Damascus, Syria
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Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership.
According to media reports, Qatar’s flag was raised over its embassy, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its mission following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels earlier this month.
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The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy shows its support for the Syrian people and their "struggle to attain their legitimate rights for a dignified life." Unlike several Arab nations, Qatar has previously refrained from restoring ties with Assad’s government or re-establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus.
Last week, a Qatari diplomatic delegation visited Damascus to meet with the transitional government. "Doha's full commitment to support the Syrian people" was reaffirmed during the visit, a Qatari diplomat told AFP.
<h2>European Union 'ready' to reopen diplomatic mission in Damascus</h2>
The European Union has also announced its readiness to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Meanwhile, Britain, France, and the United States have sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s removal.
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On Tuesday, France raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus. However, the country’s special envoy to Syria stated the mission would remain closed until “security criteria are met.”
In a related development, the United States on Friday withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.
Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces seized Damascus, marking the end of his regime.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime.



Damascus, Syria Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership. According to media reports, Qatar’s flag was raised over its embassy, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its mission following the recent ouster of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels earlier this month. Also read: Ukraine hits Russian high-rises in Kazan. Video shows '9/11-style attack' The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime. In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the reopening of the embassy shows its support for the Syrian people and their "struggle to attain their legitimate rights for a dignified life." Unlike several Arab nations, Qatar has previously refrained from restoring ties with Assad’s government or re-establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus. Last week, a Qatari diplomatic delegation visited Damascus to meet with the transitional government. "Doha's full commitment to support the Syrian people" was reaffirmed during the visit, a Qatari diplomat told AFP. European Union 'ready' to reopen diplomatic mission in Damascus The European Union has also announced its readiness to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Meanwhile, Britain, France, and the United States have sent delegations to the Syrian capital since Assad’s removal. Watch: Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv On Tuesday, France raised its flag over its embassy in Damascus. However, the country’s special envoy to Syria stated the mission would remain closed until “security criteria are met.” In a related development, the United States on Friday withdrew a $10 million bounty that had been placed on Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on December 8 after opposition forces seized Damascus, marking the end of his regime. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar reopens embassy in Damascus after 13 years; second nation to reopen mission since Assad's fall

Damascus, Syria
Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.
Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war.
The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years.
Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation.
"Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters.
After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him.
"We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said. 
After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace.
"The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said.
Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region."
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"Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said.
The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations.
Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.
<h2>US strikes IS </h2>
On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists.
The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow.
The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country".
Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad.
"The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X.
<h2>Turkish pressure </h2>
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity.
Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters.
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"Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively.
The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.
Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters.
Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab.
On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria."
Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran.
Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country".
Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing.
Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees.
On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered.
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.

Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war.



Damascus, Syria Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war. The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years. Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation. "Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters. After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him. "We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said. After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace. "The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said. Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region." Also Read | Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man "Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said. The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations. Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. US strikes IS On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow. The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country". Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad. "The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X. Turkish pressure Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity. Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters. Also Read | US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' "Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively. The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group. Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters. Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab. On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria." Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran. Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country". Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing. Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees. On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered. 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.

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Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.

Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war.

The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years.

Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation.

"Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters.

After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him.

"We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said.&nbsp;

After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace.

"The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said.

Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-christmas-market-attack-two-killed-60-injured-in-magdeburg-car-attack-police-arrest-saudi-man-785693">Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man</a>

"Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said.

The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations.

Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.

<h2>US strikes IS&nbsp;</h2>

On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists.

The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow.

The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country".

Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad.

"The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X.

<h2>Turkish pressure&nbsp;</h2>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity.

Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-stopgap-funding-bill-minus-trumps-debt-ceiling-president-elect-says-let-shutdown-begin-now-785691">US House&nbsp;passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now'</a>

"Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively.

The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.

Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters.

Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab.

On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria."

Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran.

Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country".

Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing.

Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees.

On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered.

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&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism.

