The Kremlin is capitalizing on Syria’s energy crisis in an effort to keep its military bases in the country, even as it refuses to hand over fugitive former dictator Bashar al-Assad to the new government.

Israel carried out airstrikes across Syria, including in the capital Damascus, part of an ongoing campaign to weaken the country’s military capabilities following the overthrow of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad.

Following more than five decades of repression under the Assad regime, these artists are seizing the moment of cultural revival.

Across Syria, the reunification of families and communities that had been displaced by conflict has enhanced the spirituality and generosity of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Syria’s new transitional government has been sworn in nearly four months after the Assad family was removed from power and as the new authorities in Damascus work to bring back stability to the war-ton country.

Relief could be offered in a way that lets sanctions snap back, should Mr Sharaa ever be tempted to turn Syria into a jihadist state. For now, though, Syrians seem to believe his protestations that he is planning no such thing. The West should lift sanctions and give long-suffering Syrians a fair shot at rebuilding their shattered society. ■

This year's Eid al-Fitr festival carries a deeply symbolic meaning for Syrians, months after the overthrow of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad. For the first time in more than 14 years, families long separated by war are reuniting to celebrate the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in their homeland after years of displacement and exile.

At the start of the new year, 115,000 Syrians had already returned home from Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. In December, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expected 1 million Syrians would return by June, but now predicts only 600,000 to return by September.

Syria, a country that is under American sanctions and has little direct trade with the U.S., was hit with a 41% tariff under President Trump’s new policy. The move could hurt its chances of recovering