. Two explosive devices went off as the bus was on the Hafez al-Assad bridge, it said. A third device was defused by an army engineering unit in what officials said was a terrorist blast. Bomb attacks in Damascus have been rare since forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad crushed rebel enclaves around the city. Helped by a Russian military presence and Iranian Shi’ite militias, Assad now controls most of the country. Northwestern Syria is the last major stronghold of rebels fighting Assad. The witnesses and rescue workers said shelling struck residential areas of the rebel-held town of Ariha shortly after the Damascus bomb attack. Also Read | Car bomb kills six in Syria's Afrin: Monitor Among the casualties were several school children, witnesses and medical workers in the opposition enclave said. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency said government forces and Iran-backed groups targeted a market place in the Ariha town centre. Islamic State militants continue to operate in the Syrian desert, where they have mounted several attacks this year on army vehicles.

14 killed in army bus bombing in Damascus

Syrian state media said on Monday that Israel launched missile strikes against several targets near Damascus. The report said that the strike prompted activation of Syrian air defences. Israel has routinely carried out raids in Syria since the outbreak of Syrian war in 2011. These strikes have mostly targetted Iranian, Hezbollah forces and government troops.

Shortly after midnight, "the Israeli enemy launched an assault, firing missiles from the occupied Golan and Galilee," the SANA news agency reported, citing a military source.

The strikes were aimed at targets near Damascus, the source said, adding that defences shot down "most" of the missiles.

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According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israeli strikes on eastern Syria killed 57 government and allied fighters on January 13.

The Observatory is a Britain-based monitor that relies on sources on the ground in Syria for its reports.

Israel rarely confirms strikes in Syria, but the army said it hit about 50 targets in the war-torn country in 2020, without providing details.

It has consistently vowed to prevent its arch-enemy Iran from gaining a foothold in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad throughout the nearly decade-long war.

(With AFP inputs)

Syrian state media said on Monday that Israel launched missile strikes against several targets near Damascus. The report said that the strike prompted activation of Syrian air defences.

Syrian state media said on Monday that Israel launched missile strikes against several targets near Damascus. The report said that the strike prompted activation of Syrian air defences. Israel has routinely carried out raids in Syria since the outbreak of Syrian war in 2011. These strikes have mostly targetted Iranian, Hezbollah forces and government troops. Shortly after midnight, "the Israeli enemy launched an assault, firing missiles from the occupied Golan and Galilee," the SANA news agency reported, citing a military source. The strikes were aimed at targets near Damascus, the source said, adding that defences shot down "most" of the missiles. × According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israeli strikes on eastern Syria killed 57 government and allied fighters on January 13. The Observatory is a Britain-based monitor that relies on sources on the ground in Syria for its reports. Israel rarely confirms strikes in Syria, but the army said it hit about 50 targets in the war-torn country in 2020, without providing details. It has consistently vowed to prevent its arch-enemy Iran from gaining a foothold in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad throughout the nearly decade-long war. (With AFP inputs)

Syria intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus, says state media

An artist in Syria is using his architecture background to add a modern twist to his most favourite art: Arabic calligraphy.

Syrian artist gives new depths to paintings with calligraphy

Physical disability is seen as a road block to leading a normal life. Society treats people with disabilities as special which often pushes them to brink of isolation. Caught in a similar situation this duo from Syria's Damascus presents an inspiring story.

Duo with disabilities help each other overcoming hardships together

Syrian Maen Khadour has taken to urban gardening on his Damascus rooftop, now filled with young trees and canisters turned into pots where eggplants, onions, lettuce, parsley, rocca and spinach grow.

Urban gardening on a Damascus rooftop during coronavirus lockdown, Ramadan

At least 32 people died Saturday after a fuel tanker crashed into two buses and several other vehicles on a road connecting the Syrian capital to Homs province, state media reported.

Brake failure caused the tanker to crash into 15 vehicles and two large busses carrying several Iraqi passengers, said Interior Minister Mohammad Khaled al-Rahmoun, while inspecting the site of the accident outside Damascus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-member-of-irans-revolutionary-guards-killed-in-syria-report-284924">Senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards killed in Syria: Report</a>

Another 77 people were injured in the accident, he added, in comments carried by SANA.

Footage aired on state media showed rescue teams deployed around the mangled remains of two cars.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/syria-civil-war-the-worst-humanitarian-crisis-of-the-21st-century-284693">Syria civil war: The worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century</a>

SANA released photos of a passenger bus with one end blown off.

Victims of the crash are believed to include Shiite Iraqi pilgrims visiting holy shrines near the capital.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Holy sites in Syria continue to be popular among Shiite pilgrims from across the region, despite an eight-year war that has displaced millions.

At least 32 people died Saturday after a fuel tanker crashed into two buses and several other vehicles on a road connecting the Syrian capital to Homs province, state media reported.

At least 32 people died Saturday after a fuel tanker crashed into two buses and several other vehicles on a road connecting the Syrian capital to Homs province, state media reported. Brake failure caused the tanker to crash into 15 vehicles and two large busses carrying several Iraqi passengers, said Interior Minister Mohammad Khaled al-Rahmoun, while inspecting the site of the accident outside Damascus. Also read: Senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards killed in Syria: Report Another 77 people were injured in the accident, he added, in comments carried by SANA. Footage aired on state media showed rescue teams deployed around the mangled remains of two cars. Also see: Syria civil war: The worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century SANA released photos of a passenger bus with one end blown off. Victims of the crash are believed to include Shiite Iraqi pilgrims visiting holy shrines near the capital. Watch: × Holy sites in Syria continue to be popular among Shiite pilgrims from across the region, despite an eight-year war that has displaced millions.

Syria road crash kills 32, including Iraqis

A senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Farhad Dabirian, was "martyred" in Syria on Friday, Fars news agency reported, without giving details of how he died.

The agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, described Dabirian as a "defender of Sayida Zainab shrine," the holy Shi'ite Muslim site south of Damascus, and as a former commander of the Guards in Palmyra, the ancient city in central Syria.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hardline-guards-make-early-gains-in-restricted-iran-election-282174">Hardline Guards make early gains in restricted Iran election</a>

The Guards and Shi'ite proxy groups from other countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon are fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's military in the nine-year-old civil war.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-wont-hand-over-damaged-black-box-of-crashed-ukrainian-plane-foreign-minister-zarif-281603">Iran won't hand over 'damaged' black box of crashed Ukrainian plane: Foreign Minister Zarif</a>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation which reports on the war, said a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards' commander was assassinated in the Sayeda Zeinab area south of Damascus.

A senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Farhad Dabirian, was "martyred" in Syria on Friday, Fars news agency reported, without giving details of how he died.

A senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Farhad Dabirian, was "martyred" in Syria on Friday, Fars news agency reported, without giving details of how he died. The agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, described Dabirian as a "defender of Sayida Zainab shrine," the holy Shi'ite Muslim site south of Damascus, and as a former commander of the Guards in Palmyra, the ancient city in central Syria. Also Read: Hardline Guards make early gains in restricted Iran election The Guards and Shi'ite proxy groups from other countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon are fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's military in the nine-year-old civil war. Also Read: Iran won't hand over 'damaged' black box of crashed Ukrainian plane: Foreign Minister Zarif The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation which reports on the war, said a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards' commander was assassinated in the Sayeda Zeinab area south of Damascus.

Senior member of Iran's Revolutionary Guards killed in Syria: Report

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday.

"Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present.

But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage.

Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah.

It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-play-active-role-in-israel-palestine-peace-process-says-un-committee-on-palestine-284245">India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Pales</a>tine&nbsp;

SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region.

