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Syria

One year after President Bashar Assad's fall, Syria remains deeply scarred. While a new transitional government has revived international ties, sectarian violence persists and millions continue to face severe hunger.

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President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, China, on a red carpet, flanked by suits

President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, China, on a red carpet, flanked by suits

China-Syria: Bashar Assad seeks Xi's help to end isolation

Isolated since Syria's civil war began in 2011, Bashar Assad has negotiated a "strategic partnership" with China.

Xi Jinping and Bashar Assad meet at a table in a Syrian state TV image

Xi Jinping and Bashar Assad meet at a table in a Syrian state TV image

China, Syria announce 'partnership' after Assad-Xi talks

China has been a stalwart defender of Assad's regime, despite Western human rights criticism.

Syrian President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province

Syrian President Bashar Assad arrives in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province

Syria's Assad visits China for first time since civil war

China has long provided diplomatic support to Assad's regime, and could help in reconstructing war-battered Syria.

An ISIS propaganda video showing Islamic State militants during battles along the border of Iraq and Syria

An ISIS propaganda video showing Islamic State militants during battles along the border of Iraq and Syria

Syria's Deir el-Zour: Unrest quelled without shared road map

The latest clashes were fueled by the anger of Arab tribes under Kurdish control amid the influence of opposing backers.

Indian Minister of State V. Muraleedharan meets Syrian President Bashar Assad

Indian Minister of State V. Muraleedharan meets Syrian President Bashar Assad

India builds Syria ties to boost Middle East presence

As Middle Eastern countries accept Assad's control over Syria, India is beginning to renew its ties with Damascus.

People stage a protest as they wave the Druze flags in the southern city of Sweida, Syria.

People stage a protest as they wave the Druze flags in the southern city of Sweida, Syria.

Syria protests: New revolution or economic issue?

Anti-government protests have gained momentum. Some say a new revolution is starting, while others point to the economy.

A relative weaping over the boody of one of his family members killed during the chemical attack in Ghouta on 21 August 2013

A relative weaping over the boody of one of his family members killed during the chemical attack in Ghouta on 21 August 2013

Chemical attack in Syria 10 years on: 'We'll never forget'

A decade after the deadly chemical attack on civilians in Ghouta, nobody has been held accountable.

Syrian President Assad pictured leaving tarmac for Arab League Summit in Jeddah in May 2023

Syrian President Assad pictured leaving tarmac for Arab League Summit in Jeddah in May 2023

What's behind Assad's return?

After years of being ostracized, Syrian President Bashar Assad has been welcomed back to the Arab League. But why?

This picture shows a partial view of Amin street in old Damascus, on March 22, 2023

This picture shows a partial view of Amin street in old Damascus, on March 22, 2023

Syria: Blast at Iran-linked missile stockpile in Damascus

The missile stockpiles of pro-Iranian militias near Damascus were hit by an explosion in the early hours of Sunday.

Syrian government soliders patrolling near Aleppo in 2020

Syrian government soliders patrolling near Aleppo in 2020

Syrian soldiers die in 'IS'-claimed attack

The "IS" group claimed responsibility for an attack on an army bus in Syria's east, killing over 20 troops.

Trucks on Bab al-Hawa passage between Hatay, Turkey and Idlib Governorate, Syria

Trucks on Bab al-Hawa passage between Hatay, Turkey and Idlib Governorate, Syria

Syria: UN, Damascus agree on aid deliveries to rebel areas

Aid deliveries from Turkey to rebel-held areas of northwestern Syria stopped in late July.

Syria's air defense missile, responding to a missile strike, is seen in the sky over Damascus, capital of Syria, on January 21, 2019

Syria's air defense missile, responding to a missile strike, is seen in the sky over Damascus, capital of Syria, on January 21, 2019

Syria reports soldier deaths in Israeli strike near Damascus

Syrian state media has reported four soldiers were killed in a missile strike outside Damascus.

A disabled man sits in a wheelchair near a woman outside a tent at the "Blue camp" for Syrians displaced by conflict near the town of Maaret Misrin in the rebel-held northern part of the northwestern Idlib province.

A disabled man sits in a wheelchair near a woman outside a tent at the "Blue camp" for Syrians displaced by conflict near the town of Maaret Misrin in the rebel-held northern part of the northwestern Idlib province.

Disabilities in Syria: A 'hidden' crisis

February's earthquake came on top of a decade of war. Now, around a third of Syrians have a disability of some kind.

Syrien | Kämpfe zwischen dem IS und der syrischen Armee

Syrien | Kämpfe zwischen dem IS und der syrischen Armee

'Islamic State' group announces death of its leader

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in April that he was dead.

Three German police officers

Three German police officers

Alleged former Syrian militia leader arrested in Germany

The suspect was accused of crimes against humanity during the Syrian civil war.

Workers from different local humanitarian aid agencies, including the White Helmets and the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous Foundation, protest the closing of the border crossing to international aid deliveries.

