While some Syrians celebrated Ahmed al-Shara as head of state, others questioned how the decision to elevate the rebel leader was made.
Author: Christina Goldbaum
Syria’s Ahmed al-Shara Named as President During Transitional Period
The new leadership of the country said the rebel coalition leader, Ahmed al-Shara, would serve as president during a transitional period.
Violence Reported as Deadline Passes for Israeli Troop Withdrawal in Lebanon
Israeli forces killed at least 11 people and injured dozens more in the country’s south, Lebanese officials said. Israel had agreed to withdraw its troops from the area as of Sunday.
Lebanon Names Nawaf Salam, a Diplomat and Jurist, as Prime Minister
The selection of Mr. Salam was seen as a blow to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party that has acted as the real power in Lebanon for decades.
Lebanon Turns a Political Page as Hezbollah’s Hold Is Weakened
A stinging defeat in war has left the once untouchable group on its most uncertain footing in years.
Crowds Watch Israeli Airstrikes from a Beirut Hillside
Every night, dozens gather at the hillside to watch airstrikes rain down on the city’s southern suburbs. The ritual offers a window into the war — and proof that the once unimaginable is really happening.
What We Learned Talking to the Taliban’s Most Fearsome Leader
Sirajuddin Haqqani, who has a $10 million American bounty on his head, is now positioning himself as a figure of relative moderation.
World Opens to the Taliban Despite Their Shredding of Women’s Rights
Taliban officials have scored a series of diplomatic victories this year that have started a subtle shift toward normalizing their government.
Is Afghanistan’s Most-Wanted Militant Now Its Best Hope for Change?
Sirajuddin Haqqani has tried to remake himself from blood-soaked jihadist to pragmatic Taliban statesman. Western diplomats are shocked — and enticed.
Taliban Talks With U.N. Go On Despite Alarm Over Exclusion of Women
The meeting is the first between the Taliban and a United Nations-led conference of global envoys who are seeking to engage the Afghan government on critical issues.