Syria blames SDF withdrawal for chaos and escapes at al-Hol camp
The camp, located near the Iraqi border, had long housed relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) members alongside civilians displaced by years of conflict.
Middle East
As Damascus prepares for Ramadan, its cannon call to prayer returns after 14 year haitus - feature
‘Mouse Ali’: Khamenei’s hidden network sustains his authoritarian rule from hiding
In post-Assad era, Hezbollah’s shrinks to cells, smugglers, and cheap rockets - analysis
Iranian opposition orgs. urge ICC probe into regime's alleged crimes against humanity
Legal analysts cited in Western coverage say the ICC faces jurisdictional challenges because Iran is not a member of the Rome Statute.
Damascus, Druze forces exchange prisoners after Sweida violence
The swap involved Damascus releasing 61 prisoners from the Druze factions detained in Adra Central Prison near the capital.
Iranian delegation meets US envoys in Geneva amid nuclear program negotiations
These are important talks and come amid tensions between the US and Iran.
Trump advisors prefer Israel strike Iran before US to boost support for military action - Politico
“There’s thinking in and around the administration that the politics are a lot better if the Israelis go first and alone and the Iranians retaliate against us," sources told Politico.
Witkoff: US demanding Iran agrees to nuclear deal that lasts indefinitely - Axios
Witkoff told a private gathering of AIPAC donors in Washington that the Trump administration aims to sign a deal without a "sunset clause."
PA paid half a billion shekels to terrorists in pay-for-slay scheme, sources reveal -exclusive
Ministers were also informed that terrorists released as part of the most recent hostage deals received a “special grant” from the Palestinian Authority.
What do we know ahead of US-Iran talks in Geneva amid tension in Middle East?
The talks are expected to determine whether there is still a path to an agreement between Tehran and Washington, or whether the likelihood of a US military strike will rise significantly.
Iran transferred $1.7b. to terror proxies through cryptocurrency service Binance last year - NYT
The crypto-currency exchange site reportedly fired or suspended at least four employees involved in the internal investigation, with the company blaming “violations of company protocol.”
US expands Iran sanctions, targets illegal petroleum 'shadow fleet,' weapon production
Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control also targeted multiple networks that enable Iran to secure the precursor materials and machinery required for ballistic missile and other weapons.
Countries issue Middle East travel advisories amid rising US-Iran tensions
The advisories range from warnings to diplomatic evacuations, with Dutch airline KLM announcing on Wednesday that it is suspending all flights to Tel Aviv as of March 1.
