Bashar Al-Assad

Syrian regime makes second major victory ahead of talks

Assad's forces make 'most important advance' since Russian airstrikes began, days ahead of international diplomatic talks.

Syrian regime adamant: Assad not stepping down

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister rules out any 'transitional period' involving Bashar al-Assad relinquishing power.

Ban: Assad has taken Syria 'hostage'

As talks renew, UN chief slams the way in which Assad's future has held up a diplomatic solution to the civil war for years.

Iran may back away from demand to keep Assad in power

Senior official says Iran may accept a six-month transition in Syria, followed by elections to decide ally Assad's fate.

Assad: West is backing 'terrorists' in Syria

Syrian President accuses Western states, including France, of supporting terrorist groups - meaning rebels - in his country.

Visiting French MP: Syria deal means talking to Assad

Right-wing parliamentarian in controversial visit to war-torn country says western states will need to talk to Bashar al-Assad.

Assad: We must eradicate 'terrorism' before political solution

Syrian President says country must eradicate terrorism to find a political solution to its civil war.

Russia: Assad willing to hold new elections

According to Russian legislator Alexnader Yushchenko, Syria's president is ready to take part in polls 'if the people are not against it.'

Putin's high-stakes Syria gamble: with or without Assad

Experts reveal surprise Moscow summit may have discussed replacement for Assad in an attempt to expand Russia's global influence.

Iran: We won't keep Assad in power forever

Iran's deputy foreign minister says his country won't keep Syrian president in power forever and will let the people decide.

Assad Makes Secretive Surprise Visit to Moscow

Assad makes secretive first foreign visit abroad since war started in 2011; in Moscow, hints of a new diplomatic front are raised.

Leading Security Institute: Israel Should Topple Assad Now

INSS head Amos Yadlin argues that Russia's involvement offers Israel an opportunity to weaken Iran-Hezbollah threat.

Syrian Rebels Place Bounty on Assad, Nasrallah

Al Qaeda's Nusra Front offers millions of dollars to anyone who kills Syrian dictator or Hezbollah leader - even if they're non-Sunnis.

Assad: I Won't Hesitate to Step Down if That's the Solution

A change of tone? Syrian President tells Iranian TV he won't rule out stepping down if the situation requires.

France Launches Criminal Probe Against Assad

French authorities launch criminal probe of Syrian President for alleged war crimes between 2011 and 2013.

France Softens Position on Assad, Won't Demand His Removal

France's Foreign Minister announces his country will not demand Syrian President's departure as a precondition for peace talks.

Netanyahu Meeting Putin to Avoid Clashes with Russians in Syria

Prime Minister, along with Chief of Staff, will make clear Israeli operations to continue despite Russians' growing presence.

Assad Starts Using Advanced Russian Weapons

Syrian official reveals new weapons now being deployed, US exposes Russian helicopters in rapidly expanding military buildup.

Assad: Iran Hasn't Sent Me an Army

In interview to Russian media Syrian president admits Iran giving military support, but denies troop presence despite numerous reports.

Russia Says it Will Continue to Support Assad

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterates his country will continue to support its Syrian ally.

Rouhani Says Democracy 'Not a Priority' in Syria

At a news conference with visiting Austrian President, Iranian President dismisses calls for reform, Assad's ouster.

Zarif: Those Demanding Assad's Ouster Responsible for Bloodshed

Iran's foreign minister claims that demands for the resignation of Syrian President will prolong the country's civil war.

Pictures Show 'Russian Soldiers' Fighting in Syria

Mounting evidence of Russian boots on the ground to defend flagging Syrian allies against resurgent rebels; Obama still dawdling.

Russian Boots on the Ground in Syria?

As Obama prevaricates, Russia has no compunctions about backing its Syrian allies - and seems to even be sending troops to the front lines.

Iran Sending Afghan Refugees as 'Cannon Fodder' for Assad

Iran exploiting Afghan Shi'ite refugees by coercing them to prop up Syrian regime for incentives, leading to many of their deaths.

Assad 'Confident' of Russia's Support

Syrian President says he is confident Russia will continue supporting his embattled regime, accuses America of abandoning its allies.

Assad: Fighting 'Terrorists' More Important than Fighting Israel

Syrian President says his country must first deal with anti-regime rebels before it responds to last week's Israeli airstrikes in Syria.

US Condemns Assad's 'Disregard for Human Life'

US demands Syrian President Bashar al-Assad be given the boot after nearly 100 killed in devastating regime strike in Syria.

Rebels Close in on Assad's Latakia Bastion

Rare lethal rocket attack strikes capital of Assad's Alawite sect's heartland on western coast, as rebels close in on key regime stronghold.

Assad's Cousin Arrested Over 'Road Rage' Killing

Syrian authorities arrest Suleiman Al-Assad, a cousin of the president accused of killing a military officer in a road rage incident.

Assad Pledges to Punish Cousin for Road Rage Murder

Syrian dictator in sticky situation as cousin guns down senior military commander in 'cold blood' - for overtaking him in traffic.

Syria: Assad's Cousin Kills Army Commander in Road Rage Incident

As regime battles rebels just a few miles away, cousin of Syrian dictator shoots air force commander for overtaking him at a crossroads.

End of Assad? Erdogan Claims Putin Pulling Support

Putin 'may give up on Assad' according to Turkish president, in a sign that some of the last backers of Assad may leave him out to dry.

Syria's Assad Admits Army Suffering from Manpower Shortage

For the first time, Bashar al-Assad acknowledges his forces are suffering from serious manpower shortages, as rebels advance.

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.

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 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.

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.