Books recounting torture in Syrian prisons or texts on radical Islamic theology now sit openly in Damascus bookstores, no longer traded in secret after iron-fisted ruler Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
"If I had asked about a (certain) book just two months ago, I could have disappeared or ended up in prison," said student Amr al-Laham, 25, who was perusing stores near Damascus University.
He has finally found a copy of "Al-Maabar" (The Passage) by Syrian author Hanan Asad, which recounts the conflict in Aleppo from a crossing point linking the city's rebel-held east with the government-held west, before Assad's forces retook complete control in 2016.
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Last month, Islamist-led rebels captured the northern city in a lightning offensive, going on to take Damascus and toppling Assad, ending more than half a century of his family's oppressive rule.
"Before, we were afraid of being marked by the intelligence services" for buying works including those considered leftist or from the ultra-conservative Salafi Muslim movement," Laham said.
While many say the future is uncertain after Assad's fall, Syrians for now can breathe more easily, free from the omnipresent security apparatus in a country battered by war since 2011 after Assad brutally repressed peaceful anti-government protests.
Syria's myriad security agencies terrorised the population, torturing and killing opponents and denying basic rights such as freedom of expression.
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Assad brutally repressed any hint of dissent, and his father Hafez before him did the same, notoriously crushing a Muslim Brotherhood-led rebellion in the 1980s.
<h2>'Didn't dare ask'</h2>
Several books that were previously banned and only available to Syrians if they were pirated online now frequently pop up on footpath displays or inside bookshops.
They include "The Shell" by Syrian author Mustafa Khalifa, a devastating tale of an atheist who is mistaken for a radical Islamist and detained for years inside Syria's infamous Tadmur prison.
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Another is "My Aunt's House" -- an expression used by Syrians to refer to prison -- by Iraqi author Ahmed Khairi Alomari.
Prison literature "was totally forbidden", said a bookshop owner in his fifties, identifying himself as Abu Yamen.
"Before, people didn't even dare to ask -- they knew what awaited them," he told AFP.
Elsewhere, the owner of a high-profile publishing house said that since the 1980s, he had stopped printing all political works except some "very general (essays) on political thinking that did not deal with a particular region or country".
Even so, Assad's "security services used to call us in to ask about our work and our sales -- who came to see us, what they bought, what people were asking for", he told AFP, requesting anonymity.
He said security services were often "uncultured" when it came to literature, recalling an investigator who insisted he wanted to question Ibn Taymiyya, a Sunni Muslim theologian who died in the 14th century.
<h2>'Sold in secret'</h2>
In shelves at the entrance of his Damascus bookshop, Abdel Rahman Suruji displays leather-bound works emblazoned with golden calligraphy of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a medieval Muslim theologian and important Salafi ideologue.
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Also on display are tomes by Sayyed Qotb, a theoretician behind the Muslim Brotherhood who inspired its radicalisation.
"All these books were prohibited. We sold them in secret, just to those who we could trust -- students we knew or researchers," said Suruji, 62.
Now, they are in "high demand", he said, adding that his new customers include Damascus residents and Syrians who have returned from abroad or visited from former rebel bastions in the country's north.
Suruji said that although he learnt to tell a real student from an informant, a dozen security agents went through his bookshop from top to bottom in 2010, confiscating "more than 600 books".
Mustafa al-Kani, 25, a student of Islamic theology, came to check the price of a collection of Sayyed Qotb's works.
"During the revolution, we were afraid of looking for certain books. We couldn't have them in our possession, we used to read them online," he said.
"Just publishing a quote from Sayyed Qotb could get you thrown into jail," he added.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Last month, Islamist-led rebels captured the northern city in a lightning offensive, going on to take Damascus and toppling Assad, ending more than half a century of his family's oppressive rule.

Books recounting torture in Syrian prisons or texts on radical Islamic theology now sit openly in Damascus bookstores, no longer traded in secret after iron-fisted ruler Bashar al-Assad's ouster. "If I had asked about a (certain) book just two months ago, I could have disappeared or ended up in prison," said student Amr al-Laham, 25, who was perusing stores near Damascus University. He has finally found a copy of "Al-Maabar" (The Passage) by Syrian author Hanan Asad, which recounts the conflict in Aleppo from a crossing point linking the city's rebel-held east with the government-held west, before Assad's forces retook complete control in 2016. Also read | Russian delegation supports Syria's ‘sovereignty' following fall of Bashar al-Assad Last month, Islamist-led rebels captured the northern city in a lightning offensive, going on to take Damascus and toppling Assad, ending more than half a century of his family's oppressive rule. "Before, we were afraid of being marked by the intelligence services" for buying works including those considered leftist or from the ultra-conservative Salafi Muslim movement," Laham said. While many say the future is uncertain after Assad's fall, Syrians for now can breathe more easily, free from the omnipresent security apparatus in a country battered by war since 2011 after Assad brutally repressed peaceful anti-government protests. Syria's myriad security agencies terrorised the population, torturing and killing opponents and denying basic rights such as freedom of expression. Also read | EU agrees to roadmap for easing Syria sanctions after Assad's ouster Assad brutally repressed any hint of dissent, and his father Hafez before him did the same, notoriously crushing a Muslim Brotherhood-led rebellion in the 1980s. 'Didn't dare ask' Several books that were previously banned and only available to Syrians if they were pirated online now frequently pop up on footpath displays or inside bookshops. They include "The Shell" by Syrian author Mustafa Khalifa, a devastating tale of an atheist who is mistaken for a radical Islamist and detained for years inside Syria's infamous Tadmur prison. Also read | Qatar PM vows to support rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure Another is "My Aunt's House" -- an expression used by Syrians to refer to prison -- by Iraqi author Ahmed Khairi Alomari. Prison literature "was totally forbidden", said a bookshop owner in his fifties, identifying himself as Abu Yamen. "Before, people didn't even dare to ask -- they knew what awaited them," he told AFP. Elsewhere, the owner of a high-profile publishing house said that since the 1980s, he had stopped printing all political works except some "very general (essays) on political thinking that did not deal with a particular region or country". Even so, Assad's "security services used to call us in to ask about our work and our sales -- who came to see us, what they bought, what people were asking for", he told AFP, requesting anonymity. He said security services were often "uncultured" when it came to literature, recalling an investigator who insisted he wanted to question Ibn Taymiyya, a Sunni Muslim theologian who died in the 14th century. 'Sold in secret' In shelves at the entrance of his Damascus bookshop, Abdel Rahman Suruji displays leather-bound works emblazoned with golden calligraphy of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a medieval Muslim theologian and important Salafi ideologue. Also read | Explained: Kurds face growing threat to autonomy amid regional dynamics shift in post-Assad Syria Also on display are tomes by Sayyed Qotb, a theoretician behind the Muslim Brotherhood who inspired its radicalisation. "All these books were prohibited. We sold them in secret, just to those who we could trust -- students we knew or researchers," said Suruji, 62. Now, they are in "high demand", he said, adding that his new customers include Damascus residents and Syrians who have returned from abroad or visited from former rebel bastions in the country's north. Suruji said that although he learnt to tell a real student from an informant, a dozen security agents went through his bookshop from top to bottom in 2010, confiscating "more than 600 books". Mustafa al-Kani, 25, a student of Islamic theology, came to check the price of a collection of Sayyed Qotb's works. "During the revolution, we were afraid of looking for certain books. We couldn't have them in our possession, we used to read them online," he said. "Just publishing a quote from Sayyed Qotb could get you thrown into jail," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Books banned under Assad make it to Damascus shops' shelves

A high-level Russian delegation in Syria expressed support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's foreign ministry said Wednesday.
The former Syrian president, a key Russian ally in the Middle East, fled to Moscow last year after being ousted in a lightning rebel offensive that ended five decades of rule by the Assad family.
Russia sent its first high-level delegation to the war-torn country on Tuesday, with Moscow keen to retain two military bases in Syria.&nbsp;
"The Russian side reaffirmed its unwavering support for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.
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It said the visit came at a "crunch point" in Russia-Syria relations, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it an "important trip".
"It is necessary to build and maintain a permanent dialogue with the Syrian authorities, which is what we will continue to do," Peskov told reporters.
The delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who is also Putin's special envoy on the Middle East and Africa and met with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Russia's naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim -- both on Syria's Mediterranean coast -- are Moscow's only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union.
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It used the air base extensively after intervening in the Syrian civil war on Assad's side in 2015.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: A top Russian delegation in Syria pledges support for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, as confirmed by Moscow's foreign ministry after Assad's regime collapse.

