Syrians risk their lives for desert delicacy

Between February and April, Syrians search for desert truffles, risking threats by Iran-backed militias, attacks from ISIS elements and landmines planted by the extremists.

US strikes IRGC facilities in Syria in response to deadly drone attack

Ongoing Iranian-backed attacks against US and coalition forces in Syria undermine the global battle against ISIS, contribute to regional instability, and endanger innocent lives.

IRGC activates Damascus missile battery with materiel smuggled via Albu Kamal

A new Iranian air defence system was brought in piecemeal via crossings with Iraq controlled by the IRGC and allies in Deir Ezzor's Albu Kamal area.

Syrians begin Ramadan as earthquake devastation adds to war's hardships

Many will face hardship during the holy month as the country enters its 13th year of war, with the population weary and the economy shattered.

Iraq, Oman (not China) laid the groundwork for Saudi-Iran detente

China has claimed full credit for brokering the deal, which capitalises on the hard work Iraq and Oman have put into mending Saudi-Iran rift.

Teenage sons of ISIS foreign fighters find help at Syria rehab centre

A rehabilitation centre in the Kurdish-administered northeast seeks to prepare youth raised on extremist ideology to integrate into their communities.

Iranian companies invade the Syrian marketplace

Iran's reach into the Syrian economy puts Syria in a dangerous position and circumvents the sanctions imposed under the 2019 Caesar Act, experts say.

Hizbullah defectors, former supporters bemoan party's neglect

In videos posted online and interviews with Al-Mashareq, former Hizbullah fighters and supporters criticise the party's treatment of its own.

Hope rings out in former ISIS stronghold of Mosul

The three new bells of al-Saa church, named after the archangels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael, were cast at a French foundry in Normandy.

China-brokered Iran-Saudi deal raises questions in region

Some question China's neutrality and ability to act as a mediator, while others question its motives and point to its record of 'debt trap diplomacy'.

Diyala attack probe ongoing, as fingers point to pro-Iran militias

Gun wielding men on motorbikes stormed a village in the province last month. Some local residents say the attackers were pro-Iran militiamen.

Syrians blame regime corruption, substandard housing for heavy quake toll

Regime looters stripped rebar from residential buildings, while systemic government corruption spawned substandard housing.

Poverty, prolonged war on ISIS push Iraqi children into labour

Economic hardship has forced many families to send their underage children to work. Minors are also the victims of recruitment and brainwashing by extremist groups such as ISIS.

Iraq, US keen to strengthen ties as Pentagon chief visits

Defence co-operation against ISIS is a 'key pillar' of the relationship, Secretary of Defence says, with US troops ready to remain at Iraq's invitation.

Russia proves unwilling, incapable of helping Syrians hit by recent quake

Russian forces are omnipresent in Syria, but affected Syrians say Moscow has done very little to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

Lebanon's Tripoli, Syria's north neglected despite dire need of aid after quake

The catastrophic February 6 earthquake cast a spotlight on pre-existing conditions of old buildings in Tripoli, and further exposed the inhumanity of the Syrian regime, activists say.

Iraqi forces track down ISIS leaders in wide-ranging operations

Iraqi forces have tracked down and targeted ISIS remnants in their hideouts during a series of operations in provinces across the country.

Iran, Hizbullah selective in sending aid to Syria, prioritising regime-controlled areas

Iran and Hizbullah have been making a show of helping regime-controlled parts of Syria after a devastating earthquake, but deliberately have bypassed the hardest hit areas.