"The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target."

In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said.

Syrian air defence responded to Israeli missiles targeting the south and centre of the country, state media said early Thursday. "Our air defence confronted an Israeli missile attack in the southwest of Quneitra province" in the south and also in a central region, SANA news agency said. The short statement released after midnight did not provide details on the targets. Quneitra province is near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Also read: Putin, Erdogan seek to ease Syria tensions at high-stakes talks The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes targeted two military airports in central Homs province and two areas in Quneitra province where pro-Damascus allies of Lebanese group Hezbollah are present. But the Britain-based war monitor said there were no immediate reports of a death or any material damage. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting government troops as well as allied Iranian forces and fighters from Hezbollah. It is rare for the Jewish state to claim such strikes directly. Also see: India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine SANA quoted a military source saying that at 12.30 am on Thursday (2230 GMT Wednesday) "our air defence observed Israeli warplane movement... Several missiles were fired towards the central region. "The hostile missiles were immediately dealt with, and were successfully confronted, none was able to reach its target." In mid-February, Israeli strikes on Damascus airport killed seven Syrian and Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory.

Syrian air defence responds to 'Israeli missiles': Report

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../erdogan-battles-on-multiple-fronts-in-risky- regional-power-bid-280217">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault</a>

Erdogan's threats follow direct clashes between Turkish and the Syrian regime forces over the past 10 days, which have also strained his relations with Moscow, the key backer of President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey has beefed up its positions in Idlib the last rebel bastion in Syria&nbsp;with hundreds of vehicles carrying commandos, howitzers, and soldiers crossing the border over the last few days.

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"I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the Sochi deal if any tiny bit of harm comes to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere," Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling party in parliament.

He said 14 Turks have been killed and 45 wounded by regime shelling in Idlib since February 3.

Assad's forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have pressed ahead with an offensive to retake the province from rebel groups despite the 2018 Sochi ceasefire deal agreed between Turkey and Russia.

The offensive has killed hundreds of civilians since December and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing for safety in harsh winter conditions.

In a rare move on Wednesday, Erdogan was directly critical of Russia.

"The regime, backed by Russian forces and Iran-backed militants, are continuously attacking civilians, committing massacres and shedding blood," he said.

He added that Turkey would do "whatever necessary" to push Syrian forces back behind the 12 observation posts it set up in Idlib under the Sochi deal.

An AFP correspondent in Idlib said a new convoy of Turkish armoured vehicles arrived Wednesday in the town of Binnish, northeast of Idlib city, in a new deployment.

But Syrian forces have been relentlessly advancing, seizing numerous towns and retaking full control of the crucial M5 highway that links major cities for the first time since 2012.

"We are determined to push back (regime forces) behind the borders of the Sochi deal by the end of February," said Erdogan.

"We will do whatever is necessary both on the ground and in the air without any hesitation and without any delay."

Erdogan also said that aircraft striking settlements in Idlib would "no longer move freely".

That followed reports that Turkish forces shot down a Syrian military helicopter this week in Idlib, though that has not been confirmed by Ankara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan spoke by phone on Wednesday, with the Kremlin saying they remained determined to implement existing ceasefire agreements.

The Turkish presidency confirmed the call but did not provide details.

A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara this week, but no concrete agreement emerged.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a Turkish delegation would now go to Moscow "in the next few days."

"Continuing to work with Russia, we are working to secure a lasting ceasefire. But even if nothing results from this, our determination is clear and we will do what is necessary," he said.

US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for meetings with Turkish officials.

Meanwhile, Syrian regime forces pushed on with their offensive on Wednesday, securing further areas along the M5 highway.\

Turkey, which already hosts some 3.7 million refugees from Syria, fears a fresh influx if Idlib falls to the regime and has kept its border closed to newly displaced people.

A furious Erdogan blasted "profound silence" from the international community over the violence in Idlib.

"Even if everyone turns a blind eye, turns their back, and freezes their conscience, Turkey will not remain a bystander to this situation."

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib.

Turkey will strike Syrian regime forces "everywhere" if its soldiers come under renewed attack, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Wednesday, while also accusing Damascus ally Russia of committing "massacres" in Idlib. Also read: Nearly 30 dead as Russia, Syria regime press Idlib assault Erdogan's threats follow direct clashes between Turkish and the Syrian regime forces over the past 10 days, which have also strained his relations with Moscow, the key backer of President Bashar al-Assad. Turkey has beefed up its positions in Idlib the last rebel bastion in Syria with hundreds of vehicles carrying commandos, howitzers, and soldiers crossing the border over the last few days. × "I hereby declare that we will strike regime forces everywhere from now on regardless of the Sochi deal if any tiny bit of harm comes to our soldiers at observation posts or elsewhere," Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling party in parliament. He said 14 Turks have been killed and 45 wounded by regime shelling in Idlib since February 3. Assad's forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have pressed ahead with an offensive to retake the province from rebel groups despite the 2018 Sochi ceasefire deal agreed between Turkey and Russia. The offensive has killed hundreds of civilians since December and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing for safety in harsh winter conditions. In a rare move on Wednesday, Erdogan was directly critical of Russia. "The regime, backed by Russian forces and Iran-backed militants, are continuously attacking civilians, committing massacres and shedding blood," he said. He added that Turkey would do "whatever necessary" to push Syrian forces back behind the 12 observation posts it set up in Idlib under the Sochi deal. An AFP correspondent in Idlib said a new convoy of Turkish armoured vehicles arrived Wednesday in the town of Binnish, northeast of Idlib city, in a new deployment. But Syrian forces have been relentlessly advancing, seizing numerous towns and retaking full control of the crucial M5 highway that links major cities for the first time since 2012. "We are determined to push back (regime forces) behind the borders of the Sochi deal by the end of February," said Erdogan. "We will do whatever is necessary both on the ground and in the air without any hesitation and without any delay." Erdogan also said that aircraft striking settlements in Idlib would "no longer move freely". That followed reports that Turkish forces shot down a Syrian military helicopter this week in Idlib, though that has not been confirmed by Ankara. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan spoke by phone on Wednesday, with the Kremlin saying they remained determined to implement existing ceasefire agreements. The Turkish presidency confirmed the call but did not provide details. A Russian delegation including military and intelligence officials held two rounds of talks in Ankara this week, but no concrete agreement emerged. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a Turkish delegation would now go to Moscow "in the next few days." "Continuing to work with Russia, we are working to secure a lasting ceasefire. But even if nothing results from this, our determination is clear and we will do what is necessary," he said. US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey arrived in Ankara late Tuesday for meetings with Turkish officials. Meanwhile, Syrian regime forces pushed on with their offensive on Wednesday, securing further areas along the M5 highway.\ Turkey, which already hosts some 3.7 million refugees from Syria, fears a fresh influx if Idlib falls to the regime and has kept its border closed to newly displaced people. A furious Erdogan blasted "profound silence" from the international community over the violence in Idlib. "Even if everyone turns a blind eye, turns their back, and freezes their conscience, Turkey will not remain a bystander to this situation."

Erdogan threatens Damascus, slams Moscow over Idlib 'massacre'

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody.

Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month.

On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests.

If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more.

Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests.

At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar.

Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state.

The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott.

Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law.

Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe.

As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships.

As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority.

The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis.

Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country.

Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle.

The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.”

Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation.

Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia.

In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region.

With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid.

One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular.

"What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party.

Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya.

