Bashar Al-Assad

Prelude to Iran?

Officials: Despite Inspections, Syria Kept its Chemical Arsenal

Inspectors reveal regime lied to them and hid chemical arsenal, but Western governments refused to press Assad.

Three Hezbollah Officials Sanctioned by United States Treasury

United States Treasury imposes sanctions on three Hezbollah military officials and a businessman tied to the group.

US and Assad Covertly Cooperating Via Kurds

Regime forces and Kurdish YPG combine forces for the first time in fight against ISIS in Hasakeh province.

Assad Makes Rare Public Appearance for Muslim Holiday

Syrian President attends prayers at a Damascus mosque to mark the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Syria Congratulates Iran on Nuclear Deal

Syrian President Bashar Assad calls the deal a 'major turning point in history' in message to his main backer, Iranian Supreme Leader.

Syrian Regime Unleashes the Barrel Bomb's Big Brother

Meet the 'container bomb,' a more powerful crude killer Assad's forces used Saturday to murder 28 - mostly civilians - in ISIS-held town.

Assad Ratifies $1 Billion Credit Line from Iran

Syrian President signs a law ratifying a $1 billion credit line from top regional ally Iran.

What Sanctions? Iran Gives Syria $1 Billion Bailout

Iran continues to prop up Assad's regime, dishing out its third new line of credit - even as it supposedly is crippled by nuclear sanctions.

Putin Willing to 'Push' Ally Assad to Introduce Reforms

Russian President is ready to "push" Syrian counterpart towards introducing reforms, but vows to continue to support his ally.

Assad's Latest Weapon: Elephant Rockets

Improvised weapon with mass damage and minimal accuracy unleashed on Damascus suburb, killing at least 27 people.

Assad and UN Envoy Agree to Keep Pushing Peace

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and UN peace envoy Staffan de Mistura agree to continue talks to find a political solution to the war.

UN Envoy to Complain to Assad About Barrel Bombs

Envoy to Syria arrives in Damascus to discuss Geneva talks, as well as lethally crude bombs dropped indiscriminately on civilians.

Russia: We're Not Looking to Replace Assad

Russia has no plans to “deport” Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Russian ambassador to Lebanon said Thursday.

Russia Wants Answers on Syria Chlorine Gas Attacks

Even Syria's longtime ally says an investigation is warranted into reports of up to 45 attacks in recent months on innocent Syrians.

Assad Collapse Deemed Near as Rebels, ISIS Advance

Expert Ehud Yaari says despite Iran's assistance, Assad is quickly running out of troops and time. IDF: 'Syrian army has ceased to exist.'

Assad on the way out?

Is Russia Finally Abandoning Assad?

Arab media says Russia evacuating its staff and turning its back on Assad, a crippling blow to a regime that has been steadily crumbling.

ISIS Blows Up Assad Massacre Prison

In ancient city of Palmyra prison symbolizing brutality of Assad regime demolished; jail was site of massacre, held political prisoners.

EU Extends Sanctions Against Assad Regime

EU extends measures against supporters of President Bashar Al-Assad for another year, adds senior Syrian military official to list.

Syrian Death Throes

Syria's Assad Praises Iran Support as 'Key Pillar'

Embattled Syrian dictator praises Tehran's role in propping up his regime, as rebels continue to make gains.

Expert: Syria War Crimes Case at ICC 'Unlikely'

War crimes prosecution can only happen under a regime change, experts say, as Assad is likely to be involved in any short-term solution.

Syria Security Chief Appears with Assad After Arrest Claim

Meeting debunks rumors Assad's top security official was under house arrest for plotting a coup.

Report: Investigators Have War Crime Case Against Syria

CIJA has built three war crimes cases against brutal Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.

US to UN: Investigate Syrian Chemical Weapons Use

Diplomats say there is 'mounting evidence' of more chlorine gas attacks despite lengthy chemical removal process.

Assad Denies His Regime Falling in Rare Public Address

Syrian president makes rare appearance to dismiss fears of impending defeat after rebels make significant gains.

Why Iran Spends $35 Billion a Year to Prop Up Assad

Officials and experts reveal why Syria is so crucial that Iran spends mass fortunes despite sanctions and deploys thousands of troops.

Assad's Uncle Investigated for Corruption in France

Uncle of Assad claims he fled Syria 'with nothing,' but investigation hints $98 million fortune stolen during time in regime.

Assad's Former Political Spy Chief Dies

Syria's former political intelligence chief dies after being fired for a quarrel with another regime official in which he was beaten up.

Assad: There Are No Iranian Troops in Syria

Syria's President admits he invited Hezbollah to fight alongside his regime but denies Iran has sent troops to participate in the civil war.

Assad: Turkey Prevented UN Ceasefire Plan in Aleppo

Syrian President claims Turkey's influence with rebel factions is prolonging the battle in Aleppo, a prime site for bomb attacks.