A high-level Russian delegation in Syria expressed support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's foreign ministry said Wednesday. The former Syrian president, a key Russian ally in the Middle East, fled to Moscow last year after being ousted in a lightning rebel offensive that ended five decades of rule by the Assad family. Russia sent its first high-level delegation to the war-torn country on Tuesday, with Moscow keen to retain two military bases in Syria. "The Russian side reaffirmed its unwavering support for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. Also read | White House opens for social media influencers under Trump 2.0 It said the visit came at a "crunch point" in Russia-Syria relations, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it an "important trip". "It is necessary to build and maintain a permanent dialogue with the Syrian authorities, which is what we will continue to do," Peskov told reporters. The delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who is also Putin's special envoy on the Middle East and Africa and met with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Russia's naval base in Tartus and its air base at Hmeimim -- both on Syria's Mediterranean coast -- are Moscow's only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union. Also read | Trump orders Musk to bring astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore home It used the air base extensively after intervening in the Syrian civil war on Assad's side in 2015. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian delegation supports Syria's ‘sovereignty' following fall of Bashar al-Assad

EU foreign ministers on Monday agreed to begin easing sanctions on Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, as the West looks to build bridges with the war-ravaged country's new leadership.&nbsp;
"This could give a boost to the Syrian economy and help the country get back on its feet," foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting in Brussels.&nbsp;
"While we aim to move fast, we also are ready to reverse the course if the situation worsens, and in parallel, we will scale up humanitarian aid and recovery efforts."&nbsp;
The 27-nation EU imposed wide-ranging sanctions on the Assad government and Syria's economy during its civil war.
Kallas said ministers had signed up to a "roadmap" for lifting the sanctions, starting with key sectors such as energy, where relief is needed most urgently.&nbsp;
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the EU could begin by suspending sanctions on the energy, transport, and banking sectors.
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 Europe is keen to help the reconstruction of Syria and build better ties with its new rulers after the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule. But some EU countries worry about moving too fast to embrace the new Islamist-led rulers in Damascus.
The EU will only suspend the sanctions and not lift them definitively to maintain leverage over the Syrian leadership.&nbsp; Syria's new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Islamist group he led, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, remain under EU sanctions.&nbsp;
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Diplomats said there was still no discussion about lifting those designations, as with others on the Assad regime.&nbsp;
"What we are not relieving, of course, is anything related to arms dealing, and everything that we are still concerned about," Kallas said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | The 27-nation EU imposed wide-ranging sanctions on the Assad government and Syria's economy during its civil war, as the West looks to build bridges with the war-ravaged country's new leadership.

EU foreign ministers on Monday agreed to begin easing sanctions on Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, as the West looks to build bridges with the war-ravaged country's new leadership. "This could give a boost to the Syrian economy and help the country get back on its feet," foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting in Brussels. "While we aim to move fast, we also are ready to reverse the course if the situation worsens, and in parallel, we will scale up humanitarian aid and recovery efforts." The 27-nation EU imposed wide-ranging sanctions on the Assad government and Syria's economy during its civil war. Kallas said ministers had signed up to a "roadmap" for lifting the sanctions, starting with key sectors such as energy, where relief is needed most urgently. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the EU could begin by suspending sanctions on the energy, transport, and banking sectors. Also Read | 'Families have been informed': Eight of the 33 hostages due for release in first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal are dead Europe is keen to help the reconstruction of Syria and build better ties with its new rulers after the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule. But some EU countries worry about moving too fast to embrace the new Islamist-led rulers in Damascus. The EU will only suspend the sanctions and not lift them definitively to maintain leverage over the Syrian leadership. Syria's new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Islamist group he led, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, remain under EU sanctions. Also Read | 'We’ll never forget': World leaders join as Auschwitz survivors mark 80th anniversary of liberation Diplomats said there was still no discussion about lifting those designations, as with others on the Assad regime. "What we are not relieving, of course, is anything related to arms dealing, and everything that we are still concerned about," Kallas said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

EU agrees to roadmap for easing Syria sanctions after Assad's ouster

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held their first official call, discussing Turkey's growing involvement in Syria and its impact on regional security and diplomacy.

Syria-Turkey: Rubio and Fidan hold first call as Turkey's role in Syria expands

Syria's new authorities are using Islamic teachings to train a fledgling police force. Western nations are worried about the fate of minority groups in Syria. Watch this report for more details!