The optics seem evident: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is at odds with just about everybody. Erdogan is on opposite sides of Russia in Syria, with Turkish and Syrian troops poised for an all-out fight in the north of the war-torn country, as well as, in Libya. He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out swinging against his supposed Russian ally during a visit to Ukraine earlier this month. On all three flashpoints, Turkey and Russia are testing the limits of what was always at best an opportunistic, fragile partnership aimed at capitalising on a seemingly diminishing US interest in the Middle East, evident already under President Barak Obama, and in Donald Trump’s haphazard redefinition of what he sees as America’s national interests. If that were not already a plate full, Erdogan’s relations with his US and European allies are strained over unilateral Turkish moves in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s acquisition of a Russian S-400 anti-missile system and/or Turkey’s military intervention in Syria as well as refugees and much more. Turkey has threatened to close Incirlik Air Base and a critical radar station in Kurecik if the United States and the European Union fail to recognise what Turkey views as its national interests. At the same time, Erdogan frets about his alliance with Qatar in the wake of suggestions that the Gulf state and Saudi Arabia are searching for a way to end a Saudi-led 2.5-year-old economic and diplomatic boycott of Qatar. Reports that the talks between the Kingdom and Qatar have failed may not put Erdogan’s concerns to bed with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar’s most hardline detractor, restoring postal services with the Gulf state. The restoration, mediated by the United Nation’s Universal Postal Union, was the first time that a third-party succeeded in negotiating any easing of the boycott. Piling it on, Erdogan’s powerful navy, imitating Chinese tactics in the South China Sea, has significantly raised tensions in the eastern Mediterranean by sending naval forces to escort Turkish drillships into contested waters and to block Greek and Cypriot petrochemical exploration vessels in waters recognised as theirs under international law. Turkey has warned Israel that it needs Turkish approval to build together with Greece and Turkey an undersea natural gas pipeline to Europe. As he battles on multiple regional fronts, Erdogan is walking a finely calibrated tightrope, rather than hitting out blindly at everyone, in the assumption that neither Russia nor the United States or, for that matter, Qatar, can afford to lose Turkey. By the same token, neither can Turkey risk jeopardising its relationships. As a result, Erdogan’s confrontational moves constitute a high stakes gamble, particularly with Turkey’s military build-up in northern Syria, an area in which Erdogan does not enjoy air superiority. The Turkish leader is betting on Russia blinking first by reigning in Syrian forces and pressing for a negotiated resolution of the crisis. Erdogan’s provocative visit to Kyiv and backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was about far more than differences over the Russian-backed Syrian assault in Idlib, the last rebel outpost in the country. Concerned that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 has put a halt to Turkey’s maritime dominance of the Black Sea and turned it into a Russian lake, Erdogan sought in Kyiv to play both sides against the middle. The International Crisis Group has warned that in the Black Sea “Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea has enabled it to expand its naval capability, project power south and shift the strategic balance in its favour.” Russia’s de facto coastline grew from 475 to 1,200 kilometres or about 25 per cent of the sea’s total shorefront since the annexation. Add to that 300 kilometres of coastline belonging to Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia. In a bid to counter Russian advances, Erdogan’s gamble also constitutes a bid to persuade NATO to back Turkey in the Black Sea, reversing a decades-old policy of keeping the alliance out of the region. With 13 Turkish soldiers being killed in the last week in two Syrian attacks on Turkish targets and Turkey claiming to have killed more than 100 Syrian soldiers in retaliation, Erdogan’s gambit appears to have produced initial dividends with the Trump administration backing the Turkish leader in his high-stakes Syrian bid. One key joker is the degree to which Erdogan may feel that he has no choice but to escalate further than he would like to in response to far-right nationalists who resonate with a part of his voter base and are pressuring him to go for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s jugular. "What are you waiting for? Don't beat around the bush while Turkish soldiers are being martyred in attacks carried out by soldiers of another state," said Meral Aksener, leader of the Iyi or Good Party. Added Devlet Bahceli, head of Erdogan’s coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP): “Assad is a murderer, a criminal and the source of hostility. There will be no peace in Turkey until Assad is brought down from his throne. Turkey must start plans to enter Damascus now, and annihilate the cruel ones." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Erdogan battles on multiple fronts in risky regional power bid

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old&nbsp;schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian&nbsp;youngsters now&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;at&nbsp;school&nbsp;after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Many&nbsp;young&nbsp;people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thank-god-for-assassination-for-syrians-in-idlib-killing-of-soleimani-a-victory-273458">Syria</a>, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-will-not-withdraw-from-army-posts-in-syrias-idlib-270861">Bashar al-Assad </a>win back territory, are eager to study&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;in order to travel to Russia or work in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future.

"At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language."

Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian&nbsp;language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply.

"We have more than 24,000 students who are&nbsp;learning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers."

The Syrian Education Ministry added&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;as an&nbsp;optional second foreign language in&nbsp;schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-demands-punishment-compensation-for-airliner-downed-by-iran-273583">Moscow</a>.

Russian&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus.

Russian&nbsp;and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum.

Omar al-Tawil, a 15-year-old schoolboy in Damascus, is one of 24,000 Syrian youngsters now learning Russian at school after the country added the language of the government's most powerful ally to the curriculum. Many young people in Syria, where Moscow intervened in 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad win back territory, are eager to study Russian in order to travel to Russia or work in Russian companies they expect to appear in Syria in the future. "At first we didn't understand anything and when we first heard the words we started to laugh, it was hard," said Tawil. "The teachers are helping us to love this language." Radwan Rahhal, Coordinator of the Russian language in the Syrian Education Ministry, said demand for the classes outstrips supply. "We have more than 24,000 students who are learning Russian and the number is increasing. But we cannot expand more than this in the meantime unless we have more teachers." The Syrian Education Ministry added Russian as an optional second foreign language in schools after English or French in 2014. Graduates in Russian literature willing to teach it to attend special courses supervised by experts from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Syria on Tuesday for the second time since Moscow's decisive intervention and met Assad in Damascus. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels who tried to overthrow him in a civil war that grew out of a crackdown on opposition protests nearly nine years ago.

Syrian students opt to learn 'Russian' language at school for better future

January 06 in history: From Mother Teresa arriving in Calcutta to first general election in Vietnam and more!

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-votes-for-president-set-to-lead-european-union-269511">European Union</a> called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war.

"The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths".

"All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said.

Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation.

More than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">235,000 people fled</a> the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA.

The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province.&nbsp;

It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians".

The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year.&nbsp;

The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">Damascus regime</a>, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region.&nbsp;

Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people.

Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands.

The European Union called on Syria's regime and its allies to halt "indiscriminate" military attacks on civilians in the country's north-west, where an intensifying bombardment by Damascus and Russian forces has displaced tens of thousands. Civilians have streamed out of affected areas of jihadist-dominated Idlib province in recent weeks to escape heightened attacks on the southern edge of the final major opposition-held pocket of Syria, eight years into the country's devastating war. "The escalation of violence in the Northwest of Syria by the Syrian regime and its allies must cease," the EU said in a statement by a spokesperson for European Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, which said airstrikes and shelling had led to "countless civilian deaths". "All parties have the obligation to protect civilians. The regime and its allies must cease indiscriminate military attacks and respect international humanitarian law," the statement said. Violence has intensified since mid-December despite an August ceasefire deal and international calls for a de-escalation. More than 235,000 people fled the area between December 12 and 25, mostly from the beleaguered city of Maaret al-Numan, according to the United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA. The EU called for urgent unhindered humanitarian access to the three million civilians thought to be living in Idlib province. It acknowledged that "terrorist groups" were operating in the region, but stressed that combating these networks "does not permit the undermining of international humanitarian law or the targeting of civilians". The Idlib region is dominated by the country's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Residents in the province mainly depend on critical cross-border aid, which came under threat in December after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have extended such deliveries for a year. The move raised fears that vital UN-funded aid could stop entering Idlib from January unless an alternative agreement is reached. The Damascus regime, which now controls 70 per cent of Syria, has repeatedly vowed to take back the region. Backed by Moscow, Damascus launched a blistering offensive against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and displacing more than 400,000 people. Syria's war has killed over 370,000 people and displaced millions since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria regime must halt 'escalation of violence': European Union

A war&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;said Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defense-intercepts-missiles-from-israel-report-269618">air raids in&nbsp;Syria</a>&nbsp;the previous night, blamed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Israel,&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least three foreign pro-regime&nbsp;fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.&nbsp;

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian&nbsp;regime&nbsp;and Iranian positions south of Damascus.