Workers from different local humanitarian aid agencies, including the White Helmets and the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous Foundation, protest the closing of the border crossing to international aid deliveries.

Russia, Assad, UN? How to get aid to millions in Syria now

After the end of a UN mandate, the future of aid deliveries into northern Syria is worryingly uncertain.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (right) welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani (left) in Damascus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (right) welcomes Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani (left) in Damascus

Iraqi PM al-Sudani visits Syria to normalize relations

Although Baghdad maintained ties with Syria during the civil war, no Iraqi PM has visited Damascus for over a decade.

Workers unload bags of aid at a warehouse near the Syrian Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey

Workers unload bags of aid at a warehouse near the Syrian Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey

UN calls Syria cross-border aid conditions 'unacceptable'

Millions of people living in the rebel-held region will be affected if the UN fails to resume humanitarian aid there.

A loaded semi tractor-trailer at the Bab al-Hawa crossing between Turkey and Syria

A loaded semi tractor-trailer at the Bab al-Hawa crossing between Turkey and Syria

UN Security Council: Russia vetoes Syria humanitarian aid

The situation arose when Russia vetoed a nine-month extension, leaving four million Syrians without aid.

A Syrian protestor burning a picture of Syria's President Bashar Assad

A Syrian protestor burning a picture of Syria's President Bashar Assad

Syria: More than a decade of torture, murder, disappearances

Syria may be making a minor diplomatic comeback. But inside the country, human rights abuses are business as usual.

A picture from the drone showing a Russian fighter jet flying close by above fields and villages in Syria

A picture from the drone showing a Russian fighter jet flying close by above fields and villages in Syria

Russian jets harass US drones over Syria for second day

Russian jets have intercepted American drones in a "sustained and unprofessional interaction" once again.

The defendant Nadine K. in court

The defendant Nadine K. in court

German court convicts woman of enslaving Yazidi woman

The court found the woman guilty of being a member of the IS terror group, crimes against humanity and aiding genocide.

A man walks past banners depicting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, near damaged buildings

A man walks past banners depicting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, near damaged buildings

Economic diplomacy: Who wants to invest in Syria now?

The world seems to want to start doing business with Syria again, despite a government accused of war crimes.

Survivors of latest tragical shipwreck prepare to board a bus to transfer to Athens at the port of Kalamata, Greece, Friday, June 16, 2023.

Survivors of latest tragical shipwreck prepare to board a bus to transfer to Athens at the port of Kalamata, Greece, Friday, June 16, 2023.

UN says migrant boat capsizing off Greece 'horrific tragedy'

UN agencies called for investigating and holding to account smugglers and human traffickers.

A woman carries a jug of water after refilling it at a neighbourhood water tank in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on June 11, 2023.

A woman carries a jug of water after refilling it at a neighbourhood water tank in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on June 11, 2023.

Syria: EU pledges €560m as UN warns of 'enormous' needs

UN agencies and aid organizations have called for greater financial support to combat the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

A helicopter takes off from a US military base

A helicopter takes off from a US military base

US soldiers injured in helicopter 'mishap' in Syria

A helicopter accident in northeastern Syria left 22 American service members injured.

A guard opens a door inside a prison that holds foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, in Hasaka, Syria, January 7, 2020.

A guard opens a door inside a prison that holds foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, in Hasaka, Syria, January 7, 2020.

Netherlands, Canada take Syria torture claims to ICJ

The two countries are seeking both a crimes against humanity hearing, and an order that Damascus halt any such actions.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad greets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah

Assad attends Arab League summit after years of isolation

The 22-member league suspended Syria in a major condemnation of the government's crack down on protesters in 2011.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at press conference

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at press conference

Baerbock warns against 'unconditional' Assad normalization

Baerbock's comments come as a number of Arab states have softened their positions toward Damascus in recent months.

A man reacts as he looks at a gruesome collection of images of dead bodies taken by a photographer, who has been identified by the code name "Caesar," at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

A man reacts as he looks at a gruesome collection of images of dead bodies taken by a photographer, who has been identified by the code name "Caesar," at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Syria invited to Arab League meeting, despite war crimes

Human rights groups want the Arab League to remember exactly what the Assad government has done during the civil war.

Syrians stage a protest against Bashar al-Assad regime within the 10th anniversary of the Syrian Civil War in Idlib, Syria on March 15, 2021..

Syrians stage a protest against Bashar al-Assad regime within the 10th anniversary of the Syrian Civil War in Idlib, Syria on March 15, 2021..

Syria returns to Arab League: What will it change?

What impact will this have on Syrian refugees, a government-supported drug trade and the country's stormy politics?

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo on May 7, 2023.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo on May 7, 2023.

Arab League readmits Syria after 12-year suspension

Syria's membership was suspended in 2011 after protests against President Bashar Assad turned violent.

President Ebrahim Raisi, left, shakes hands with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria

President Ebrahim Raisi, left, shakes hands with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria

Iran president visits Syria for first time since civil war

Iranian forces played a major role in defending Bashar Assad's government in Syria during years of war.

