‘Not a mouthpiece of the regime’: Syria’s state news agency enters new era

Journalists and broadcasters at Sana wait for ‘actions, not words’ but look to future after fall of Assad government

Zyad Mahameed finally has the job he always wanted. In his previous role in the media team for the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, he often thought about the Syrian state news agency – an Assad regime mouthpiece he considered his opposition – and what he would do if he was in charge there. Now he is.

As an appointee of the HTS-led caretaker government, his position is at present temporary but his plans for the Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) stretch far into the future.

Topics

Welcome to the Wellness Era: Gyms Are the New Third Space

Gyms aren’t just a place to work out anymore. They’re now where people hang out and create community.
Inc. - 1d
On a Raid With Syria’s New Security Forces

After the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, The New York Times joined a group of former rebel soldiers trying to enforce law and order in a country grappling with the ghosts of its past.
The New York Times - 2d
Syria Faces Big Challenge in Seeking Justice for Assad Regime Crimes

The rebel alliance that took power has vowed to prosecute senior figures from the ousted government, but accountability will be hard to achieve in a vulnerable, divided and battered country.
The New York Times - Jan. 12
Arab States Race Turkey for Influence in New Syria

Saudi Arabia and others are overlooking the new leadership’s jihadist past, hoping to gain an advantage on rivals in the strategically positioned country.
The Wall Street Journal - Jan. 10
The 2 Best N.B.A. Teams Are Ushering in a New Era

The league’s run of superteams is over, a columnist for The Athletic writes.
The New York Times - Jan. 9
What This New Era of Power Looks Like in Washington

The vibe around the halls of Congress has been quite different from this time four years ago.
The New York Times - Jan. 9
Virginia Holds the First Elections of the New Trump Era

Voters are going to the polls on Tuesday in three special elections for the legislature that will serve as barometers of political energy for both parties.
The New York Times - Jan. 7
Top EU diplomats visit ousted Assad regime's prison of horrors in Syria

The French and German foreign ministers are the most senior Western officials to visit Syria since longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled by rebels.
CBS News - Jan. 3
EU, Japan enter new era of ties with strategic partnership

Yahoo News - Jan. 1

More from The Guardian

Donald Trump to take oath of office as US braces for vengeful second term

Incoming commander-in-chief had promised retaliation against his foes with majorities in both Congress chambers. The United States was bracing for a new era of disruption and division on Monday ...
The Guardian - 1h
The world braces for Trump, hoping for the best, unprepared for the worst

His pick for secretary of state may have given measured assessment of world affairs, but ‘crazy’ Trump will call the shots. Western allies of the US are braced for the return of Donald Trump, still ...
The Guardian - 16h
‘Everything, everywhere, all at once’: what will Trump 2.0 unleash?

On Monday the 47th president will be sworn in – and critics say Trump’s second term will be more radical than his first. Come 12pm on Monday, on what is expected to be a bone-chillingly cold day , ...
The Guardian - 23h
‘This isn’t politics’: Nelly defends decision to perform at Trump inauguration ball after backlash

Rapper says he is honoured to perform for the US president after he and other acts, including Village People and Billy Ray Cyrus, faced criticism . Nelly has defended his decision to perform at US ...
The Guardian - 7h
90 Palestinians released by Israel as Gaza ceasefire enters second day – Middle East crisis live

Palestinian detainees greeted with joy in West Bank after earlier release of three Israeli hostages on Sunday . Full report: Palestinians celebrate as prisoners freed ‘I can’t believe I have ...
The Guardian - 10m

More in World

90 Palestinians released by Israel as Gaza ceasefire enters second day – Middle East crisis live

Palestinian detainees greeted with joy in West Bank after earlier release of three Israeli hostages on Sunday . Full report: Palestinians celebrate as prisoners freed ‘I can’t believe I have ...
The Guardian - 10m
Australia v England: Women’s Ashes first cricket T20 international – live

Match in Sydney begins at 7.15pm (AEDT)/8.15am (GMT) Share your thoughts with Tanya via email 2nd over: Australia 21-0 (Mooney 6, Voll 9) Lauren Bell at the other end. Drifts on the leg side ...
The Guardian - 11m
Australian Open 2025: Michelsen v De Minaur, Swiatek sweeps past Lys – live

Updates from ninth day of tennis at Melbourne Park Channel Nine’s Tony Jones apologises to Novak Djokovic Sign up for the Recap | And you can drop Daniel a mail Back on Court, Shelton ...
The Guardian - 12m
Fighting Has Halted in Gaza, but the War Is Not Over

Sunday’s delayed start to the truce was a minor problem compared with the difficult choices and American leverage needed to get both parties to the second phase, which could end the war.
The New York Times - 24m
How Mexico Is Preparing for Tariffs Negotiations With Trump

President Claudia Sheinbaum is detaining more migrants, seizing more fentanyl and positioning her country as a key ally against China. But the U.S. stance has shifted, too.
The New York Times - 25m