It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims.

It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian.&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday.

It said Syrian air defences fired&nbsp;on&nbsp;"hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel.&nbsp;

It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus.

Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids.

Watch:&nbsp;80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment&nbsp;on&nbsp;reports in foreign media.

Since the beginning of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Syrian conflict</a> in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;of President Bashar al-Assad.

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 20&nbsp;killed&nbsp;21 pro-regime&nbsp;fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory.

In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime&nbsp;Syrian fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in reported&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory.

A month later, the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army carried out a&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter.&nbsp;

The war in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian regime and Iranian positions south of Damascus. It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were killed by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims. It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian. Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight on Sunday. It said Syrian air defences fired on "hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel. It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus. Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids. Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan An Israeli army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment on reports in foreign media. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. An Israeli strike on November 20 killed 21 pro-regime fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory. In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime Syrian fighters were killed in reported Israeli missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory. A month later, the Israeli army carried out a strike in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

Israeli strike on Syria killed 3 regime loyalists: Sources

A Deadly Wave Of Airstrikes Have Hit Syria. On Sunday, Areas Near Damascus & Homs Were Attacked, Allegedly By The Israeli Forces

Gravitas: Syria accuses Israel of deadly wave of strikes

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported.

The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province.

"Our air defences confronted enemy missiles launched by Israeli warplanes (...) towards some of our positions in Homs and in the vicinity of Damascus," SANA said, quoting a Syrian military source.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the strikes hit several Iranian positions near Damascus and targeted a research centre and a military airport west of the city of Homs where the Hezbollah Shiite movement and Iranians are deployed.

Rami Abdel Rahman, the Observatory chief, said the strikes injured some of these forces.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah.

(With inputs from AFP)

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported. The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province.

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported. The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province. "Our air defences confronted enemy missiles launched by Israeli warplanes (...) towards some of our positions in Homs and in the vicinity of Damascus," SANA said, quoting a Syrian military source. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the strikes hit several Iranian positions near Damascus and targeted a research centre and a military airport west of the city of Homs where the Hezbollah Shiite movement and Iranians are deployed. Rami Abdel Rahman, the Observatory chief, said the strikes injured some of these forces. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah. (With inputs from AFP)

Four dead, 21 injured in Israeli missile strikes: Syria

Israeli warplanes fired missiles targeting Syrian military positions in Homs and the Damascus outskirts in an attack that killed at least four civilians and wounded another 21, Syrian state media said. Watch this video to know more.

Syrian state media: Israeli missile strike kills four civilians

Preserving history is an important mission here in west Asia..both intangible and tangible heritage are taken very seriously..in Damascus, thanks to some people, vestiges of Syria’s past have been kept safe -- inside private homes..like this private museum in Syria’s capital city Damascus, which boasts of more than three-thousand antiquities..

The West Asia Post: Damascus Museum; Oasis in war-torn Syria

Damascus said it had been informed Iraqi flights to Syria would not resume as planned Saturday after more than seven years, over what it said were "administrative" reasons.

Iraq's national carrier, Iraqi Airways, said Thursday it would resume flights to Damascus for the first time since the Syrian civil war started in 2011.

But the Syrian transport ministry on Saturday said it had been informed of the "decision to postpone the trip of two Iraqi Airways planes today... until further notice."

The flights were postponed to allow for "the completion of some administrative and organisational steps between the company and the Syrian civil aviation" authority, it said in a statement on Facebook.

It posted a photo of an urgent letter sent from the Iraqi embassy in Damascus the same day, informing the foreign ministry both flights had been deferred.

The news comes as Iraq faces rising tensions between the United States and its neighbour Iran, and after the Pentagon deployed a carrier group accompanied by B-52 bombers to the Gulf.

The last flight from Baghdad to Damascus took place in December 2011, according to Iraqi Airways spokesman Layth al-Rubaie.

Most airlines stopped flying to and over Syria after the conflict broke out, with many taking longer routes to circumvent the war zone.

But the conflict has wound down in recent years after major regime advances against rebels and jihadists with Russian military backing since 2015.

Last month, the Syrian government said it had agreed to allow regional aviation giant Qatar Airways to resume flights over the country.

Syria's war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions inside Syria and abroad since starting in March 2011 with a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.

Damascus said it had been informed Iraqi flights to Syria would not resume as planned Saturday after more than seven years, over what it said were "administrative" reasons.

Damascus said it had been informed Iraqi flights to Syria would not resume as planned Saturday after more than seven years, over what it said were "administrative" reasons. Iraq's national carrier, Iraqi Airways, said Thursday it would resume flights to Damascus for the first time since the Syrian civil war started in 2011. But the Syrian transport ministry on Saturday said it had been informed of the "decision to postpone the trip of two Iraqi Airways planes today... until further notice." The flights were postponed to allow for "the completion of some administrative and organisational steps between the company and the Syrian civil aviation" authority, it said in a statement on Facebook. It posted a photo of an urgent letter sent from the Iraqi embassy in Damascus the same day, informing the foreign ministry both flights had been deferred. The news comes as Iraq faces rising tensions between the United States and its neighbour Iran, and after the Pentagon deployed a carrier group accompanied by B-52 bombers to the Gulf. The last flight from Baghdad to Damascus took place in December 2011, according to Iraqi Airways spokesman Layth al-Rubaie. Most airlines stopped flying to and over Syria after the conflict broke out, with many taking longer routes to circumvent the war zone. But the conflict has wound down in recent years after major regime advances against rebels and jihadists with Russian military backing since 2015. Last month, the Syrian government said it had agreed to allow regional aviation giant Qatar Airways to resume flights over the country. Syria's war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions inside Syria and abroad since starting in March 2011 with a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.

Return of Iraq-Syria flights postponed: Damascus

Damascus condemned on Friday US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's statement that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-time-for-us-to-recognize-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-204736">it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty</a> over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773">Golan Heights</a>, vowing Syria would recover the area using "all available means".

Syria's allies Russia and Iran also upbraided Trump for the comment he made on Thursday, which marks a dramatic shift in US&nbsp;policy over the status of a disputed area that was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed in 1981 - a move not recognized internationally.

Syrian state news agency cited a foreign ministry source on Friday as saying Trump's statement showed "the blind bias of the United States" towards Israel.

It did not change "the reality that the Golan was and will remain Syrian, Arab," the source said.

"The Syrian nation is more determined to liberate this precious piece of Syrian national land through all available means," the source said, adding that Trump's statement was "irresponsible" and showed "contempt" for international law.

Iran said the statement was illegal and unacceptable, and Russia said a change in the status of the Golan Heights would be a direct violation of UN&nbsp;resolutions.

"After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!" Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

Both Iran and Russia have deployed forces into Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian conflict, with Iran sending both its own forces and also backing regional Shi'ite militias such as Lebanon's Hezbollah that have helped Damascus.

