World Bank says Syria eligible for new loans after debts cleared

The World Bank says it will restart operations in Syria following a 14-year pause after the country cleared more than $15m of debt with financial backing from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The United States-based institution announced on Friday that Syria no …

US to reduce its military contingent in Syria to 900 — TV

DOHA, May 16. /TASS/. The United States is withdrawing its troops from Syria and plans to reduce its contingent there to 900, the Al Jazeera television channel reported, citing an unnamed US official. According to the Al Jazeera source, US …

The US can help Syria with “democratic political transition”

Jordan king warned US against assassinating Syria’s Sharaa before Trump meeting: Report

A US senator on Thursday said that Jordan’s King Abdullah II had warned the US against assassinating Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, prior to his meeting with President Donald Trump. According to a Middle East Eye report, the striking admission by a US …

World Bank to resume operations in Syria

The World Bank announced on Friday that it will resume operations in Syria after a 14-year suspension, following the repayment of the country's outstanding debts by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Bank’s operations in Syria were halted when the civil war …

From billion-dollar deals to backing Syria's Sharaa: Key takeaways from Trump’s Gulf tour

US President Donald Trump concluded a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on Friday, marked by extravagant displays of hospitality, multi-billion dollar agreements, and brief policy discussions on key regional conflicts. The …

Rand Paul Grills Middle East Affairs Nominee Over Lies About U.S. Troops in Syria

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is demanding answers from Joel Rayburn, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, over his former boss’s controversial admission to lying to the president over the number of troops …

Syria, Turkey seize nine million captagon pills in joint operation

Syrian and Turkish authorities announced Thursday the seizure of more than nine million pills of captagon, a powerful illegal stimulant, in a joint narcotics operation that spanned one month. Syrian officials said the network was dismantled and arrests …

Israel And Syria Held Secret Security Talks

They went to Baku. Israel and Syria held secret talks in Baku mediated by Azerbaijan. This is reported by Israeli news portal Ynet with reference to sources. According to the interlocutors of the publication, Israel at the meeting with representatives of …

Analysis: After meeting Trump, Syria's new leader must prove his willingness, capability

BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 16 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's unexpected approach to Syria has presented a significant opportunity for the country's interim president, Ahmad Sharaa, to prove that he can overcome the enormous challenges he faces …