A Lebanese man recounts the horrors of Assad regime dungeons, where torture broke the will of detainees to resist false charges.

Eighteen years in the dark dungeons of the Assad regime’s prisons turned Lebanese journalist Muaz Merab’s life into a nightmare of unrelenting torture and anguish. Detained in 2006 while returning to Lebanon from Iraq, Merab endured horrors that remain etched into his mind—haunting reminders of the Assad regime’s machinery of terror.

Merab’s ordeal began in Douma, Damascus, when regime forces seized him on his way back home to Tripoli. At the time, he was a father of two young children, ages five and six. By the time of his release, he was a grandfather, having spent more than a third of his life confined to Syria’s infamous prisons.

Recounting his suffering, Merab shared chilling details of the torture tactics used by his captors. “They beat us with electric cables, tearing into our flesh with every strike,” he revealed. Forced nudity, beatings, and relentless psychological intimidation became the grim norm. Among the barbaric methods was the “wheel,” where detainees were tied to a wheel-like contraption, rendering them defenseless as they were mercilessly beaten.

The systemic brutality left prisoners no choice but to surrender to baseless accusations. “We accepted any charges without even reading them, just to stop the pain,” Merab said, his voice heavy with the weight of his memories.

His testimony sheds light on the pervasive and institutionalized nature of the Assad regime’s cruelty, already well-documented by survivors, rights groups, and international watchdogs. Yet, it serves as a sobering reminder of the lingering impunity enjoyed by those responsible for such atrocities.

Merab’s story is not only one of unimaginable suffering but also a testament to resilience in the face of dehumanization. His survival offers a grim glimpse into a regime that continues to wield torture as a tool of oppression, leaving countless untold stories in its wake.

Bashar al-Assad Granted Asylum in Russia After Rebel-Led Overthrow

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Moscow securely transported Bashar al-Assad to safety after his regime fell to a lightning rebel offensive. Assad, who had clung to power for over a decade during Syria’s devastating civil war, has now been granted asylum in Russia, marking a significant geopolitical shift.

Assad’s downfall is a blow to both Russia and Iran, who had heavily invested in propping up his regime despite mounting international opposition. Russia, which has backed Syria since the Cold War, framed Assad’s asylum as a calculated move to stabilize the situation. Ryabkov emphasized the operation’s extraordinary security measures but declined to reveal specifics.

Moscow’s decision to shelter Assad underscores its historical and strategic ties to Syria. However, this move also reignites international debate over accountability for war crimes. When pressed on whether Assad might face trial, Ryabkov dismissed the possibility, citing Russia’s non-membership in the International Criminal Court.

Meanwhile, Syria’s interim government, backed by rebel forces, announced the appointment of a caretaker prime minister to oversee the country’s transition. This new leadership presents a pivotal opportunity to rebuild a fractured nation, though significant challenges remain, including reconciling various factions and securing international support.

Russia’s actions highlight its broader strategy to protect its interests in the region while navigating a complex post-Assad landscape. This development also raises questions about the future of Russian-Iranian cooperation in Syria, as Tehran loses a key ally in Assad.

Beyond Syria, Ryabkov hinted at Moscow’s willingness to engage in further diplomatic moves, including the possibility of a new prisoner swap with the United States. Such gestures could signal an effort to reset relations amid heightened global tensions.

As Syria enters this uncertain chapter, the international community faces the dual challenge of fostering stability and ensuring accountability for past atrocities. For Russia, the Assad asylum decision cements its role as a power broker in the region, even as the dynamics of its influence evolve.

Israel and Hamas inch closer to a Gaza hostage deal amid international mediation and mounting U.S. pressure.

The recent meeting between Mossad Chief David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha marks a significant push toward resolving the hostage crisis in Gaza. This second high-profile encounter, after their Vienna meeting in November, reflects intensified international mediation, particularly as the Biden administration works to hand over a less volatile situation to the incoming Trump administration.

Israel’s revised proposal for a hostage deal signals a pragmatic shift, with Hamas reportedly more open to compromise. This new willingness by both sides could expedite partial agreements. Despite initial skepticism, Israeli officials are now optimistic that progress is achievable.

The timing of this initiative aligns with U.S. interests, as outgoing and incoming administrations jointly urge regional stakeholders—Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar—to conclude a deal before Trump’s inauguration. These efforts underscore the geopolitical stakes tied to regional stability, U.S.-Israel relations, and Trump’s incoming Middle East policies.

The Cairo discussions, involving Shin Bet and IDF leaders, highlight Egypt’s role as a mediator. Meanwhile, Qatari involvement exemplifies Doha’s unique position in facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hamas, bolstered by its influence within the Gulf region.