"This illegal and unacceptable recognition does not change the fact that it belongs to Syria," an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman was cited as saying by state TV.

Netanyahu has pressed the United States to recognize its claim and raised that possibility in his first White House meeting with Trump in February 2017. Trump's statement has given a boost to Netanyahu in the middle of his re-election campaign.

Damascus condemned on Friday US President Donald Trump's statement that it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, vowing Syria would recover the area using "all available means".

Damascus condemned on Friday US President Donald Trump's statement that it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, vowing Syria would recover the area using "all available means". Syria's allies Russia and Iran also upbraided Trump for the comment he made on Thursday, which marks a dramatic shift in US policy over the status of a disputed area that was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed in 1981 - a move not recognized internationally. Syrian state news agency cited a foreign ministry source on Friday as saying Trump's statement showed "the blind bias of the United States" towards Israel. It did not change "the reality that the Golan was and will remain Syrian, Arab," the source said. "The Syrian nation is more determined to liberate this precious piece of Syrian national land through all available means," the source said, adding that Trump's statement was "irresponsible" and showed "contempt" for international law. Iran said the statement was illegal and unacceptable, and Russia said a change in the status of the Golan Heights would be a direct violation of UN resolutions. "After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!" Trump wrote on Twitter on Thursday. Both Iran and Russia have deployed forces into Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian conflict, with Iran sending both its own forces and also backing regional Shi'ite militias such as Lebanon's Hezbollah that have helped Damascus. "This illegal and unacceptable recognition does not change the fact that it belongs to Syria," an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman was cited as saying by state TV. Netanyahu has pressed the United States to recognize its claim and raised that possibility in his first White House meeting with Trump in February 2017. Trump's statement has given a boost to Netanyahu in the middle of his re-election campaign.

Syria slams Trump, vows to recover Israeli-occupied Golan

Syria said on Saturday it was ready to revive a landmark security deal with Turkey that normalized ties for two decades before the 2011 conflict if Ankara pulled its troops out of the war-torn country and stopped backing rebels.

In a foreign ministry statement, Syria said it was committed to the 1998 Adana accord, which forced Damascus to stop harbouring the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state for decades.

"Syria remains committed to this accord and all the agreements relating to fighting terror in all its forms by the two countries," said a foreign ministry statement released on state media.

Damascus, however, said reviving the Adana deal, which Russian President Vladimir Putin raised during his summit meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan last week, depended on Ankara ending its backing of rebels seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar al Assad and pulling its troops out of northwestern Syria.

Turkey has carved a sphere of influence in an opposition-held enclave in northwestern Syria around Idlib province with the help of mainstream Arab rebels who it backs. Its troops monitor a buffer zone in the province under a deal with Russia and Iran.

Western diplomatic sources say the timing of Putin's proposal to revive the Adana deal signalled a move to counter US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's recent call to set up a safe zone along the border inside Syria to support the Kurds.

Syria did not mention how it would deal with the US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara says is an extension of the PKK.

The YPG has during the conflict established a Kurdish-led authority that runs much of northern and eastern Syria and which governs millions of ethnic Arabs in former Islamic State territory where most of Syria's oil wealth lies.

The YPG have engaged in dialogue with government officials to safeguard their autonomous region when US&nbsp;troops that back them pull out.

In a speech on Friday, Erdogan, who has long called for the ousting of President Bashar al Assad and whose country hosts millions of Syrians who fled the war, did not disavow the Adana agreement, saying it gave Turkey the right to enter Syrian territory when it faces threats.

Turkey, which has a large Kurdish population, sees Kurdish-controlled territory in Syria as a threat to its national security. It has repeatedly said it would not wait indefinitely to push out the YPG and that only it can establish the safe zone along its borders with Syria.

Syria said on Saturday it was ready to revive a landmark security deal with Turkey that normalized ties for two decades before the 2011 conflict if Ankara pulled its troops out of the war-torn country and stopped backing rebels.

Syria said on Saturday it was ready to revive a landmark security deal with Turkey that normalized ties for two decades before the 2011 conflict if Ankara pulled its troops out of the war-torn country and stopped backing rebels. In a foreign ministry statement, Syria said it was committed to the 1998 Adana accord, which forced Damascus to stop harbouring the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state for decades. "Syria remains committed to this accord and all the agreements relating to fighting terror in all its forms by the two countries," said a foreign ministry statement released on state media. Damascus, however, said reviving the Adana deal, which Russian President Vladimir Putin raised during his summit meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan last week, depended on Ankara ending its backing of rebels seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar al Assad and pulling its troops out of northwestern Syria. Turkey has carved a sphere of influence in an opposition-held enclave in northwestern Syria around Idlib province with the help of mainstream Arab rebels who it backs. Its troops monitor a buffer zone in the province under a deal with Russia and Iran. Western diplomatic sources say the timing of Putin's proposal to revive the Adana deal signalled a move to counter US President Donald Trump's recent call to set up a safe zone along the border inside Syria to support the Kurds. Syria did not mention how it would deal with the US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara says is an extension of the PKK. The YPG has during the conflict established a Kurdish-led authority that runs much of northern and eastern Syria and which governs millions of ethnic Arabs in former Islamic State territory where most of Syria's oil wealth lies. The YPG have engaged in dialogue with government officials to safeguard their autonomous region when US troops that back them pull out. In a speech on Friday, Erdogan, who has long called for the ousting of President Bashar al Assad and whose country hosts millions of Syrians who fled the war, did not disavow the Adana agreement, saying it gave Turkey the right to enter Syrian territory when it faces threats. Turkey, which has a large Kurdish population, sees Kurdish-controlled territory in Syria as a threat to its national security. It has repeatedly said it would not wait indefinitely to push out the YPG and that only it can establish the safe zone along its borders with Syria.

Syria says Turkey must pull troops to revive security pact

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-says-gulf-alliance-needs-replacing-184365">Qatar's foreign minister</a> ruled out on Monday the possibility of re-opening an embassy in Damascus, in line with some other Gulf countries, calling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal.

"Normalisation (of relations) with the Syrian regime at this stage is the normalisation of a person involved in war crimes, and this should not be acceptable," said Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at a Doha press conference.

Al-Thani said the reasons why Assad — who was elected unopposed in 2000 and has stayed in power during nearly eight years of civil war — was excluded from the international community are still in place.

He added that Damascus under Assad should not be allowed back into the Arab League — its membership was suspended in 2011 — as "the Syrian people are still under bombardment... by the Syrian regime".

His comments come after Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced late last month they reopened their Damascus embassies.

The UAE's foreign minister Anwar Gargash tweeted that his country was doing so in part because of the influence of Iran and one of Qatar's strongest allies, Turkey, in Syria.

Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict.

That move also emphasised the foreign policy differences between the three Gulf states.

For the past 19 months, Qatar has been in a deep diplomatic dispute with the UAE and Bahrain, in part over the direction of Doha's regional foreign policy in recent years.

Qatar has been instrumental in the Syrian civil war supplying weapons to rebel groups, according to institutions such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Syria's opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri has pleaded with Arab leaders not to rebuild relation with Assad as his government now controls almost two-thirds of the country following military backing from Russia and Iran.

