syria is exhausted from the war. _ too strong? syria is exhausted from the war.xhausted from the war. regardless of. from the war. regardless of whether israel is a strong —— regardless of israel a strong or not. syria needs to get stronger and more developed. we don't have any plans to attack israel. syria will not be a threat to israel or to anyone else. ~ ., ., threat to israel or to anyone else. ., ., ,, ., else. what about the russian bases? do — else. what about the russian bases? do they _ else. what about the russian bases? do they stay, - else. what about the russian bases? do they stay, do - else. what about the russian bases? do they stay, do they go? bases? do they stay, do they io? ., ., ,, ., bases? do they stay, do they go? syria and russia have a strategic — go? syria and russia have a strategic relationship. - go? syria and russia have a strategic relationship. we i strategic relationship. we can't end it quickly. and we want to develop ourjoint strategic interests in the future. any relationship will be focused on syria's own interests, security

let's turn now to syria.eard testimony from syrians who fear for their lives, after the ousting of president assad, and from those whose relatives were gassed by his regime, and who've been too afraid to speak out, until now. the country appears stable for the moment. the main islamist rebel group in charge has appointed an interim prime minister, and even asked some civil servants to go back to work. mohammed al—bashir said it's time for stability and calm, after more than a decade of civil war. but how long will that calm last? there's mounting concern about israel's bombardment of hundreds of syrian sites in the last few days, with the united nations' special envoy to syria calling for israel to stop the strikes immediately. israel says it is trying to stop weapons from falling into the hands of extremists and ensure its own security. we will have more on those strikes shortly, but we start our coverage with our international editorjeremy bowen, who reports on the winners and losers of the downfall of pres

long live syria. on sunday, serious prime minister address of the nation from his home urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition on number 3. and then we're extending our hands even to the opposition who are ready, reach out to us and gave us assurances they will not cause any harm to any citizen who belongs to the cereal of ours. despite the historic series of events, the world is now lift, wondering what's next for the syrian people come to send food and just saying this are all of these monitoring developments from us now. now it's a border crossing between 11 on on syria. the joy and jubilation that we saw among syrian refugees we've been living and loving on for more than a decade. with the fall of damascus, with the fall of president bush are all a side to opposition forces to offices and fighters. that joined jubilation has, over the course of the day, turned into fear and uncertainty by the syrian refugees that are now assuming is 11 on once again. but for a different reason. gilan

the conviction _ or overthrow in syria. the conviction of _ or overthrow in syria.or overthrow in syria. the conviction of so many - or overthrow in syria. tue: conviction of so many countries in the region and beyond is that as syria transitions from the second or a dictatorship to hopefully a democracy, it does so in a way that protects all of the minorities in syria, that produces a inclusive nonsectarian government, and does not become in any way a platform for terrorism. that is antony blinken, _ platform for terrorism. that is antony blinken, let _ platform for terrorism. that is antony blinken, let us - antony blinken, let us talk more about what may happen next in syria with doctor h a hadera, a senior associate fellow and an expert in geopolitics and security. thank you for being with us. we saw extraordinary scenes in syria today, huge celebrations, lots of optimism and joy, but there are still concerns about what the victorious rebels will do know that they are in government.- know that they are in government. know that they are in covernment. ., ~ , ., .

so have no basis in syria. they're overwhelmingly rejected by the syrian people who are a mosaic of many different religions, political parents, they will, we organize themselves and not now in time. i really do think, but it's important to see an end to my mind. what has been the us role in this horrendous attack, right. and this bringing down and it's not freedom or democracy that's coming and diagnosis and trump noses. that's why there to keep us forces inside syria, as part of the occupation as part of the trainers as part of the funders for this whole lines of groups. yeah. that they've helped to create and by the way they yeah, it's never 11 force. they want to hold chaotic grouping and fight each other. yes. and at the meantime, destroy everything in series. yeah, i mean, i hear you this era. i mean, meantime you look at, you know, total key thought of yeah, you're supporting outside of the l. sean link. that's isis. i so you know, pretty assessor l tighter and all that kind of stuff. america supporting

syria _ syria? i think it is an incredible dangerous. syria is _ syria?rous. syria is already - syria? i think it is an incredible dangerous. syria is already in i syria? i think it is an incredible| dangerous. syria is already in a very fragile state, and for outside xers to already be implement in their own interest on the country is of great concern —— outside actors. and i will remind everybody the buffer zone is not that far away from damascus as is. it's about 15 miles away. and so it remains to be seen how close israeli forces will actually get to damascus, but israel in the past i said that the goal on, the occupied golan heights was buffer zone and there was a demilitarised zone that was a buffer zone, so it is unclear how much of a buffer zone israel needs to feel secure. the other part of this, israel wants to destroy advanced munitions, chemical weapons, all of these types of things, but syria is going to eventually need a military of some kind to be a functioning state. so i don't think that this necessarily portends well for the future of sy