Washington is scrapping a long-standing reward for the arrest of Syria's new leader, a senior U.S. diplomat said Friday, following "positive messages" from a first meeting that included a promise to fight terrorism. Barbara Leaf, Washington's top diplomat for the Middle East, made the comments after her meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus - the first formal mission to Syria's capital by United States diplomats since the early days of Syria's civil war. The lightning offensive that toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 was led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has sought to moderate its image in recent years. Leaf's meeting with HTS chief Sharaa came despite Washington's six-year-old designation of his group as a terrorist organisation. "Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer," Leaf told reporters. After their talks, "it's a little incoherent, then, to have a bounty on the guy's head," she said, welcoming the messages from him. "We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words," she said. After the meeting, a statement from Syria's new leaders said they wanted to contribute to regional peace. "The Syrian people stand at an equal distance from all countries and parties in the region... Syria rejects any polarisation," the statement said. Leaf said she told Sharaa of the "critical need to ensure terrorist groups cannot pose a threat inside of Syria or externally, including to the US and our partners in the region." Also Read | Germany Christmas market attack: Two Killed, 60 Injured in Magdeburg car attack; Police arrest Saudi man "Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this," she said. The US delegation also included Roger Carstens, the US pointman on hostages. He said he worked on Friday with the new Syrian leadership to search a location where American journalist Austin Tice could have been held, and "we'll be working with the interim authorities" to examine other locations. Tice was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. US strikes IS On a regional tour prior to the Aqaba talks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had stressed the need to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State group (IS) jihadists. The US military said on Friday its forces had killed an IS leader and another operative in Deir Ezzor province, part of escalated US military action against the group since Assad's overthrow. The US embassy said Leaf also met with Syria's White Helmet rescuers, civil society leaders, activists and others "to hear directly from them about their vision for the future of their country". Below a photograph of Leaf and others with a memorial wreath, the embassy said she had also commemorated the tens of thousands of people murdered, tortured, disappeared or detained under Assad. "The US commitment to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities is unwavering," the embassy said on X. Turkish pressure Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who backed Assad's opponents, has stressed reconciliation and restoration of Syria's territorial integrity and unity. Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, and Erdogan said Friday it was time to destroy "terrorist" groups operating in the country, specifically IS and Kurdish fighters. Also Read | US House passes stopgap funding bill minus Trump's debt ceiling; President-elect says let shutdown 'begin now' "Daesh, the PKK and their affiliates -- which threaten the survival of Syria -- must be eradicated," he told journalists following a summit in Cairo, referring to IS and the Kurdistan Workers Party, respectively. The autonomous administration in northeastern Syria is protected by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, mostly made up of the People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the PKK, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group. Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters. Leaf said Washington was urging a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the SDF around the Kurdish-held Syrian border town of Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab. On a visit to Ankara on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of the dangers of any "escalation" of the fighting, saying: "Security, especially for Kurds, is essential for a free and secure future for Syria." Iran and Russia had long helped to prop up Assad, but on Friday Leaf said she expected Syria would completely end any role for Iran. Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, on Friday urged "the caretaker government to continue to empower and enable women, because they are going to be absolutely critical to the rebuilding of the country". Pope also called for the raft of international sanctions on Syria to be reassessed to help the country regain its footing. Syria's civil war killed more than 500,000 people and sparked an exodus of millions of refugees. On Friday, almost two weeks after Assad's fall and flight to Moscow, Syrians continued to celebrate. Fireworks exploded over Umayyad Square in Damascus, where flag-waving crowds gathered. 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.

Damascus, Syria
<meta content="uuidaPvOTKXj8A5h" name="uuid"/>
A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani.
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."
Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.
Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights.
<h2>Here's a look at the updates from Syria:</h2>
&gt; This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hts-leader-says-syrian-rebel-fighters-to-be-placed-under-defence-ministry-calls-on-west-to-lift-sanctions-784557">HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions</a>
&gt; According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria.
&gt; The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.
&gt; Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities.
&gt; On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS.
Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future?
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&gt; A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission.
&gt; The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. 
&gt; The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members.
(With inputs from agencies)

Syrian leader al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule.



Damascus, Syria A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule. Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights. Here's a look at the updates from Syria: > This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. Also read | HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions > According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria. > The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. > Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. > On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future? > A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission. > The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. > The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader

New Delhi 
A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20). 
The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.
Latest in the Gaza war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they have destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city. 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-diplomats-have-positive-meeting-with-new-syrian-leader-785652">West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472327-untitled-7.png"/>
A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."
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New Delhi A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20). The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. Latest in the Gaza war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they have destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city. Click on the headlines to read more West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. IDF razes 7.5 km of Hamas tunnels, denies reports of civilian killings in Gaza The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday (December 19), that they had destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia. According to the military, these tunnels spanned a combined length of 7.5 kilometres. Kuwait among India's 'top trading partners' says MEA ahead of PM Modi's visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark. Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight MH370, 10 years after it went missing Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said on Friday, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries. US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. Nigeria school fair stampede kills 35 children, 8 arrested for involvement A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday. ‘We have sent a clear message,’ Miandad lauds PCB over CT 2025 venue stance Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is happy with PCB for not bending its stance over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue debate. With the apex body announcing the hybrid model for the eight-team tournament scheduled originally in Pakistan during the February-March window next year, Miandad said the Pakistan board has gained more with this decision than its counterpart BCCI. Pushpa 2 box office: Allu Arjun's movie is unstoppable, earns $177mn globally Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate the box office world. Since its release on Dec 5, the movie has been raking money in double digits, becoming the biggest hit of the year 2024.