'Normalisation (of relations) with the Syrian regime at this stage is the normalisation of a person involved in war crimes, and this should not be acceptable,' said Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

Qatar's foreign minister ruled out on Monday the possibility of re-opening an embassy in Damascus, in line with some other Gulf countries, calling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a war criminal. "Normalisation (of relations) with the Syrian regime at this stage is the normalisation of a person involved in war crimes, and this should not be acceptable," said Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at a Doha press conference. Al-Thani said the reasons why Assad — who was elected unopposed in 2000 and has stayed in power during nearly eight years of civil war — was excluded from the international community are still in place. He added that Damascus under Assad should not be allowed back into the Arab League — its membership was suspended in 2011 — as "the Syrian people are still under bombardment... by the Syrian regime". His comments come after Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced late last month they reopened their Damascus embassies. The UAE's foreign minister Anwar Gargash tweeted that his country was doing so in part because of the influence of Iran and one of Qatar's strongest allies, Turkey, in Syria. Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict. That move also emphasised the foreign policy differences between the three Gulf states. For the past 19 months, Qatar has been in a deep diplomatic dispute with the UAE and Bahrain, in part over the direction of Doha's regional foreign policy in recent years. Qatar has been instrumental in the Syrian civil war supplying weapons to rebel groups, according to institutions such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Syria's opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri has pleaded with Arab leaders not to rebuild relation with Assad as his government now controls almost two-thirds of the country following military backing from Russia and Iran.

Qatar rejects normalising ties with 'criminal' Syrian President Assad

Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US&nbsp;plans to withdraw its forces from Syria.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that territory previously controlled by the United States should be transferred to the Syrian government.

"In this regard, establishing dialogue between the Kurds and Damascus takes on particular significance. After all, the Kurds are an integral part of Syrian society," said Zakharova.

She told the same briefing that Moscow had the impression that the United States wanted to stay in Syria despite US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last month unexpectedly announcing a US&nbsp;withdrawal.

Zakharova also said Russia remained committed to an agreement it had struck with Turkey to stabilise a de-escalation zone in Syria's Idlib province, but said Moscow was worried by an increase in the number of ceasefire violations there.

The US-led coalition against Islamic State has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-led-coalition-says-syria-withdrawal-has-begun-189587">begun the process of withdrawing from Syria</a>, a spokesman said on Friday, indicating the start of a US pullout that has been clouded by mixed messages from Washington.

US President Donald Trump's announcement last month that he had decided to withdraw 2,000 US troops stunned allies that have joined Washington in the battle against Islamic State in Syria. Senior US officials were shocked too, among them Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who quit in protest.

The coalition "has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria. Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troop movements," Colonel Sean Ryan said.

The US decision has injected new uncertainties into the eight-year long Syrian war and a flurry of contacts over how a resulting security vacuum will be filled across a swathe of northern and eastern Syria where the US forces are stationed.

&nbsp;

Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US plans to withdraw its forces from Syria.

Russia said on Friday it was important for Syrian Kurds and the Syrian government to start talking to each other in light of US plans to withdraw its forces from Syria. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that territory previously controlled by the United States should be transferred to the Syrian government. "In this regard, establishing dialogue between the Kurds and Damascus takes on particular significance. After all, the Kurds are an integral part of Syrian society," said Zakharova. She told the same briefing that Moscow had the impression that the United States wanted to stay in Syria despite US President Donald Trump last month unexpectedly announcing a US withdrawal. Zakharova also said Russia remained committed to an agreement it had struck with Turkey to stabilise a de-escalation zone in Syria's Idlib province, but said Moscow was worried by an increase in the number of ceasefire violations there. The US-led coalition against Islamic State has begun the process of withdrawing from Syria, a spokesman said on Friday, indicating the start of a US pullout that has been clouded by mixed messages from Washington. US President Donald Trump's announcement last month that he had decided to withdraw 2,000 US troops stunned allies that have joined Washington in the battle against Islamic State in Syria. Senior US officials were shocked too, among them Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who quit in protest. The coalition "has begun the process of our deliberate withdrawal from Syria. Out of concern for operational security, we will not discuss specific timelines, locations or troop movements," Colonel Sean Ryan said. The US decision has injected new uncertainties into the eight-year long Syrian war and a flurry of contacts over how a resulting security vacuum will be filled across a swathe of northern and eastern Syria where the US forces are stationed.

US Syria pullout spurs need for Kurds and Damascus to talk: Russia 

The brutal all-out war in Syria&nbsp;is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds.&nbsp;

Neighbouring countries have slowly started rebuilding ties with Syria, putting an end to its isolation in the region.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-reopens-damascus-embassy-after-seven-years-186907">reopened its embassy in Damascus</a> for the first time in seven years.

The UAE, as the majority of Gulf countries, had supported the anti-Assad opposition throughout the war.&nbsp;

Bahrain expressed support for the move, underlining that its embassy had kept functioning throughout the war.&nbsp;

Kuwait is said to be ready to restore ties with Damascus but says the decision must be taken by the Arab League which expelled Syria in 2011.&nbsp;

Rumour&nbsp;has it, member-states of the Arab League are weighing the possibility of gradually re-admitting Syria.

Algeria, one of the few states which did not sever ties with Syria, is said to be spearheading the diplomatic effort.

The Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus, becoming the first Arab leader to do so in seven years. Tunisia resumed its direct flights to Syria.&nbsp;

Re-opening ties with neighbouring Arab countries, even if they supported the armed opposition, is fundamental for Assad.&nbsp;

Assad managed to win the military conflict, but war does not end with the last bullet. Syria would need an enormous international effort to rebuild the country. Reconstruction cost alone is estimated to be staggering 400 billion dollars.

Breaking the isolation would help bring the Syrian economy back on track, manage the eventual return of millions of refugees, and punish those who committed crimes.&nbsp;

The Gulf countries also need to reconnect with Damascus if they want to counterweight Iranian and Turkish influence in the region.

Iran funded and armed tens of thousands of militia against anti-Assad armed opposition groups.

Shortly after Donald Trump announced that US troops would pull out from Syria, Turkey spoke about a new military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara considers the mainly-Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group.

Kurds reached out to the Syrian army, which is moving its soldiers to avoid a large-scale offensive.

If the Syrian government retakes control of the Kurdish areas and the border crossings with Turkey, Ankara is likely to refrain from launching a full-scale operation.

In return, Turkey could help keep under control the last rebel battalions holed up in the northern Syrian Idlib.&nbsp;

The future of Syria can only be determined amid regional and international cooperation. There is nothing Damascus can decide on its own.

This is the heavy price it pays for having become the terrain of a proxy war for hegemony in the region. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The brutal all-out war in Syria is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds.

The brutal all-out war in Syria is now coming to an end. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, thanks to the fundamental Russian and Iranian military support, has emerged victorious against all odds. Neighbouring countries have slowly started rebuilding ties with Syria, putting an end to its isolation in the region. The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus for the first time in seven years. The UAE, as the majority of Gulf countries, had supported the anti-Assad opposition throughout the war. Bahrain expressed support for the move, underlining that its embassy had kept functioning throughout the war. Kuwait is said to be ready to restore ties with Damascus but says the decision must be taken by the Arab League which expelled Syria in 2011. Rumour has it, member-states of the Arab League are weighing the possibility of gradually re-admitting Syria. Algeria, one of the few states which did not sever ties with Syria, is said to be spearheading the diplomatic effort. The Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir paid a visit to Damascus, becoming the first Arab leader to do so in seven years. Tunisia resumed its direct flights to Syria. Re-opening ties with neighbouring Arab countries, even if they supported the armed opposition, is fundamental for Assad. Assad managed to win the military conflict, but war does not end with the last bullet. Syria would need an enormous international effort to rebuild the country. Reconstruction cost alone is estimated to be staggering 400 billion dollars. Breaking the isolation would help bring the Syrian economy back on track, manage the eventual return of millions of refugees, and punish those who committed crimes. The Gulf countries also need to reconnect with Damascus if they want to counterweight Iranian and Turkish influence in the region. Iran funded and armed tens of thousands of militia against anti-Assad armed opposition groups. Shortly after Donald Trump announced that US troops would pull out from Syria, Turkey spoke about a new military offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Ankara considers the mainly-Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group. Kurds reached out to the Syrian army, which is moving its soldiers to avoid a large-scale offensive. If the Syrian government retakes control of the Kurdish areas and the border crossings with Turkey, Ankara is likely to refrain from launching a full-scale operation. In return, Turkey could help keep under control the last rebel battalions holed up in the northern Syrian Idlib. The future of Syria can only be determined amid regional and international cooperation. There is nothing Damascus can decide on its own. This is the heavy price it pays for having become the terrain of a proxy war for hegemony in the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With Arab countries embracing Syria again, is country's isolation finally over?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-meets-briefly-takes-no-action-on-shutdown-186889">US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown</a>