Syria: New regime trains police under Islamic law

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are now required to undergo a "reconciliation" process, as the government seeks to rebuild and integrate various factions following years of conflict.

Syria War: Assad supporters required to undergo 'reconciliation' process

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, emphasized that lifting economic sanctions is "key" to the country’s stability. Al-Shaibani argued that these sanctions, initially imposed on the Assad regime, are now detrimental to the Syrian people, crippling the nation’s economy.

Syria's diplomat urges sanctions relief for stability

Donald Trump is considering 10% tariff on China from February. Watch to know more.

Donald Trump moves to reshape US trade and tariffs on key partners

Turkish airstrikes near Tishreen Dam resulted in the deaths of medical workers and the destruction of ambulances. Watch this report for more details!

Turkish forces target North & East Syria, medical workers killed

Five civilians were killed in Turkish airstrikes near Tishreen dam in north and east Syria. According to the health authority in the region, a Turkish drone carried out the attack, killing a medical worker and injuring around 40 other people. Watch in for more details!

Syria crisis: Strikes hit civilian convoy heading for protest against Turkey

Qatar's prime minister vowed Thursday to support the rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure, devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war, during his first visit to Damascus since Islamist-led forces seized power last month.
"We will provide the necessary technical support to make the needed infrastructure operational again and provide support to the electricity sector," said PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
"The agreement includes supplying power with a capacity of 200 megawatts and gradually increasing production," he said at a joint press conference with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Last week, Syria's national electricity company said Qatar and Turkey would send power ships to increase supply after the United States eased some sanctions.
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Qatar "extends its hand to our Syrian brothers for future partnerships," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that essential needs include "continuing to provide public services to the Syrian people".
Unlike other Arab countries, Qatar never restored diplomatic ties with Syria under ousted president Bashar al-Assad and was one of the first to back the armed rebellion that erupted after his government crushed a peaceful uprising in 2011.
Last week, a diplomatic source said Qatar was weighing a plan to provide Syria with funds after Damascus decided to increase public sector salaries.
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Sheikh Mohammed, whose country was a key mediator in clinching a truce and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, also demanded Israel "immediately withdraw" from its buffer zone with Syria.
"The Israeli occupation's seizure of the buffer zone is a reckless... act and it must immediately withdraw," he said.
The same day Assad was toppled, Israel announced its troops were crossing the armistice line and into a UN-patrolled buffer zone that has separated Israeli and Syrian forces on the strategic Golan Heights since 1974.
Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in a war in 1967, later annexing the territory in a move largely unrecognised by the international community.
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Sharaa said his authorities were counting on the support of Qatar to help stop Israel from making any further advances into Syrian territory.
Israel's army should return to "where it was before," he said, adding Qatar "supports this view and will use all means available to exert pressure on Israel".
On Wednesday, an Israeli air strike hit a target belonging to Syria's new authorities for the first time, killing three people, a war monitor and a medical source said.
Earlier this month, ministers from Syria's transitional government, including top diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani, met with the Qatari prime minister in Doha.
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World: Qatar "extends its hand to our Syrian brothers for future partnerships," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that essential needs include continuing to provide public services to the Syrian people.

