Bashar al-Assad

People who lost their houses in the devastating earthquake, lineup to receive aid supplies at a makeshift camp, in Iskenderun city, southern Turkey, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

‘Assad can’t clean up his act with a natural disaster,’ US Amb. to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says

Global Politics

After a catastrophic earthquake destroyed northwest Syria, assistance is slowly trickling in. It took a full week for the UN to strike a deal with the Syrian regime to open two additional crossings into the region. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield talks with host Marco Werman about the situation.

people at gas pump

Renewed calls in Syria to overthrow Assad regime

Protest
Firefighters hose down a burning building after bombing in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 3, 2022. Russian forces have seized a strategic Ukrainian seaport and besieged another. Those moves are part of efforts to cut the country off from its coastline even as Mosco

For many Syrians, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine feels painfully familiar

Ukraine
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad heads a cabinet meeting, in Damascus, Syria

Report: Syrian government manipulates exchange rates to pocket aid money

Economics
A Syrian grocery shop in Istanbul sells brands that are familiar to Syrian customers, such as canned meats and condensed milk.

Syrian refugees and migrants in Turkey face a difficult decision to return home 

Migration
People wearing masks stand in front of white bags of food aid

Russia’s vote at UN could cut off humanitarian aid to northwest Syria

Conflict & Justice

Millions of people could be cut off from assistance if the Bab al-Hawa crossing, along the border between Turkey and Syria, closes. Basma Alloush, policy and advocacy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, spoke with The World’s Marco Werman about what’s at stake.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are show sitting in opposite armchairs with two wooden side tables between them.

Blinken continues diplomatic mission in the Middle East

Top of The World

Top of The World: Sec. Blinken announced plans to reopen a diplomatic office in Jerusalem that oversees outreach to the Palestinians. And, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko is defending his decision to divert a passenger jet. Also, Syrians living in government-held areas are heading to the polls on Wednesday, for the second presidential election since the uprising-turned-war started in the country 10 years ago.

A person is shown in the near ground with their fist in the air and wearing a white construction helmet with a large crowd of people sitting and holding candles.

Myanmar declares martial law on deadly day

Top of The World

Top of The World: Myanmar marked its deadliest day since protests erupted following a military coup. As many as 50 people were killed on Sunday. And, the British government and police are facing public condemnation after what’s being viewed as heavy-handed treatment by police authorities breaking up a vigil for Sarah Everard. Also, it’s been 10 years since demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

People walk past the looted premises of cellphone company Syriatel, which is owned by Rami Makhlouf, the cousin of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, in Deraa March 21, 2011.

Syria’s first family is caught in a feud

Conflict

For the past few weeks, the world has been getting a rare glimpse into a heated feud between Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, and his maternal cousin, Rami Makhlouf. 

A man is shown sitting and bent over while pulling his hood over his head and another man sitting next to him pointing.

High-profile Syrian war crimes trial opens; Countries debate rescue packages, billionaires ask for bailouts; Missouri sues China over economic coronavirus losses

Top of The World

Germany begins the trial of two Syrian officials accused of crimes against humanity in the Syrian civil war. The US and Europe discuss huge economic rescue packages. Also, billionaries are asking for relief. And, drug cartels are among the many industries hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Plus, desperate parents on the US-Mexico border are sending their children to seek asylum alone, hoping it will give their kids the best chance for their future.