Both chambers of the US&nbsp;Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-reopens-damascus-embassy-after-seven-years-186907">UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years</a>

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vest-protests-planned-for-saturday-new-years-eve-186909">French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve</a>

The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-un-raise-concerns-over-violence-ahead-of-bangladesh-election-186920">US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election</a>

The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the&nbsp;looming general election in Bangladesh&nbsp;as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897">Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897">high-rise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-killed-as-major-fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-high-rise-building-186897"> building, 5 killed</a>

The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown Both chambers of the US Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week.

US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown Both chambers of the US Congress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week. UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday. US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over the looming general election in Bangladesh as the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked. Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in high-rise building, 5 killed The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

News brief: Big stories of the day

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.

The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists.

An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track".

It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences".

Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building.

A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation.

Pariah no more?

Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise.

The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people.

Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around.

Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country.

The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March.

"Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday.

"This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added.

Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit.

With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation.

Saudi money

Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years.

A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011.

"This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP.

It is not yet clear if other Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps.

The UAE is one of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria.&nbsp;

Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran.

"An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.

Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict.

Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional archfoe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs.

"Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media.

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists. An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track". It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences". Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building. A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation. Pariah no more? Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise. The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people. Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around. Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country. The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March. "Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday. "This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added. Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit. With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation. Saudi money Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years. A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011. "This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP. It is not yet clear if other Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps. The UAE is one of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria. Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran. "An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict. Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria. US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional archfoe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs. "Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media.

UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years

Syrian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-says-new-air-defences-will-make-israel-think-twice-167815">air defences shot down Israeli missiles near the capital Damascus</a> on Tuesday, local state media reported, while Israel said it was protecting itself from anti-aircraft fire.&nbsp;

The official Syrian news agency SANA said air defences "intercepted hostile missiles launched by the Israeli warplanes" from over Lebanese territories, citing a military source.

It added that the majority of them were downed before reaching their targets near the capital Damascus. Three soldiers were injured and an ammunition depot damaged.&nbsp;

Israel has previously carried out several bombings in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group, both enemies of the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Many of them have been in the area south of Damascus.&nbsp;

An Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment on reports of a strike in Syria when contacted by AFP.

But it added in a statement: "An aerial defence system went off against an anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria. No damage or injuries were reported."

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor also reported "an Israeli raid".

"Missiles fired from Israeli planes targeted... arms depots southwest and south of Damascus that belong to Hezbollah or Iranian forces," said Rami Abdel Rahman.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to let Tehran -- a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- from entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country.

Experts say Israel is to be greatly affected by US President Donald Trump's announcement of a withdrawal of American forces from Syria, as it would leave the area open to Iran and its partners to develop their military capacity.

There have been warnings from Israel and others that Iran is seeking to form a "land bridge" across to the Mediterranean, and some analysts have said that the US withdrawal could help that effort.

Yet Israeli officials, who have previously applauded Trump's policy in the Middle East, have stressed that it has long managed that front alone.

If confirmed, Tuesday's reported strike would be the first by Israel since the US withdrawal was announced.&nbsp;

At the end of November Syria said its air defences had targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" over the Kisweh area south of Damascus.

Syrian air defences shot down Israeli missiles near the capital Damascus on Tuesday, local state media reported, while Israel said it was protecting itself from anti-aircraft fire.

Syrian air defences shot down Israeli missiles near the capital Damascus on Tuesday, local state media reported, while Israel said it was protecting itself from anti-aircraft fire. The official Syrian news agency SANA said air defences "intercepted hostile missiles launched by the Israeli warplanes" from over Lebanese territories, citing a military source. It added that the majority of them were downed before reaching their targets near the capital Damascus. Three soldiers were injured and an ammunition depot damaged. Israel has previously carried out several bombings in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group, both enemies of the Jewish state. Many of them have been in the area south of Damascus. An Israeli military spokeswoman declined to comment on reports of a strike in Syria when contacted by AFP. But it added in a statement: "An aerial defence system went off against an anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria. No damage or injuries were reported." The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor also reported "an Israeli raid". "Missiles fired from Israeli planes targeted... arms depots southwest and south of Damascus that belong to Hezbollah or Iranian forces," said Rami Abdel Rahman. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to let Tehran -- a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- from entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country. Experts say Israel is to be greatly affected by US President Donald Trump's announcement of a withdrawal of American forces from Syria, as it would leave the area open to Iran and its partners to develop their military capacity. There have been warnings from Israel and others that Iran is seeking to form a "land bridge" across to the Mediterranean, and some analysts have said that the US withdrawal could help that effort. Yet Israeli officials, who have previously applauded Trump's policy in the Middle East, have stressed that it has long managed that front alone. If confirmed, Tuesday's reported strike would be the first by Israel since the US withdrawal was announced. At the end of November Syria said its air defences had targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" over the Kisweh area south of Damascus.

Syria shoots down Israeli missiles near capital Damascus: State media

Syrian air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" near Damascus on Tuesday, state media reported, with a war monitor reporting an Israeli air strike.

The official SANA news agency and the state broadcaster both reported that air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" to "confront" them, without giving further details.

SANA said "a number of enemy targets were downed" by the air defences. "It's an Israeli raid," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

"Missiles fired from Israeli planes targeted... Arms depots southwest and south of Damascus that belong to Hezbollah or Iranian forces," Abdel Rahman said. Israel has carried out dozens of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets, many of them in the area south of Damascus.

At the end of November, Syria said its air defences had targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" over the Kisweh area south of Damascus.

In early December SANA and state television reported that Syrian air defences had opened fire near Damascus airport but later both state media outlets withdrew the report without explanation.&nbsp;

Syrian air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" near Damascus on Tuesday, state media reported, with a war monitor reporting an Israeli air strike. The official SANA news agency and the state broadcaster both reported that air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" to "confront" them, without giving further details.

Syrian air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" near Damascus on Tuesday, state media reported, with a war monitor reporting an Israeli air strike. The official SANA news agency and the state broadcaster both reported that air defences opened fire on "enemy targets" to "confront" them, without giving further details. SANA said "a number of enemy targets were downed" by the air defences. "It's an Israeli raid," said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. "Missiles fired from Israeli planes targeted... Arms depots southwest and south of Damascus that belong to Hezbollah or Iranian forces," Abdel Rahman said. Israel has carried out dozens of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets, many of them in the area south of Damascus. At the end of November, Syria said its air defences had targeted and downed a number of "hostile targets" over the Kisweh area south of Damascus. In early December SANA and state television reported that Syrian air defences had opened fire near Damascus airport but later both state media outlets withdrew the report without explanation.

Syria air defences fire on 'enemy targets' near Damascus: State media

Syria reopened a wing of the capital's famed antiquities museum on Sunday after six years of closure to protect its exhibits and visitors from rebel rocket fire in the civil war.

