Syria’s Rebels Struck When Assad’s Allies Were Weakened and Distracted

Diminished support for the Syrian government from Iran, Hezbollah and Russia enabled opposition forces to take the initiative and seize new territory.

Topics

Russia and Iran Pledge Support for Syria’s al-Assad Against Advancing Rebels

In just a few days, a patchwork of rebel forces has seized control of a broad stretch of land in the west and northwest of Syria. But it’s unclear just how much support Syria’s weakened allies can ...
The New York Times - 24m
Who Are HTS, the Rebels Leading the Syria Offensive?

The group now advancing, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, says it wants to replace the Assad government with one inspired by Islamic principles.
The New York Times - 6h
Syria crisis due to Assad’s refusal to engage with opposition, says Turkish minister

Iran’s foreign minister blamed Israel’s intervention instead, but emergency talks in Ankara said to be ‘constructive’. Middle East crisis – live updates The crisis in Syria is the result of ...
The Guardian - 1h
Syria Rebels Take Aleppo Airport and Attack Hama, Officials and a Monitor Say

Forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have captured the Aleppo airport and are attacking the western city of Hama, according to local officials and a Britain-based war monitor.
The New York Times - 1d
Rebels Seize Control Over Most of Syria’s Largest City in Aleppo

The rapid advance on Aleppo came just four days into a surprise opposition offensive that is the most intense escalation in years in the civil war.
The New York Times - 2d
Drug Companies Face Hostility as They Hope for Allies Among Trump’s Health Picks

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other candidates for top health posts are at odds with the drug industry, setting the stage for tense battles over regulatory changes.
The New York Times - 4d
Passengers in fatal bus crash near French ski resort were mostly Colombian nationals living in Spain

Colombian officials said Monday that most of the victims of a bus crash in Southern France, in which two people were killed and dozens were injured, are citizens of the South American country, who ...
ABC News - 2h
Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Weighing a Hysterectomy

Many patients are confused about what their surgeons are planning. Here’s how to get the details.
The New York Times - 4h
What is happening in north-western Syria and why now?

Rebels have captured a swathe of land during their largest offensive against the government in years.
BBC News - 1h
The surprise Syrian rebel offensive could be a Mideast turning point

For years, American policymakers have grappled with how to manage the Middle East’s shifting alliances and conflicts while reducing direct military commitments.
The Hill - 1h