Whether these developments culminate in a sustainable agreement remains uncertain, but the pressure from Washington and coordinated diplomacy across multiple fronts provide a promising pathway for de-escalation in Gaza. The coming days will determine whether regional and global actors can bridge the gap to an enduring resolution.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeks regional consensus on Syria’s transition after Assad’s downfall.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on a pivotal diplomatic mission to Jordan and Turkey, aiming to consolidate regional alignment on Syria’s future following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. His trip comes as Syria navigates a critical juncture, with rebel forces toppling the decades-long Assad regime in a rapid two-week offensive, ending a brutal era of autocracy.

In Aqaba, Jordan, and Ankara, Turkey, Blinken will engage with key Arab and Muslim leaders to discuss strategies for a stable and inclusive transition in Syria. Central to his agenda are safeguarding minority rights, ensuring humanitarian access, and preventing Syria from devolving into a haven for terrorism or a chemical weapons threat.

This diplomatic outreach underscores the complexities of Syria’s post-Assad landscape. Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is asserting control while foreign actors like Turkey, Gulf nations, and Western powers scramble to influence the country’s future trajectory. The OPCW is also keeping a close watch on Syria’s chemical weapons, with plans to assess compliance and recommend next steps.

Despite regional and international optimism, challenges loom. While Turkey appears to align with the emerging government’s Islamist tendencies, Gulf states remain wary of its ideological direction. Moreover, Blinken’s efforts face contrasting perspectives within U.S. policy, as President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks on disengagement from Syria highlight a divergence in strategy.

With Syria’s devastating civil war claiming over 500,000 lives and displacing millions, its transition marks a critical test for regional stability and international cooperation. Blinken’s visit signifies a U.S. commitment to guiding this process while balancing a myriad of interests in a fragmented and volatile region.

As Bashar al-Assad flees to Russia, survivors recount horrific torture and celebrate a future without his regime.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has sparked a mix of euphoria and heartbreak across Syria. For many, the dictator’s fall signals the end of decades of oppressive rule, yet for others, it brings painful reminders of the lives destroyed under his government. Survivors of Assad’s brutal detention system and families of the disappeared are grappling with the complexities of this historic moment.

Anwar Etnesh, a resident of Daraa, is one among countless Syrians still searching for loved ones who vanished during the civil war. His cousin disappeared 13 years ago, swept up by regime forces during the early days of the anti-government protests. Now, as prisoners are freed by the militias who ousted Assad, Etnesh is frantically searching for any sign of his relative among the liberated.

The staggering human cost of Assad’s reign is reflected in the statistics: nearly 137,000 people disappeared into the regime’s detention system, and over 15,000 reportedly died under torture, according to rights groups. Survivors, like Basheer Mansour, recount harrowing ordeals of beatings, sleep deprivation, and electric shocks in the regime’s infamous prisons. Mansour, now paralyzed due to injuries inflicted during his imprisonment, recalls the unimaginable pain inflicted by prison guards and even hospital staff.

For Mansour and others, the fall of Assad brings a glimmer of hope but also a reminder of what was lost. Living in exile in the United States, Mansour dreams of returning to Syria, even as he acknowledges the challenges of rebuilding a fractured nation.

The road ahead for Syria remains uncertain. The coalition of militias led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has announced interim leadership but offered little clarity on governance plans. While many Syrians celebrate the absence of Assad’s soldiers and institutions, the shadow of extremism and the question of stability loom large.

For families like Etnesh’s, the immediate focus is closure—finding answers about those who disappeared into the regime’s abyss. For Syria as a whole, the challenge lies in reconciling with its past while charting a course toward an inclusive and peaceful future. In the streets of Damascus and beyond, the relief of liberation is palpable, but so too is the weight of rebuilding a nation haunted by years of pain and loss.

From a London upbringing to the controversial First Lady of Syria, Asma Assad’s journey has left a polarizing legacy.

Asma Assad, the London-born wife of Syria’s ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, epitomizes a tale of contrasts. Born and raised in the UK as Emma Akhras, her journey from a middle-class upbringing in West London to being the First Lady of Syria has been marked by ambition, controversy, and scandal. Today, as reports suggest the Assad family has fled to Moscow after Bashar’s overthrow, questions linger over Asma’s role during Syria’s years of bloodshed and her uncertain future.

Educated at prestigious institutions and a graduate of King’s College London in computer science, Asma initially pursued a high-flying career at JP Morgan. Her decision to leave London’s corporate world to marry Bashar al-Assad in 2000 was seen as a romantic departure, especially after famously declaring, “Who would choose Harvard over love?” However, her tenure as First Lady soon revealed a far more complex persona.