Top 10 world news: West Asia crisis updates; US on brink of another govt shutdown, and more

After rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's government, many former prisoners in Syria are now coming forward with their stories one of them is ghazi mohammed Al-Mohammed, who was told to forget his name and remember the number 3006.



'I Was Told To Forget My Identity': Former Prisoner  | The West Asia Post | WION

Damascus
US diplomats are in Syria to meet the country's new Islamist-led rulers, the State Department said Friday, as outside powers seek assurances they will be moderate and inclusive.
The ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, but it has raised concerns about the rights of minorities, as well as women, and the future of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators in Damascus demanded democracy and women's rights, in the first such protest since Assad's departure.
In northeast Syria's Qamishli, thousands demonstrated in support of a US-backed, Kurdish-led force that is under pressure from Turkey and allied rebel fighters.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-to-kick-ukraine-out-of-kursk-region-but-admits-cant-say-when-785249">Russian President Putin says he 'will have a conversation' with ousted Syrian President Assad soon</a>
The lightning offensive that forced Assad's departure was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has more recently adopted a moderate tone.
Still, its sudden arrival in the capital has left foreign governments scrambling for a new policy, particularly in some countries where HTS is designated a terrorist group.
US diplomats have not been to Damascus on a formal mission since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011.
They will meet representatives from HTS, which Washington deems a terrorist group, as well as activists, minority groups and civil society, the State Department said.
They will speak with Syrians about "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them," a State Department spokesperson said.
The delegation includes the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012.
The trip comes a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had been in direct contact with HTS, as he toured Syria's neighbours.
<h2>Kurdish fears</h2>
At talks in the Jordanian resort of Aqaba, Western and Arab powers as well as Turkey jointly called Saturday for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities.
That call was echoed at talks in Cairo on Thursday by countries including Turkey and Iran, which backed different sides in Syria's civil war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose country backed Assad, called for "the participation of all (Syrian) groups in the future government... as well as respect for different beliefs and religions".
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who supported the opposition to Assad, called for reconciliation and restoration of Syria's "territorial integrity and unity".
He also urged the "establishment of a Syria free of terrorism."
Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led fighters and said Thursday it would continue military preparations until they "disarm."
The semiautonomous northeastern region of Syria is protected by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a group led by People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group.
Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters.
Several thousand people chanted "The Syrian people are one" and "No to war in our region, no to Turkey's attack" at Thursday's demonstration in Qamishli.
<h2>'No to religious rule'</h2>
In Damascus meanwhile, a diverse crowd chanted "No to religious rule" and "We want a democracy, not a religious state."
The protest came days after a spokesman for the interim government said "female representation in ministries or parliament... is premature", citing "biological" and other considerations.
Majida Mudarres, a retired civil servant, said she was furious about the comments.
"Women have a big role in political life," the 50-year-old told AFP.
Also watch | Gravitas: UNSC calls for 'Syrian-led' political process
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/18/1812_Manav_G5_SYRIA_9PM-1734544219-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1812_Manav_G5_SYRIA_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=323&tags=Syria,UN,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
"We will be observing any position against women and will not accept it. The time in which we were silent is over."
Assad's departure sparked celebrations at home and abroad.
On Thursday, UN chief Antonio Guterres said his ouster represented a "flame of hope" in a region "consumed by many fires."
But he warned there were obstacles ahead, including continued Israeli air strikes.
These are violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they must stop," Guterres said ahead of a UN Security Council meeting.
Guterres also condemned Israel for pushing its forces into a UN-run buffer zone on its border with Syria following the fall of Assad.
<h2>Putin denies Syria setback</h2>
Assad fled Syria for long-time backer Russia on December 8, and has only issued a single public statement since then.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he had not seen Assad yet, adding: "I plan to, I will definitely speak with him."
And he denied that Assad's fall was a setback for Moscow.
"I assure you it is not," he told an annual press conference.
"We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said.
Russia was Assad's key backer in a civil war that killed more than 500,000 people and sparked the exodus of millions of refugees.
Since Assad's departure, rebels have thrown open prisons where tens of thousands of people were arbitrarily detained and tortured.
They have also located mass graves believed to hold some of the estimated 100,000 people who died or were killed in custody since 2011.
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.