, southern syria, in a major way, syria, southern syria, in a majorway, pushing syria, southern syria, pushing further in an incursion into southern syria, occupying land which it says will be a temporary occupation. so all these things make for a very difficult situation for the de facto leader of syria.— situation for the de facto leader of syria. it's going to be interesting _ leader of syria. it's going to be interesting to _ leader of syria. it's going to be interesting to see - leader of syria. it's going to be interesting to see how. leader of syria. it's going to | be interesting to see how all these different factors play out as we move forward here. i do want to switch gears, though, because i know you were recently in lebanon. we know that the ceasefire deal between israel and has fuller was signed. i want to ask you based on what you saw on the ground how well is that ceasefire holding up? how well is that ceasefire holding up?— how well is that ceasefire holding up? well, carl, is hanging _ holding up? well, carl, is hanging by _ holding up? well, carl, is hanging by a _

long live syria. on sunday, syria's prime minister addressed the nation from his home, urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition on number. we're extending our hands even to the opposition who are ready reached out to us and gave us assurances they will not cause any harm to any citizen who belongs to the cereal of ours. despite the historic series of events, the world is now left wondering what's next for the syrian people from this includes and just out is there is wrestles that is in damascus where he gained access to the presidential palace. we are at the presidential palace in damascus, where assad's comedy has ruled over syria for becky, this is the political gave off the palace. so somebody has been receiving the ip guy said, digging authorities through this gate. and now this palace of the present, bishop, i said, or for syria and leaving the country and going to moscow and the officer, the position 5 is taken over to the capital. they have rushed into this palace and now it is ful

a government of syria, a particular government of syria, these are the steps we think are importante followed. >> what does that, what with that recognition until? reopening the embassy? >> i don't want to get into the process. if that could happen overnight. there needs to be a a syrian d process that plays out over the coming weeks, but we thought it was important on behalf of the united states because we do have a number of authorities that we exercise with respect to syria over the past decade plus, especially with sanctions but also with her diplomatic relations, we thought it was important we make clear what we think are the principles that should be upheld during this transition process and during the formation of a new government. >> right. are you aware of any other country where you recognize the state but you don't recognize the government? other than perhaps venezuela? >> venezuela, that was one is going to mention that. >> but the u.s. recognize juan guaidÓ as president of -- >> i would refer you to spokesman for the previous admission shuford after that because that ha

~ , ., _ syria? well, let me start by remembering _ syria?? well, let me start by remembering how the - syria? well, let me start by| remembering how the assad regime was actually treating women in syria, because i don�*t think there was anything worse than the assad regime really in the country and ruling the syrian people because conditions for syrians under the assad regime and especially women and marginalised groups were actually like widespread marked by repression and violence and systematic abuse. women have faced all kinds of forced displacement and loss and forced disappearance and attention and all kinds of torture and sexual violence. and they were not even treated well outside of their country when they became refugees. they had very limited access to health care and education. so i�*m just still trying to process what we have been through, and of course we will not agree for any similar conditions to be similar. we don�*t know yet. it�*s only been three days, and we will work for a sustainable political solution for syria, that�

but also inside of syria. as for the iranian regime, perhaps distracted by the other events in the region, distracted by israel itself, and of course we know that the fall of the assad regime will amount to a significant blow for iran as well. and so that's where the question leads in terms of the future of syria and the future of its relations with israel netanyahu said that he is extending a quote, hand of peace to all syrians across the border and that he would like to establish, quote, neighborly and peaceful relations. the real question, though, is going to be what kind of government actually emerges inside of syria and will it be one that will preserve what has effectively been a 50 year detente between israel and syria? or will it take another tack? and critically for israeli officials will be the question of what happens to the weapons that have flowed from iran via syria into hezbollah's hands inside of lebanon? there had been some hope inside the israeli government that perhaps the assad regime would

syria >>> good morning. we begin with breaking news today in the syrian government appears to have collapseed after a lightning offensive. people have taken to the streets to celebrate the end of the assad family's 50-year rule on the country. president bashar al assad has fled on a plane but his whereabouts are unknown. until recently, there have been a static division of control between three factions in syria, the rebels, led by the islamist group hayat tahrir al sham, president bashar al assad's forces and kurdish forces. idlib for years has been the last antiregime stronghold in syria. further west into aleppo, syria's second city, taking it in three days. on thursday, it dealt another blow to assad's regime, they pushed south into the city of hama. and yesterday, rebels seized the country's third biggest city homs, having already taken other towns on their advance. now, rebels claim to have captured damascus, president assad's seat of power, the capital, forcing him to flee. alistair bunkall has more.

