December 2016
Ceasefire Agreement Signed Between Assad and Opposition; Russia to Reduce Its Forces
A ceasefire agreement has been signed between the Syrian government and armed opposition, with Russia announcing a reduction of its military forces in Syria. This…
Lebanon's Parliament Grants Confidence to Saad Hariri's Cabinet
Lebanon's parliament has granted a vote of confidence to Saad Hariri's new cabinet after a prolonged political crisis. Hariri, who is opposed to Syria and…
Female Journalist in Iraq Abducted by Armed Individuals
Afrah Shouqi, a journalist and human rights activist in Iraq, was abducted by armed individuals posing as security agents. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers…
Downed Russian Military Aircraft; 'All Possibilities Are Being Considered'
A Russian military aircraft has crashed, and investigators are considering all possibilities for the cause, including a potential terrorist attack. The crash resulted in the…
Pope Francis Calls for an End to War and Violence in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen During Christmas Prayer
Pope Francis called for an end to violence and war in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and other regions during his Christmas prayer, urging the international community…
All 92 Passengers on Russian Plane Heading to Syria 'Killed'
A Russian military plane crashed into the Black Sea, killing all 92 passengers, including 60 members of the Russian Army Choir. The cause of the…
Erdogan: Operation to Capture Syrian City of Al-Bab Nearly Complete
Turkish President Erdogan announced that the operation to capture Al-Bab in Syria is nearly complete, with Turkish and Syrian rebel forces close to taking control…
The U.S. Government Revokes Registration Law for Male Immigrants from Muslim Countries
The Obama administration has revoked a law requiring Muslim men from certain countries to register upon entering the U.S. This decision comes as President-elect Trump…
14 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Clash with ISIS in Al-Bab, Syria
At least 14 Turkish soldiers were killed and 33 wounded in clashes with ISIS in Al-Bab, Syria, marking the deadliest day for Turkish forces in…
Turkish Foreign Minister Blames Gulen for Russian Ambassador's Assassination in Call with John Kerry
The Turkish Foreign Minister has accused Fethullah Gulen of being responsible for the assassination of the Russian ambassador in Ankara during a call with John…
Murder of the Russian Ambassador in Ankara; Images and Video from Radio Farda Hours After the Incident
The Russian ambassador to Turkey was assassinated while visiting an art gallery in Ankara, with the assailant identified as a riot police officer. This incident…
Reporters Without Borders: At Least 74 Journalists and Media Activists Killed in 2016
In 2016, at least 74 journalists and media activists were killed globally, with Syria being the most dangerous country. Reporters Without Borders highlights a decrease…
Dialogue Between the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia, and Turkey Regarding the Syrian Crisis
The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and Turkey engaged in discussions about the Syrian crisis, focusing on the situation in Aleppo and the evacuation of…
Window; Iran's Situation in the Annual Report of Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders' annual report highlights Iran's status as the fifth largest jailer of journalists globally, with 24 imprisoned. The ongoing hunger strikes of several…
The Public Revelation of Some Militants and Professional Mercenaries from Russia
The Kremlin held a ceremony honoring military personnel, where Dmitry Utkin, a known mercenary leader, was awarded a medal for bravery. His presence highlights the…
Iran's Foreign Ministry Summons British Chargé d'Affaires
Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the British chargé d'affaires in response to the UK's concerns about Iran's actions in Syria. This diplomatic exchange highlights the tensions…
EU Leaders Approve Extension of Sanctions Against Russia
EU leaders have approved a six-month extension of economic sanctions against Russia, which were set to expire on January 31, 2017. This decision reflects the…
UN: Another 82 Civilians Killed in Aleppo
The UN reports that at least 82 civilians have been killed in Aleppo by pro-Assad forces as the city nears full government control. International organizations…
UN Secretary-General Warns of 'Crimes Against Civilians' in Aleppo
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has raised alarms over reports of crimes against civilians in Aleppo, particularly concerning executions of women and children. The Syrian government…
US: Russia has requested to postpone the ceasefire in Aleppo
The US has accused Russia of delaying a ceasefire in Aleppo, where Syrian government forces continue to advance against rebels. Despite ongoing negotiations in Geneva,…
More than two thousand ISIS members killed or severely injured in the battle of Mosul
General Stephen Townsend reported that over two thousand ISIS members have been killed or severely injured in the ongoing battle for Mosul, with three to…
A Senior U.S. Military Official Says 50,000 ISIS Members Have Been Killed
A senior U.S. military official announced that the coalition has killed 50,000 ISIS members in the last two years, surpassing previous estimates. The ongoing operations…
UN Requests $22 Billion in Humanitarian Aid for 2017
The UN has requested $22.2 billion in humanitarian aid for 2017 to assist 93 million people affected by global crises, with significant allocations for Syria,…
Discovery of Stolen Historical Artifacts from Palmyra, Libya, and Yemen in Switzerland
Swiss authorities have seized stolen historical artifacts from Palmyra, Libya, and Yemen, which were smuggled into Switzerland via Qatar before the Syrian civil war. The…
Europol Warns of Potential 'Chemical Attacks' by ISIS in Europe
Europol has issued a warning about the potential for new ISIS attacks in Europe, highlighting the use of novel tactics and the imminent return of…
Member of Parliament: Russia's Use of Nojeh Base Was a Mistake
Iranian parliament members are debating the implications of Russia's use of the Nojeh airbase, with some labeling it a mistake while others see it as…
Lavrov Accuses Obama of Deliberately Destroying US-Russia Relations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Barack Obama's administration of intentionally damaging US-Russia relations and expressed optimism for improvement under Donald Trump. The article highlights…
Russia Demands Explanation from Erdogan Regarding 'Ending Assad's Regime'
Turkey's President Erdogan stated that the Turkish military's presence in Syria aims to end Assad's regime, prompting a serious response from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry…