A decade-long conflict that reshaped the region, sparked by protests against the Ba'athist regime and evolving into a multifront struggle
Protests over the killing of Sami Shekhmous Hiso in Hasakeh Province have sparked prison violence at Kobani. Inmates set dormitories ablaze as security forces wage a crackdown; authorities call for restraint while Kurdish groups demand a transparent investigation.
The government has scrapped the planned digital ID program, shifting funds to ease households’ electricity bills. Burnham’s administration says the move aims to provide relief amid rising living costs, and reverses Starmer’s earlier plan that faced widespread opposition and a large petition.
The 1951 Refugee Convention has shaped protections for millions, but fragmentation is rising amid record displacement. EU dialogue, U.S. policy shifts, and new consultations aim to reform protection by 2027.
Syria has signed a memorandum with Russia that will hand civilian control of Hmeimim airport and Tartus’ commercial berth to Damascus and convert military areas at both sites into joint Russian–Syrian training centres. The agreement follows 18 months of talks, sets a three‑month transition and preserves Russian access for naval and air transit duties.
A Damascus criminal court has sentenced ousted president Bashar al‑Assad, his brother Maher and several senior former officials — including Atef Najib, who is in custody — to death for murders, torture and crimes against humanity committed during Syria’s 14‑year conflict. The rulings have been issued in absentia for Assad and Maher, who are in Russia.
Lebanon has passed legislation abolishing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. Parliament has also approved a separate general amnesty law that will reduce some long sentences and free inmates detained more than 12 prison years while awaiting trial; the measures respond to severe prison overcrowding and political pressures.
Maj. Gen. Adel Issa has been transferred to Syrian custody after Lebanese authorities detained him; he faces charges including intentional homicide, torture leading to death and crimes aimed at inciting civil war. A Damascus referral judge will decide whether to proceed to trial, marking a potential shift in how Lebanon handles figures wanted by Damascus.
A Damascus court has found Ahmad Hassoun, Syria’s former grand mufti, guilty of inciting violence and supporting the regime, delivering a life sentence and additional terms. The ruling comes amid a wave of trials against Assad-era officials as the new authorities push for accountability.