Qatar's prime minister vowed Thursday to support the rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure, devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war, during his first visit to Damascus since Islamist-led forces seized power last month. "We will provide the necessary technical support to make the needed infrastructure operational again and provide support to the electricity sector," said PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. "The agreement includes supplying power with a capacity of 200 megawatts and gradually increasing production," he said at a joint press conference with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Last week, Syria's national electricity company said Qatar and Turkey would send power ships to increase supply after the United States eased some sanctions. Also read: Qatar PM confirms Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel, Hamas; phase one from Jan 19 Qatar "extends its hand to our Syrian brothers for future partnerships," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that essential needs include "continuing to provide public services to the Syrian people". Unlike other Arab countries, Qatar never restored diplomatic ties with Syria under ousted president Bashar al-Assad and was one of the first to back the armed rebellion that erupted after his government crushed a peaceful uprising in 2011. Last week, a diplomatic source said Qatar was weighing a plan to provide Syria with funds after Damascus decided to increase public sector salaries. Also read: Israel warns of action if Hezbollah breaks ceasefire; Mossad chief to visit Qatar for 'decisive' hostage talks Sheikh Mohammed, whose country was a key mediator in clinching a truce and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, also demanded Israel "immediately withdraw" from its buffer zone with Syria. "The Israeli occupation's seizure of the buffer zone is a reckless... act and it must immediately withdraw," he said. The same day Assad was toppled, Israel announced its troops were crossing the armistice line and into a UN-patrolled buffer zone that has separated Israeli and Syrian forces on the strategic Golan Heights since 1974. Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in a war in 1967, later annexing the territory in a move largely unrecognised by the international community. Also read: Qatar reopens embassy in Damascus after 13 years; second nation to reopen mission since Assad's fall Sharaa said his authorities were counting on the support of Qatar to help stop Israel from making any further advances into Syrian territory. Israel's army should return to "where it was before," he said, adding Qatar "supports this view and will use all means available to exert pressure on Israel". On Wednesday, an Israeli air strike hit a target belonging to Syria's new authorities for the first time, killing three people, a war monitor and a medical source said. Earlier this month, ministers from Syria's transitional government, including top diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani, met with the Qatari prime minister in Doha. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Qatar PM vows to support rehabilitation of Syria's infrastructure

Syria has once again cleared that it will never allow its territory to be used as a staging ground for threats against Turkey. This in an indirect message to the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).  Watch in for more details!

Syria says no justification for SDF's presence in current form

Saudi Arabia called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria after meetings with top diplomats from the Middle East and Europe. Watch this report for more details!

Saudi Arabia calls for sanctions relief on Syria after diplomatic talks

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met on Saturday the head of Syria’s administration Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in Damascus. Watch this report for more details!

Lebanese PM meets Syria's new leader Al-Sharaa in Damascus

Syrian authorities foiled an attempt by ISIL to blow up a revered Shia shrine in a Damascus suburb. Watch this report for more details!

Syrian authorities foil attempt by terrorists to blow up Shiite shrine

Top developments from West Asia: 
-  Israel seizes over 90% of Syria's water resources
- Lebanon reports multiple violations of ceasefire deal
- Iran considers moving capital from Tehran to Makran
- Saudi Arabia hit by catastrophic torrential rains

Israel seizes over 90% of Syria's water resources

The absence of a constitution and a clear political path makes sectarian Syrian groups skeptical about the possible democratic government.

Are Syrians losing faith in new leaders?

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met Syria's new ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, the latest European diplomat to visit the country since Bashar al-Assad's fall. Watch this report for more details!

Italy's foreign minister meets Syria's new leader in Damascus

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, met in Rome with European counterparts on ways to stabilize Syria and avert conflict as Turkey threatens Kurdish forces in the war-torn country. Watch in for more details!

Italian FM says western powers seeking stable & united Syria

Blinken holds talks in Rome on Syria; Italian FM says Western powers seeking stable & united Syria

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that former President Donald Trump's proposal to purchase Greenland was not a viable or wise idea, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships in the region.

Donald Trump's Greenland push not a good idea: US State Secretary Blinken

On Tuesday, an unusual scene greeted the Syrians. There were tears of joy ...singing, dancing, clapping...and moments of celebration, much like one would do at a party. For the first time since the fall of the ousted president Bashar al-Assad last month, international flights resumed operations at the Damascus airport. Watch this video to find out more.

Syrians celebrate as first International flight since fall of Assad lands at Damascus Airport