US diplomats have not been to Damascus on a formal mission since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011.



Damascus US diplomats are in Syria to meet the country's new Islamist-led rulers, the State Department said Friday, as outside powers seek assurances they will be moderate and inclusive. The ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, but it has raised concerns about the rights of minorities, as well as women, and the future of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators in Damascus demanded democracy and women's rights, in the first such protest since Assad's departure. In northeast Syria's Qamishli, thousands demonstrated in support of a US-backed, Kurdish-led force that is under pressure from Turkey and allied rebel fighters. Also read | Russian President Putin says he 'will have a conversation' with ousted Syrian President Assad soon The lightning offensive that forced Assad's departure was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch but has more recently adopted a moderate tone. Still, its sudden arrival in the capital has left foreign governments scrambling for a new policy, particularly in some countries where HTS is designated a terrorist group. US diplomats have not been to Damascus on a formal mission since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. They will meet representatives from HTS, which Washington deems a terrorist group, as well as activists, minority groups and civil society, the State Department said. They will speak with Syrians about "their vision for the future of their country and how the United States can help support them," a State Department spokesperson said. The delegation includes the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. The trip comes a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States had been in direct contact with HTS, as he toured Syria's neighbours. Kurdish fears At talks in the Jordanian resort of Aqaba, Western and Arab powers as well as Turkey jointly called Saturday for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. That call was echoed at talks in Cairo on Thursday by countries including Turkey and Iran, which backed different sides in Syria's civil war. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose country backed Assad, called for "the participation of all (Syrian) groups in the future government... as well as respect for different beliefs and religions". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who supported the opposition to Assad, called for reconciliation and restoration of Syria's "territorial integrity and unity". He also urged the "establishment of a Syria free of terrorism." Turkey has been putting pressure on Kurdish-led fighters and said Thursday it would continue military preparations until they "disarm." The semiautonomous northeastern region of Syria is protected by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a group led by People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkey accuses the YPG of being a branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which both Washington and Ankara consider a terrorist group. Kurdish leaders in Syria have welcomed Assad's ouster and raised the three-star independence-era rebel flag, but many in the region fear continued attacks by Turkey and allied fighters. Several thousand people chanted "The Syrian people are one" and "No to war in our region, no to Turkey's attack" at Thursday's demonstration in Qamishli. 'No to religious rule' In Damascus meanwhile, a diverse crowd chanted "No to religious rule" and "We want a democracy, not a religious state." The protest came days after a spokesman for the interim government said "female representation in ministries or parliament... is premature", citing "biological" and other considerations. Majida Mudarres, a retired civil servant, said she was furious about the comments. "Women have a big role in political life," the 50-year-old told AFP. Also watch | Gravitas: UNSC calls for 'Syrian-led' political process "We will be observing any position against women and will not accept it. The time in which we were silent is over." Assad's departure sparked celebrations at home and abroad. On Thursday, UN chief Antonio Guterres said his ouster represented a "flame of hope" in a region "consumed by many fires." But he warned there were obstacles ahead, including continued Israeli air strikes. These are violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they must stop," Guterres said ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. Guterres also condemned Israel for pushing its forces into a UN-run buffer zone on its border with Syria following the fall of Assad. Putin denies Syria setback Assad fled Syria for long-time backer Russia on December 8, and has only issued a single public statement since then. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he had not seen Assad yet, adding: "I plan to, I will definitely speak with him." And he denied that Assad's fall was a setback for Moscow. "I assure you it is not," he told an annual press conference. "We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said. Russia was Assad's key backer in a civil war that killed more than 500,000 people and sparked the exodus of millions of refugees. Since Assad's departure, rebels have thrown open prisons where tens of thousands of people were arbitrarily detained and tortured. They have also located mass graves believed to hold some of the estimated 100,000 people who died or were killed in custody since 2011. 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.

US diplomats arrive in Syria to meet leaders of new govt

Syria: Two Weeks After Assad's Fall, Hundreds Protest For Democracy

A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20).&nbsp;

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-diplomats-have-positive-meeting-with-new-syrian-leader-785652">West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader</a>

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A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader&nbsp;Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka&nbsp;Abu Mohammad al-Julani.&nbsp;Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous&nbsp;said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."

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The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend.&nbsp;

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A stampede at a school&nbsp;funfair&nbsp;in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed&nbsp;35&nbsp;children&nbsp;and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday.

