2,000 years of history – Syria’s UNESCO-listed Saladin Citadel joins ICESCO heritage list

Saladin Castle Returns To International Heritage Spotlight Saladin’s Castle, historically known as Sahyun Castle, has joined ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, putting one of Syria’s most striking historic fortresses back in the international spotlight …

Syria, Jordan step up preparations for October Coordination Council

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian and Jordanian officials met in Damascus to review joint projects ahead of the third session of the Higher Coordination Council, scheduled for October. According to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, Thursday’s meeting brought …

New York Returns 36 Antiquities Worth $5 Million to Syria

On September 23, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that 36 trafficked or looted antiquities—collectively valued at over $5 million—would be returned to the people of Syria. The repatriation ceremony coincided with the visit of …

Israeli forces enter Syria’s Daraa countryside, Shell Quneitra

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – An Israeli patrol entered Wadi al-Raqad in western Daraa countryside on Friday, according to Syria’s state-run Al-Ikhbariya, which said the patrol consisted of three vehicles. According to Al-Ikhbariya, the patrol opened …

25 Syria’s Kobani asylum seekers stranded on Iran-Iraq border

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Twenty-five asylum seekers from Kobani remain stranded on the Iran-Iraq border, with water and food supplies running out, according to one member of the group. Ahmed Halbali, 20, told North Press that the group left Syria …

Syria thwarts drug shipment smuggled from Lebanon

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle a shipment of drugs and alcoholic beverages from Lebanon, the Anti-Narcotics Department said. The Anti-Narcotics Department said in a post Friday that a patrol arrested the …

On Syria and Lebanon

Shadi's take on the US’s return of ancient artefacts to Syria

New York authorities return 36 antiquities to Syria

A stone relief from Palmyra (300 BC) returned by the Manhattan DA's office to Syria. Photo: courtesy Manhattan District Attorney's Office The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has returned 36 antiquities to Syria. Among the objects repatriated …

Israeli forces open fire on shepherd, children in southern Syria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Israeli forces opened fire on a shepherd and his children in the Syria’s Daraa countryside, without causing any casualties, Syrian state media reported on Friday, as Israel continues its military incursions into …