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Syria's new government has taken two significant steps, beginning the return of property to Syrian Jewish families who left decades ago. Separately, it made a deal with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the Rojava region involving a prisoner transfer, seen as a step toward a political transition. Concurrently, a Syrian official, Bassam Kosa, stated that President Bashar al-Assad had fled Damascus, describing a collapse of the regime after 25 years in power. Violence and humanitarian problems continue in the country.
In northeastern Syria, Kurds are worried their self-governing region is coming to an end, fearing a loss of autonomy and feeling abandoned by international allies. Turkey's foreign minister has commented on the situation, highlighting the need for rights and security for Syria's Kurds.
Israel conducted military strikes in Lebanon, which were condemned by Hezbollah, Ansarullah, and Iran. The latter accused Israel of violating a ceasefire. In Lebanon, Hezbollah is under pressure to show restraint, with the prime minister stating he would not allow the group to drag the country into a new conflict. Separately, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham ended a meeting with a Lebanese general after the general refused to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, with Graham later calling Lebanon an unreliable partner.
The United States is making plans to withdraw its troops from Syria, raising major concerns about the fate of the Kurdish-led forces, who have been key U.S. allies. At the same time, the U.S. is planning to reopen its embassy in Syria after 14 years. Elsewhere, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Cairo for talks focused on Gaza and regional tensions.
5 topics | 61 sources
The Syrian government in Damascus has reached a ceasefire and security agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). As part of the deal, a Kurdish official was appointed governor of Hasakah province, and Syrian security forces entered the city. Separately, the government has begun returning property to Syrian Jewish families who left the country decades ago. The United Nations Security Council welcomed the ceasefire deal and urged its full implementation.
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has publicly expressed solidarity with Iran following recent tensions. The group's chief said Iran has always supported Palestine and blamed US-Israeli enmity on Iran blocking a 'Greater Israel' scheme. Lebanon's prime minister warned Hezbollah not to drag the country into a new conflict. A senior Lebanese official also called on the group to act with restraint if Tehran were attacked.
Bassam Kosa, a Syrian official, said President Bashar al-Assad had fled Damascus. Kosa said Assad had respected him but then betrayed people by escaping. Reports describe the collapse of Syria's regime, which had been in power for 25 years.
11 topics | 100 sources
Feb 20
US plans to withdraw all troops from Syria after years of presenceMultiple reports indicate the United States is planning a complete withdrawal of its military forces from Syria. The move comes amid heightened tensions with Iran in the region. Some reports suggest this shift alters U.S. support for Kurdish groups in Syria.
Feb 9 — Feb 8
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham criticizes Lebanon over Hezbollah stanceU.S. Senator Lindsey Graham abruptly ended a meeting with a Lebanese general after the general refused to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Graham later stated that Lebanon's position on Hezbollah makes the country an unreliable partner. Separately, a Hezbollah official claimed that ongoing talks between Iran and the United States show the failure of an Israeli plan.