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.
Syrian and Israeli officials have been holding talks about security arrangements along their shared border as part of U.S.-mediated efforts to reset decades of hostility.
The ex-rebels now in control of Syria say they are ending rule by fear, overhauling the security and prison systems, and holding elections. But concerns over sectarianism and inclusivity remain.
Judges issued arrest warrants for Bashar al-Assad and six officials of his regime in Syria for an attack that killed two journalists, including Marie Colvin.
Millions of Syrians from destroyed places like Daraya feel they did everything possible to overthrow the Assad government, but they still await reconstruction aid.
A bipartisan pair of members of Congress made the first official U.S. visit there since the fall of the Assad government, arguing that it was time to permanently lift American sanctions.
A bipartisan pair of members of Congress made the first official U.S. visit there since the fall of the Assad government, arguing that it was time to permanently lift American sanctions.
An inquiry found that members of the new government’s forces took part in killing Syrian civilians during sectarian fighting in March, but found no evidence that they acted on government orders.
Many in the capital worry that the secular freedoms they enjoyed under the Assad regime are under threat from the new Islamist government.