Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages- analysis

DAMASCUS — Syria and Iraq are discussing the restoration of organized Shiite pilgrimages to the Sayyida Zaynab shrine near Damascus, following high-level talks on October 28. The prospect has raised hopes of reviving businesses that once depended on …

Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages

The prospect of renewed activity has also revived concerns among Syrians who remember the involvement of Iran-backed armed groups in the country's civil war. DAMASCUS — Syria and Iraq are discussing the restoration of organized Shiite pilgrimages to …

The Media Line: Return of Shiite Pilgrims to Syria Offers Economic Hope, Revives Wartime Fears 

Return of Shiite Pilgrims to Syria Offers Economic Hope, Revives Wartime Fears As Damascus and Baghdad discuss restoring organized visits to a major Shiite shrine, local businesses welcome the prospect, while residents and activists demand safeguards …

Syria plans to activate new border crossings, including crossing with Turkey

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ports and Customs Authority on Monday said it is studying new border crossings, including Qamishli-Nusaybin with Turkey, while pursuing customs automation and infrastructure upgrades to boost regional trade and …

Healing in the aftermath of war: GMF Australia’s medical mission to eastern Syria

In Summary A team of volunteers from Global Medical Foundation Australia (GMFA) partnered with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a US-based not-for-profit organisation, to deliver a week of medical, surgical, orthopaedic and dental care to …

“Voluntary Return” Within Syria Means Moving from One Tent to Another

Many of those returning to their home areas, especially widows and women supporting their families, direct their criticism toward the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour after waiting in vain for job opportunities Among them is Taghreed, who longs for a …

Terrorist plot targeting oil refinery foiled in Syria

 A source in the General Intelligence Service told SANA on Sunday that a terrorist plot to target the Homs refinery has been foiled. The Homs refinery plays an important role alongside the Baniyas refinery in securing petroleum derivatives for the local …

Syria Arrests Two ISIS Militants Involved in Assassinations

Syrian authorities said on Sunday they arrested two ISIS members in the east of the country, blaming them for targeted killings including that of a defense ministry official. In a statement, the internal security forces announced the arrest of "two …

UAE offers solidarity to Syria over flood victims, missing persons

Syria Weighs Joining Saudi Mutual Defense Pact as Yemen War Rages

Syria is considering joining a regional defense alliance with Saudi Arabia, its foreign minister said on Saturday, raising the prospect that Damascus could become involved in the kingdom’s widening conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen. …