A party atmosphere surrounded the Damascus airport on Tuesday (Jan 7) as International flights resumed at Syria&rsquo;s main airport for the first time in 13 years after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebel forces.
The first direct flight from Qatar&rsquo;s Doha arrived at the airport under the new Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syrian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syrian</a> plane landed a short while ago at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Damascus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Damascus</a> International Airport, coming from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar</a> Airways، These are some shots of the celebration from inside the plane before landing. <a href="https://t.co/bA6IraAOby">pic.twitter.com/bA6IraAOby</a>
&mdash; Qusay Noor (@QUSAY_NOOR_) <a href="https://twitter.com/QUSAY_NOOR_/status/1876571348954444226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Passengers can be seen cheering, celebrating and reciting prayers at the terminal, with some draping the three-star flag. Families of the arriving passengers welcomed them with colourful balloons and flowers after being separated for over 13 years.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, the first flight from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar</a> arrived at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Damascus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Damascus</a> International Airport via <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarAirways?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarAirways</a>. Here are moments of Syrians&rsquo; joy everywhere after the fall of Assad ✈️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> <a href="https://t.co/a6pjCMhEuV">pic.twitter.com/a6pjCMhEuV</a>
&mdash; Samer Daboul (@samerdaboul6) <a href="https://twitter.com/samerdaboul6/status/1876672775760580776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-official-threatens-to-take-legal-action-against-us-diplomat-blinken-for-partnership-in-israeli-crimes-8599843" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hamas official threatens to take legal action against US diplomat Blinken for 'partnership' in Israeli crimes</a>
Although Syria still remains under international sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, its new leaders are making attempts to restore normalcy in the country.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m waiting for my brother, who I haven&rsquo;t seen in 17 years. He couldn&rsquo;t return... because of the regime,&rdquo; Reem Taghleb, 37, told AFP at the Damascus airport<a href="https://twitter.com/QUSAY_NOOR_/status/1876571348954444226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"></a>.

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&ldquo;He took the first opportunity to return to Syria on the first Qatari plane,&rdquo; she added, with emotion in her voice. &ldquo;We're so happy for his return, and for our country's freedom.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-to-resume-international-flights-to-and-from-damascus-8591975" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Syria to resume international flights to and from Damascus</a>
<h2>&lsquo;New beginning&rsquo;</h2>
The first international commercial flight from Syria is bound for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. A flight to Arbil in Iraq is also scheduled later in the day, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.
&ldquo;Today marks a new beginning,&rdquo; Damascus airport director Anis Fallouh told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;
While flights for international aid and foreign diplomatic delegations have already been landing in Syria, domestic flights have resumed in Syria.
SyrianAir and Cham Wings staff, both of which still remain under US Treasury sanctions for transporting weapons and mercenaries under the Assad regime, are optimistic about new flight routes that could open in future.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | After years of separation, arriving passengers were met with colourful balloons and flowers, marking a touching reunion filled with emotion and joy.

A party atmosphere surrounded the Damascus airport on Tuesday (Jan 7) as International flights resumed at Syria’s main airport for the first time in 13 years after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebel forces. The first direct flight from Qatar’s Doha arrived at the airport under the new Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) government. The first #Syrian plane landed a short while ago at #Damascus International Airport, coming from #Qatar Airways، These are some shots of the celebration from inside the plane before landing. pic.twitter.com/bA6IraAOby — Qusay Noor (@QUSAY_NOOR_) January 7, 2025 Passengers can be seen cheering, celebrating and reciting prayers at the terminal, with some draping the three-star flag. Families of the arriving passengers welcomed them with colourful balloons and flowers after being separated for over 13 years. Today, the first flight from #Qatar arrived at #Damascus International Airport via #QatarAirways. Here are moments of Syrians’ joy everywhere after the fall of Assad ✈️ #Syria pic.twitter.com/a6pjCMhEuV — Samer Daboul (@samerdaboul6) January 7, 2025 Also read | Hamas official threatens to take legal action against US diplomat Blinken for 'partnership' in Israeli crimes Although Syria still remains under international sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, its new leaders are making attempts to restore normalcy in the country. “I’m waiting for my brother, who I haven’t seen in 17 years. He couldn’t return... because of the regime,” Reem Taghleb, 37, told AFP at the Damascus airport. “He took the first opportunity to return to Syria on the first Qatari plane,” she added, with emotion in her voice. “We're so happy for his return, and for our country's freedom.” Also read | Syria to resume international flights to and from Damascus ‘New beginning’ The first international commercial flight from Syria is bound for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. A flight to Arbil in Iraq is also scheduled later in the day, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport. “Today marks a new beginning,” Damascus airport director Anis Fallouh told AFP. While flights for international aid and foreign diplomatic delegations have already been landing in Syria, domestic flights have resumed in Syria. SyrianAir and Cham Wings staff, both of which still remain under US Treasury sanctions for transporting weapons and mercenaries under the Assad regime, are optimistic about new flight routes that could open in future. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Celebrations erupt at Damascus airport as international flights resume after 13 years

Turkey has now issued a warning to Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Ankara will do whatever is required if the People's Protection Unit (YPG) fails to meet its demands. When asked what that may entail, he stated military operations. Watch in for more details!

Turkiye threatens military operation against Kurdish fighters

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