Officials swung open the large wooden door of the building in central Damascus for the first time since 2012.

On display were "some of the artefacts that used to be exhibited at the National Museum dating from the most historic periods, from prehistory to the Islamic era", antiquities official Ahmad Deeb said.

Authorities were working "to prepare the whole museum in the coming period" to be reopened, he said.

The Damascus museum, founded in 1920, was closed one year into the civil war as the then national head of antiquities took action to protect its artefacts from rebel rocket fire or shelling.

Its gardens, however, remained open to the public, even as rockets intermittently hit Damascus from the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, northeast of the capital.

Syria is home to more than 700 archeological sites, many of which have been destroyed, damaged or looted since the start of the war.

All warring sides have been accused of looting artifacts during the conflict, from both major archeological sites and the country's museums.

The most famous include the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO-listed heritage site overrun by the Islamic State group until the Russia-backed army retook it last year.

From 2012 onwards, the museums authority stored some 300,000 items and thousands of manuscripts from around the country at secret locations protected from fires, shelling and floods.

More than seven years into the conflict, President Bashar Assad's regime has secured the capital, after expelling rebels and jihadists from its outskirts earlier this year with Russian military support.

Assad's forces are now in control of around two-thirds of the country.

More than 360,000 people have been killed since the war started in March 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria reopened a wing of the capital's famed antiquities museum on Sunday after six years of closure to protect its exhibits and visitors from rebel rocket fire in the civil war.

Syria reopened a wing of the capital's famed antiquities museum on Sunday after six years of closure to protect its exhibits and visitors from rebel rocket fire in the civil war. Officials swung open the large wooden door of the building in central Damascus for the first time since 2012. On display were "some of the artefacts that used to be exhibited at the National Museum dating from the most historic periods, from prehistory to the Islamic era", antiquities official Ahmad Deeb said. Authorities were working "to prepare the whole museum in the coming period" to be reopened, he said. The Damascus museum, founded in 1920, was closed one year into the civil war as the then national head of antiquities took action to protect its artefacts from rebel rocket fire or shelling. Its gardens, however, remained open to the public, even as rockets intermittently hit Damascus from the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta, northeast of the capital. Syria is home to more than 700 archeological sites, many of which have been destroyed, damaged or looted since the start of the war. All warring sides have been accused of looting artifacts during the conflict, from both major archeological sites and the country's museums. The most famous include the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO-listed heritage site overrun by the Islamic State group until the Russia-backed army retook it last year. From 2012 onwards, the museums authority stored some 300,000 items and thousands of manuscripts from around the country at secret locations protected from fires, shelling and floods. More than seven years into the conflict, President Bashar Assad's regime has secured the capital, after expelling rebels and jihadists from its outskirts earlier this year with Russian military support. Assad's forces are now in control of around two-thirds of the country. More than 360,000 people have been killed since the war started in March 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Syria reopens Damascus antiquities museum

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad denied Moscow is running the show in his war-torn country, saying in an interview released Sunday his government operates independently of its Russian and Iranian allies.

In a wide-ranging interview in Damascus with the Mail on Sunday, Assad slammed the United States and British military actions in Syria as "colonial" while praising supporter Russia.&nbsp

"We've had good relations with Russia for more than six decades now, nearly seven decades. They never, during our relation, try to dictate, even if there are differences," he told the British newspaper. &nbsp

Assad admitted his government has disagreed with Russia and Iran throughout the country's seven-year conflict.

"That's very natural, but at the end the only decision about what's going on in Syria and what's going to happen, it's a Syrian decision," he said.&nbsp

Moscow intervened militarily in Syria's conflict in 2015, when Assad's forces were struggling to hold territory against rebel fighters.&nbsp

Russian air strikes and military advisors have since helped regime troops seize back more than half the country.&nbsp

Tehran, too, has sent military advisors to Syria, but Assad has denied that Iranian troops are on the ground.&nbsp

Iran's regional foe, Israel, has repeatedly warned it will not accept an entrenched Iranian presence in Syria.

It is suspected of carrying out numerous raids on Syrian government positions over the years, and last month announced unprecedented strikes on what it said were Tehran-operated bases in Syria.&nbsp

In his interview, Assad denied Moscow had ever had prior knowledge of such strikes, despite close cooperation between Israel and Russia.&nbsp

"No, no, that's not true," he said.&nbsp

"Russia never coordinated with anyone against Syria, either politically or militarily, and that's (a) contradiction," he said.

"How could they help the Syrian army advancing and at the same time work with our enemies in order to destroy our army?"&nbsp

Syria's war has also drawn in many Western powers, who first backed rebel groups against Assad then shifted their focus to defeating the Islamic State jihadist group as part of a US-led coalition.

Assad lambasted the American and British interventions, saying they were "breaching the sovereignty of Syria".&nbsp

"This is colonial policy, that's how we see it, and this is not new," he said.

He also told the Mail on Sunday that his country had stopped intelligence sharing with European nations.&nbsp

"They want to exchange information despite their governments being politically against ours, so we said... When you change your political position, we're ready," he said.&nbsp

"Now, there's no cooperation with any European intelligence agencies including the British."&nbsp

The interview, according to the Mail on Sunday, was Assad's first with a British journalist since 2015. Its full transcript was published on Syrian state news agency SANA.

In a wide-ranging interview in Damascus with the Mail on Sunday, Assad slammed the United States and British military actions in Syria as 'colonial' while praising supporter Russia

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad denied Moscow is running the show in his war-torn country, saying in an interview released Sunday his government operates independently of its Russian and Iranian allies. In a wide-ranging interview in Damascus with the Mail on Sunday, Assad slammed the United States and British military actions in Syria as "colonial" while praising supporter Russia. "We've had good relations with Russia for more than six decades now, nearly seven decades. They never, during our relation, try to dictate, even if there are differences," he told the British newspaper. Assad admitted his government has disagreed with Russia and Iran throughout the country's seven-year conflict. "That's very natural, but at the end the only decision about what's going on in Syria and what's going to happen, it's a Syrian decision," he said. Moscow intervened militarily in Syria's conflict in 2015, when Assad's forces were struggling to hold territory against rebel fighters. Russian air strikes and military advisors have since helped regime troops seize back more than half the country. Tehran, too, has sent military advisors to Syria, but Assad has denied that Iranian troops are on the ground. Iran's regional foe, Israel, has repeatedly warned it will not accept an entrenched Iranian presence in Syria. It is suspected of carrying out numerous raids on Syrian government positions over the years, and last month announced unprecedented strikes on what it said were Tehran-operated bases in Syria. In his interview, Assad denied Moscow had ever had prior knowledge of such strikes, despite close cooperation between Israel and Russia. "No, no, that's not true," he said. "Russia never coordinated with anyone against Syria, either politically or militarily, and that's (a) contradiction," he said. "How could they help the Syrian army advancing and at the same time work with our enemies in order to destroy our army?" Syria's war has also drawn in many Western powers, who first backed rebel groups against Assad then shifted their focus to defeating the Islamic State jihadist group as part of a US-led coalition. Assad lambasted the American and British interventions, saying they were "breaching the sovereignty of Syria". "This is colonial policy, that's how we see it, and this is not new," he said. He also told the Mail on Sunday that his country had stopped intelligence sharing with European nations. "They want to exchange information despite their governments being politically against ours, so we said... When you change your political position, we're ready," he said. "Now, there's no cooperation with any European intelligence agencies including the British." The interview, according to the Mail on Sunday, was Assad's first with a British journalist since 2015. Its full transcript was published on Syrian state news agency SANA.

Assad denies Moscow running the show in Syria

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