Syrien Flüchtlingslager Mashhad Ruhin

Syrien Flüchtlingslager Mashhad Ruhin

World Refugee Day: Middle East and North Africa

Middle Eastern countries both host the most refugees in the world, and send the most people fleeing elsewhere.

Türkei I Viertel in Ankara

Türkei I Viertel in Ankara

Turkey's long road to recovery

Ahead of a high stakes presidential election, and observers are warning Turkey's displaced voters could get shut out.

Archive image of a US helicopter at an undisclosed location in eastern Syria from 2019

Archive image of a US helicopter at an undisclosed location in eastern Syria from 2019

Syria: US helicopter raid hits senior 'Islamic State' leader

US Central Command said the operation "resulted in the probable death of the targeted individual."

A child watches as a local artist works on a mural painting showing the late Syrian rebel fighter Abdel-Basset al-Sarout in the town of Binnish in the jihadi-held northern Idlib province .

A child watches as a local artist works on a mural painting showing the late Syrian rebel fighter Abdel-Basset al-Sarout in the town of Binnish in the jihadi-held northern Idlib province .

Arabs embracing Assad: Will it help ordinary Syrians?

The Syrian government is being taken back into the fold by Arab neighbors. Will this help Syrians living in poverty?

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 12, 2023.

Syria, Saudi Arabia welcome thaw after over decade rift

The two countries announced restoration of consulate services and flights as Syria eases ties with Arab neighbors.

Syrian and Tunisian flags

Syrian and Tunisian flags

Tunisia, Syria resume diplomatic ties after almost 11 years

Syria is to reopen its diplomatic mission in Tunisia, the two countries have announced.

An explosion is provoked as Syrian soldiers take part in a training session to remove and neutralise unexploded weapons, in the countryside of the capital Damascus, on June 19, 2022

An explosion is provoked as Syrian soldiers take part in a training session to remove and neutralise unexploded weapons, in the countryside of the capital Damascus, on June 19, 2022

Syria: Suspected IS land mine kills truffle foragers

It's the latest in a spate of attacks on truffle hunters in Syria.

A fence runs along the edge of the Israeli-occupied region of the Golan Heights in Syria

A fence runs along the edge of the Israeli-occupied region of the Golan Heights in Syria

Israel launches retaliatory strikes against targets in Syria

Israeli forces have targeted militants and the Syrian military after a series of rocket strikes in the Golan Heights.

DW-Webvideo | Ramadan im Erdbebengebiet in Syrien

DW-Webvideo | Ramadan im Erdbebengebiet in Syrien

Syrians displaced by earthquake celebrate Ramadan

Those left homeless and in shelters are struggling to put Iftar — the fast-breaking evening meal — on the table.

A file photo of US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft flying over a desert

A file photo of US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber aircraft flying over a desert

Syria: US forces kill senior 'Islamic State' leader

Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, a senior IS leader tied to planned attacks in Europe, was killed in Syria.

Ryyan Alshebl sitting on a bench in Ostelsheim

Ryyan Alshebl sitting on a bench in Ostelsheim

German village elects Syrian refugee as mayor

Ryyan Alshebl has become the mayor of a German village just eight years after fleeing the civil war in Syria.

Thumbnail: Are sanctions hampering aid efforts in Syria?

Thumbnail: Are sanctions hampering aid efforts in Syria?

Who wants to lift Syria sanctions — Syrians or Assad regime?

After the earthquake, calls to lift sanctions on Syria flooded social media. Who is behind these calls?

A man carries the dead body of a person who died under the rubble in the earthquake in Idlib, Syria.

A man carries the dead body of a person who died under the rubble in the earthquake in Idlib, Syria.

Syria: Will the UN investigate its earthquake aid delays?

Syrian activists and a UN commission demand an investigation into aid delays following the February earthquakes.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaking with Joint Chief of Staff General Mark Milley.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaking with Joint Chief of Staff General Mark Milley.

US conducts Syria airstrikes after drone kills US contractor

A drone, allegedly of Iranian origin, hit a facility in Syria — killing a US contractor and prompting a counterattack.

EU Comission chief Ursula von der Leyen talks to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at Brussels donor conference

EU Comission chief Ursula von der Leyen talks to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at Brussels donor conference

Donors pledge €7 billion to Turkey, Syria quake recovery

At a donor conference, the EU said it will fund humantiarian assistance, but not full-scale reconstruction in Syria.

A woman walks past street art on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel-held town of Jandaris

A woman walks past street art on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel-held town of Jandaris

Turkey-Syria earthquakes

As the EU hosts a donor's conference for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, DW brings you the latest on the ground.

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcoming his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Abu Dhabi on March 19, 2023

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan welcoming his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Abu Dhabi on March 19, 2023

Syria's Assad visits UAE as Arab isolation eases

Last month's deadly earthquakes sped up efforts by Arab nations to reconcile with Damascus after the civil war.