Airlines to resume Middle East flights after Israel-Hamas ceasefire - Carriers including Wizz Air and Lufthansa are reinstating flights to Tel Aviv

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan preempted discussions with a Syrian government delegation in Ankara by announcing that the talks would focus on supporting Syria and reconstruction efforts. Addressing parliament on Wednesday,

Israel may seize the Syrian capital Damascus in order to counter Turkey's policy in the region and preserve the positions of Kurdish formations in the | The Eastern Herald | News Today, Breaking News,

The Israeli government approved a ceasefire deal that could bring an end to the 15 months of war in Gaza. It's slated to go into effect Sunday morning.

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Global Forecast as of 12:00 GMT Saturday, January 18, 2025 City/Town, Country;Saturday's Weather Condition;Saturday's High Temp (F);Saturday's Low Temp (F);Sunday's Weather Condition;Sunday's High Temp (F);Sunday's Low Temp (F);Sunday's Wind Direction;Sunday's Wind Speed (MPH);Sunday's Humidity (%);Sunday's Chance of Precip. (%);Sunday's UV Index

The Middle East is witnessing widespread celebrations after the Gaza ceasefire announcement. In Iran, crowds filled Tehran and Tabriz, chanting for Gaza's resistance. Jordan's streets came alive with car parades and Palestinian flags.

As it became increasingly clear that Syrians were not imminently leaving Turkey, the Turkish government formalized the Temporary Protection Regulation in 2014. It allowed Syrian nationals access to the Turkish education and health care systems and laid the groundwork for them to pursue employment if they could secure work permits.

The Israeli security cabinet recommended the approval to the ceasefire deal in Gaza, although strikes have continue to kill scores in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli security cabinet had earlier recommended to the government that it allow the Qatar, Egypt and US-mediated truce to go into effect on Sunday.

The article explores why Syria, despite its early independence, was unable to establish a democracy, instead evolving into a mukhabarat state

Peter Ford served in the UK Foreign Ministry for many years including being UK Ambassador to Syria (2003-2006). He speaks with Rick Sterling.