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Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is happy with PCB for not bending its stance over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue debate. With the apex body announcing the hybrid model for the eight-team tournament scheduled originally in Pakistan during the February-March window next year, Miandad said the Pakistan board has gained more with this decision than its counterpart BCCI.

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Allu Arjun's&nbsp;Pushpa 2: The Rule&nbsp;continues to dominate the box office world. Since its release on Dec 5, the movie has been raking money in double digits, becoming the biggest hit of the year 2024.&nbsp;

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A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20).

A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20). The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. Latest in the Gaza war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they have destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city. Click on the headlines to read more West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. IDF razes 7.5 km of Hamas tunnels, denies reports of civilian killings in Gaza The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday (December 19), that they had destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia. According to the military, these tunnels spanned a combined length of 7.5 kilometres. Kuwait among India's 'top trading partners' says MEA ahead of PM Modi's visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark. Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight MH370, 10 years after it went missing Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said on Friday, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries. US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. Nigeria school fair stampede kills 35 children, 8 arrested for involvement A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday. ‘We have sent a clear message,’ Miandad lauds PCB over CT 2025 venue stance Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is happy with PCB for not bending its stance over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue debate. With the apex body announcing the hybrid model for the eight-team tournament scheduled originally in Pakistan during the February-March window next year, Miandad said the Pakistan board has gained more with this decision than its counterpart BCCI. Pushpa 2 box office: Allu Arjun's movie is unstoppable, earns $177mn globally Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate the box office world. Since its release on Dec 5, the movie has been raking money in double digits, becoming the biggest hit of the year 2024.

After rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's government, many former prisoners in Syria are now coming forward with their stories one of them is ghazi mohammed Al-Mohammed, who was told to forget his name and remember the number 3006.

Moscow
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal  within hours of coming to office.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.
Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.
"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.
Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/1912_Manav_ISRAEL_6PM-1734616215-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1912_Manav_ISRAEL_6PM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=181&tags=israel,Houthis,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
<h2>Kursk offensive </h2>
Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield.
But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date.
"We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted.
Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict.
He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth.
Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-doubts-israel-main-beneficiary-of-assad-regimes-fall-would-withdraw-troops-from-buffer-zone-785332">Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone</a>
He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation.
<h2>Oreshnik 'duel'</h2>
Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik.
Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences.
"Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin  proposed.
Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services.
Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator.
"Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings.
"We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said.
<h2>Assad's fall not a 'defeat'</h2>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-trial-who-are-the-51-men-accused-of-raping-gisele-pelicot-785329">France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot?</a>
In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin  rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia.
"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist.
"We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said.
Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon.
The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria".
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.

The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.



Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office. Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow. Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August. The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions. Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican. "I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said. Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis "If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises". Kursk offensive Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield. But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date. "We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted. Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict. He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth. Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant". Also read | Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation. Oreshnik 'duel' Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik. Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences. "Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin proposed. Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator. "Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings. "We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said. Assad's fall not a 'defeat' Also read | France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot? In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia. "You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist. "We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said. Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon. The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria". 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.

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

The UN envoy to Syria called on Wednesday for "free and fair" elections after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, voicing hope for a political solution for Kurdish-held areas.

Syria Civil War: UN Calls For 'Free And Fair' Elections In Syria

Syria's new rulers are reaching out to countries that once treated Bashar al-Assad as a global pariah. The rebels in Damascus are promising to usher in change. Yet, in a startling twist, it now appears Assad, who is a trained doctor, performed his most intricate operation by handing out military secrets to Israel before fleeing to Moscow. Watch in for more details!

Syria War: Did Assad & Netanyahu Work Together To Cripple The Rebels?

Following Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country after a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), all eyes are on what lies ahead and the shape that the transitional government in the country will take. Here are the key developments and their implications. Watch in for more details!

GRAVITAS: Syria's People Must be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

The UN Security Council has called for an inclusive and Syrian-led political process to be implemented in West Asia, following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. The council emphasized that the people of Syria should have the right to determine their own future. In a press statement, which was supported by both the United States and Assad's ally, Russia, the council also urged Syria and its neighboring countries to avoid any actions that could undermine regional security. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's People Must Be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for an “inclusive and Syrian-led” political process to be implemented after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, saying the country’s people must be allowed to determine their future. Watch this report for more details!

UN Security Council Calls for Syrian-Led Political Process

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 



- Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security 

- Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza

- US denies roll in Kirillov killing 

- Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon, Vows to Protect Israel's Security | WION Speed News

Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.

Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’

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