The article delves into the oppressive control and censorship exerted by the Assad regime over Syria's national news agency, Sana. Journalists faced severe penalties for deviating from the regime's narrative, including detention and torture. The regime's propaganda efforts were highlighted, with journalists forced to report misleading information. Despite the fall of the Assad regime, the legacy of fear and control lingers, as journalists cautiously navigate newfound freedoms under the oversight of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Alaa Qasar's relentless search for her father, who disappeared after being re-arrested by Assad's security forces in 2013, underscores the plight of thousands of Syrians seeking missing loved ones. Despite the fall of the Assad regime and the opening of prisons, many remain unaccounted for, with death certificates often the only trace of their fate. The Syrian Network for Human Rights estimates over 100,000 are still missing, with many likely killed in detention. Qasar's journey through morgues and detention centers highlights the enduring impact of the regime's brutal repression and the ongoing struggle for closure faced by families.

An investigation by The Guardian reveals that Israel used US-supplied munitions in a strike in south Lebanon on October 25, which resulted in the deaths of three journalists and injuries to three others. Legal experts have suggested the attack could constitute a war crime. The report, led by journalist William Christou, highlights the implications of US involvement in the provision of weapons used in the attack.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has exposed the country's large-scale production and export of Captagon, a banned stimulant. Islamist-led fighters have taken control of military bases and distribution centers for the drug, which is widely trafficked across the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being a major importer. The Guardian's William Christou reports from a Captagon factory near Damascus, highlighting the scale of Syria's drug trade.

A Captagon factory on the outskirts of Damascus was uncovered by rebels, revealing the extent of Syria's involvement in the drug trade. The Assad regime, along with Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias, is accused of mass-producing and exporting Captagon, a drug that has caused addiction and crime in neighboring countries. The factory, allegedly owned by Amer Khiti, a former MP with ties to the regime, was found with millions of pills and precursor chemicals. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing the drug trade and its socio-economic impact on the region.

Russian forces at Khmeimim airbase in Syria are negotiating a fragile truce with the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who recently took control after a swift offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The negotiations aim to establish Russia's continued military presence in Syria, particularly at the Khmeimim airbase and Tartous port. Despite past hostilities, both sides are taking a pragmatic approach, with HTS providing security for Russian forces. The EU has expressed opposition to Russia's presence, while HTS seeks to legitimize its new government through international relations. The situation remains tense as Syria grapples with economic and humanitarian crises.

The article explores the fears and uncertainties faced by the Syrian Alawite community following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels. Despite the end of Assad's oppressive rule, Alawites remain apprehensive about potential retaliation and the imposition of religious dogma by the new rulers. The community, historically marginalized and used as a labor pool for the Syrian army, is now caught between relief at the regime's downfall and fear of the unknown future under HTS. While HTS has made assurances about respecting minority rights, skepticism remains, with individuals like Olga and Ali expressing concerns about personal freedoms and safety.

The article details the year-long military operation by Syrian rebels, led by Abu Hassan Al Hamwi of the Organismo de Liberación del Levante (HTS), to overthrow the regime of Bashar Al Asad. The operation involved the development of a drone unit and coordination among various rebel factions across Syria. The HTS emerged as the primary authority in northwest Syria, unifying insurgent groups and creating a joint operations room with southern rebels. The operation capitalized on the weakened state of Al Asad's international allies, leading to the rapid fall of key cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, culminating in the capture of Damascus and Al Asad's flight from the country. Al Hamwi, now part of the interim government, emphasizes the inclusion of religious minorities in the new Syria.

Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria has collapsed after a series of rebel victories led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The rebels captured key cities, including Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, leading to Assad fleeing the country. The fall of the regime marks the end of a 13-year conflict that claimed at least 350,000 lives. As the rebels took control, they released thousands of prisoners, though many remain unaccounted for. A transitional government is being formed, and Syrians are beginning to experience newfound freedoms, though the legacy of Assad's brutal rule lingers.

Senior US officials are engaged in talks with Israel to broker a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon amid escalating violence resulting in civilian casualties. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister expressed pessimism about a quick resolution due to Israel's continued military actions. The conflict has led to significant loss of life and displacement in both Lebanon and Israel, with Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks causing numerous deaths. The US-proposed ceasefire deal resembles the 2006 agreement, but its acceptance by Lebanon and Hezbollah remains uncertain. Meanwhile, tensions persist in the West Bank, with Israeli military operations targeting Hamas militants and accusations of damage to UN facilities.