Assad Has 'Paid no Price for Chemical War Crimes'

UN Security Council hears evidence from doctors of chemical attacks; 'attacks come from helicopters - which only Assad has.'

Second Man Arrested in Murder of London Imam

Police in London arrest second man in connection with the murder of imam who was a critic of Assad.

Man Charged for London Murder of Anti-Assad Imam

Leslie Cooper charged for shooting Abdul Hadi Arwani in the chest, with court procedures set to open.

Suspect Arrested in London Murder of Anti-Assad Imam

Man arrested on suspicion of having shot dead 48-year-old imam, who survived massacre by Assad's father.

Anti-Assad Syrian Activist Shot Dead in London

Signs of Syrian war spreading to UK? Shooting in north-west London apparently targets prominent activist opposed to Assad.

Assad Finally Losing His Grip on Syria?

Syrian regime suffering major losses, which experts say show its utter reliance on Iran and susceptibility to influence of its neighbors.

Assad Wants More of the Russian Army in Syria, Middle East

Assad calls for backers in Moscow to increase military presence to bring 'stability,' while saying no to 'outside' influence from West.

Assad 'Open to Dialogue' with the United States

Syrian President says he is open to having a dialogue with the United States so long as Syria's "sovereignty" isn't pressured.

Kerry: Assad is a 'Brutal Dictator'

One week after saying it would be necessary to negotiate with Syrian President, John Kerry says he is a "brutal dictator".

First Iraqi Official Visit to Assad Since Civil War Started

In first visit by senior official since outbreak of war in 2011, Iraqi FM meets with Syrian president, urges greater cooperation.

State Dept.: Assad Will 'Never' be Part of Syria Peace Talks

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki seeks to calm the storm caused by Kerry's comments on Syrian president.

Assad Waiting for US 'Actions' After Kerry Calls for Talks

Admission leads Assad to put Kerry on the spot, with Syrian media celebrating Kerry's recognition of 'legitimacy' and 'US-Zionist failure.'

Kerry's Assad Reconciliation Enrages Turkey

Turkey responds furiously after Kerry says US will 'have to negotiate' with Assad, asks 'talks with regime that killed over 200,000?'

Britain: Assad Has No Place in Syria's Future

Britain insists Bashar Al-Assad had no place in Syria's future, after Kerry says Washington will have to negotiate with him.

Kerry: US 'Will Have to Negotiate With Assad' to End Civil War

Obama strategy continues to unravel, as Secretary of State concedes America will have to talk to the Assad regime.

Assad Relative Assassinated in Syria

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Mohammed al-Assad, head of the feared shabiha mafia, killed in regime stronghold of Qardaha.

Assad Must Go, Says United States

The United States renews its call for Syrian President to step down as the civil war in Syria enters fifth year.

UN Fumbles as Syria War Hurtles into Year 5

Rights groups accuse world powers of 'failing Syria,' as Ban urges Security Council to rally and do something as bloodbath continues.

Syria: 50 Regime Troops Dead in Battle in Assad's Home Province

More than 50 Syrian regime fighters as well as Islamist rebels killed in President Bashar al-Assad's home province of Latakia.

Report Reveals Assad is 'Systematically' Targeting Hospitals

Rights group says Assad forces killed 600 doctors, medical workers in course of Syrian civil war, terming it a crime against humanity.

Russia to Host Syria Peace Talks in April

Talks between Syrian regime and opposition figures will continue in Russia in April after last meeting ended without conclusive results.

France: Assad Not 'Credible Partner' in Fight Against ISIS

After meeting with Syrian opposition leader Khaled Khoja, French President Francois Hollande says Assad is main cause of Syria's suffering.

Assad Insists the Syrian People Support Him

Embattled Syrian President says he continues to enjoy the support of the Syrian people despite nearly four years of war.

Syrian Opposition Praises France's Anti-Assad Stance

After Hollande, Valls condemn MPs' visit to 'butcher' Bashar al-Assad, exiled opposition leader says working with regime won't stop ISIS.

French PM Slams MPs for Meeting with Syrian 'Butcher' Assad

French PM Manuel Valls condemns with 'greatest strength' meeting between three French MPs and Syrian President Assad.

Human Rights Watch Calls for New UN Sanctions on Syria

HRW condemns Assad regime's widespread use of barrel bombs, calls for arms embargo - but China and Russia not interested.

Rebels Hit Assad Clan's Hometown for First Time in Syrian War

Car bomb hits Qardaha hospital days after Assad's troops execute 48 including 10 children in northern village.

Sources: Over 1,000 Hezbollah Terrorists on the Golan

Over 1,000 Hezbollah terrorists are fighting with Syrian and Iranian forces on the Golan, according to numerous sources.

UN Calls Assad 'Part of the Solution' in Syria

UN insists the 'only solution is a political solution' in Syria, despite four years of war and ISIS advances.

How Hezbollah Assassinated Hariri And Conquered Lebanon

Ten years after prime minister assassinated, Lebanon went from Saudi ally to Iranian puppet - but how did it all happen?