The decision comes days before the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Shara, is expected in Washington for the first time since he came to power.
Ten months after rebels toppled the long-entrenched Assad regime, little-checked bloodshed has led many Syrians to abandon hope that the years of brutality may be over.
Ten months after rebels toppled the long-entrenched Assad regime, little-checked bloodshed has led many Syrians to abandon hope that the years of brutality may be over.
President Ahmed al-Shara is making his first trip to Moscow, which backed the regime his rebels overthrew. Both sides have reasons to put the past aside.
Tensions have been building over government attempts to bring the Kurdish-led region in northeastern Syria under its authority. Kurdish leaders have so far resisted.
In the first elections since the Assad regime was ousted, there was no popular vote and women and minorities won few seats. Still, many Syrians saw it as progress toward ending authoritarian rule.
In the first elections since the Assad regime was ousted, there was no popular vote and women and minorities won few seats. Still, many Syrians saw it as progress toward ending authoritarian rule.
Syrians are voting indirectly, and President Ahmed al-Shara is appointing a third of the lawmakers. Still, some see this as a step forward after decades of dictatorship.
Ahmed al-Shara has shifted shapes many times during his ascent from rebel commander to national leader. This week, he is expected to be the first Syrian president to address the U.N. General Assembly in 58 years.