Initially perceived as a modernizing force in Syria, Asma engaged in public relations efforts to soften the Assad family’s authoritarian image. A notorious 2011 Vogue profile titled “A Rose in the Desert” painted her as a glamorous reformer, determined to brand Syria as a progressive nation. Yet this image quickly unraveled with the regime’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011, which marked the onset of Syria’s devastating civil war.

Emails leaked in 2012 portrayed Asma as detached from the country’s mounting violence. While Syrians endured unimaginable suffering, she reportedly indulged in extravagant online shopping sprees for luxury goods. Her apparent frivolity earned her comparisons to Imelda Marcos, infamous for her excesses during the Philippines’ dictatorship.

As the war escalated, Asma’s continued loyalty to Bashar drew international condemnation. Offers of refuge from Western nations in exchange for distancing herself from her husband were reportedly declined. Instead, she defended the regime’s actions in media appearances, framing herself as a symbol of resilience against what she called Western misinformation campaigns.

Beyond the scandals, Asma’s health struggles also shaped public perceptions. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and acute myeloid leukemia in 2023, her illnesses added a humanizing layer to an otherwise polarizing figure. However, her resilience in the face of personal adversity has done little to overshadow the allegations of complicity in war crimes.

In March 2021, the UK’s Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into Asma’s potential role in inciting violence during the Syrian conflict, raising the specter of legal accountability. Calls to strip her of British citizenship have resurfaced following Assad’s downfall, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged caution amid the rapidly evolving situation.

As Asma’s fate now lies in exile, likely in Moscow, she remains emblematic of Syria’s complex legacy. Whether she will face justice or fade into obscurity alongside her husband is yet to be determined, but her story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of authoritarian rule.

Paris calls for reconciliation and inclusive political solutions after the collapse of Assad’s regime.

France has welcomed the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, marking the moment as a “historic day” after over 13 years of conflict and repression. The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the immense suffering endured by Syrians under Assad’s leadership, characterized by mass violence, chemical attacks, and widespread displacement.

Describing Assad’s departure as a chance for a new beginning, Paris paid tribute to the victims of his rule and called on Syrians to unite in building a peaceful and inclusive future. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the French government advocated for a political transition that respects minority rights, protects civilians, and adheres to international law.

France’s call for unity extends to rejecting extremism and fostering solidarity among Syria’s diverse communities. Acknowledging its long-standing support for the Syrian people since the 2011 revolution, France appealed to the international community to contribute to Syria’s reconciliation and reconstruction, guided by the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The collapse of Assad’s regime, while marking a turning point, leaves Syria with a deeply fractured society and extensive challenges in rebuilding. France’s emphasis on reconciliation and inclusivity aims to lay the groundwork for stability in a country devastated by over a decade of war. However, achieving this vision will require overcoming entrenched divisions and securing broad international cooperation.

Ankara distances itself from Syrian turmoil while reiterating its commitment to territorial integrity and counterterrorism efforts.

In response to the rapidly changing dynamics in Syria, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense has strongly denied any involvement in the recent escalation, distancing itself from accusations of encouragement or support for opposition groups. Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, the ministry’s press and public relations advisor, emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and its resolve to counter terrorism in the region.

Admiral Zeki Akturk (AA Photo)

Speaking about opposition activities near Aleppo, Akturk clarified that Türkiye is closely monitoring the situation, focusing on maintaining stability and ensuring adherence to international agreements governing northern Syria. The statement highlighted Türkiye’s primary concern: preventing the PKK/YPG terrorist organization from exploiting the region’s instability.

Akturk placed responsibility for the unrest on unresolved issues between the Syrian regime and opposition groups, citing the Assad regime’s failure to meet the demands of its people as a critical factor. He underscored Türkiye’s position as a stabilizing force, collaborating with regional counterparts to mitigate risks while maintaining its anti-terrorism operations in line with prior commitments.

This announcement reflects Ankara’s consistent approach to Syrian policy, balancing its role as a stakeholder in regional security while upholding Syria’s sovereignty. Despite speculation about Türkiye’s involvement in backing certain opposition factions, Ankara has maintained a clear stance against the PKK/YPG and other groups it labels as terrorist organizations.

As rebel factions consolidate their control over Damascus and other key cities, Türkiye’s role in the broader conflict will likely face scrutiny. However, its reaffirmation of international commitments and focus on combating terrorism underline its desire to avoid exacerbating tensions while securing its borders.

The ministry’s denial comes as regional powers adjust their positions in light of Assad’s apparent fall and the rebel takeover of the Syrian capital. While Türkiye’s efforts are centered on counterterrorism and maintaining stability, the ongoing chaos in Syria presents a complex challenge for Ankara and its allies in managing the fallout.

By reiterating its support for Syria’s unity and rejecting any alignment with rebel actions, Türkiye positions itself as a cautious observer while remaining deeply invested in shaping the region’s future stability.