state targets in syria.to the pentagon. the us military central command says it has carried out more than 75 air strikes on what it says are islamic state targets inside syria. a spokesperson said it was to prevent the group from taking advantage of the current situation in syria. president biden has also commented on the rebellion — here's a little of what he had to say in a statement he gave at the white house a short while ago...(tx sot) at long last, there assad regime has fully foot of this regime has fully foot of this regime brutalised, tortured and killed nearly hundred of thousands of serious, if fall of the resume is a fundamental act of justice of the resume is a fundamental act ofjustice for them it is an opportunity for the long—suffering people of syria to build a betterfuture long—suffering people of syria to build a better future for their proud country. it is also a moment of risk and uncertainty as we all turn to the question of what comes next, the united states and will work with our part

these are live pictures of the syria lebanon border as thousands try to return to their homes in syriao. more than five decades of authoritarian rule by the assad family have come to an end in syria, after rebels took the capital, damascus, overnight. speaking on state television they said �*the city of damascus has been liberated... assad has been toppled'. the group hayat tahrir al—sham, who have their roots in al-qaeda, have been trying to rebrand themselves as a nationalist force. they say they've freed what they called hundreds of unjustly detained prisoners held injails in syria. within the past few minutes the russian foreign ministry said president assad stepped down and left syria as a result of negotiations with "other participants in the armed conflict" but that russia was not involved in those negotiations and did not know where he is now. in the past hour fighters have seized control of the presidential palace in damascus. many of the hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled syria for lebanon during the long— running civil war are now attempting to return. crowds have be

syria's neighbours and the united nations have called for the attacks to stop.ed reports that its troops are advancing on damascus. turkey's president erdogan has welcomed the capture of two syrian towns which had been under kurdish control. the syrian national army, which is backed by ankara, has been attempting to take over territory ever since the rule of bashar al—assad began collapsing last week. normal life is gradually returning to the syrian capital. the islamist rebel leadership has chosen the man who's been running most of idlib province as interim prime minister. some civil servants have been urged return to work. there have been further celebrations on the streets of the capital. lina sinjab has this report. hundreds of blasts like this one were seen and heard across the country, syrians left sleepless by the explosions. the syrian observatory says there have been more than 300 israeli strikes since assad was toppled. israel is also increasing its presence in the golan heights. it says it wants to protect its borders. translation: i instructed the id

they are celebrating what they are calling a free syria. and richard, it is hard to overstate just the stunning speeds at which the rebels have advanced and it which the regime appears to have collapsed, just taking our viewers back for a second, 2011, the arab spring, syrian protesters rise up peacefully against bashar al assad. they are protesting, as people all across this region were. aside used force to try to crush those protests. it led to the outbreak of the civil war. years and years of absolutely brutal fighting. and then the front lines appeared to freeze in 2020. the syrian rebels appeared to have been pushed into a small pocket up in the northwest of the country. aside, with a lot of help from russia, from iran, from the air ready and packed military group hezbollah, seem to have won this war. that was the status quo that held for about four years, until just about 10 days ago and collapsed in spectacular fashion. the rebels burst out of that pocket in northwest syria. they have been paying very close attention to the global po

there's many minorities in syria. i think in the near future united the state will divide the same yeah. for many states. and i think that will lead to the big inflation and may be during the custodial borrower the to this innovation infection and the n c a u. par. 2 isis onto another gold they use to buy your united to say the government to achieve some goals. if you look to, i says that to mean it's very secure with the intelligence service. and they have relationship with the side with the is are either with united to say to your, the c i a. so this a goals, the tools in hand off united states on design is to achieve some goals and very true as well as a regional reaction is pouring in the reports. our emotions would be, i the 1st taken over the amount of money mountain range to expand a, the militarized buffer zone in syria and several other key points in the area. that size b is ready, 5 minutes. so all of a sudden arrived at the border with syria, then and yahoo saying of a change of power in damascus was the re

we are not intervening and what is happening in syria. we have no intention of managing syria. yeah. the rebel group, hyatt tucker, you alshaun what h to use which toppled assets regime state on san today. that is, rails advance quote, threatens new, an unjustified escalation in the region boss added to that the general exhaustion and syria after years of war and conflicts does not allow us to enter new conflicts . despite the motor at messaging, israel maintain syria's new regime could threaten its security. on sunday, it announced plans to double the population in the occupied golan heights. and what it sees is it bids to strengthen the state of israel. okay, stephen simon is with the quincy institute for responsible state crossed and previously served on the national security kinds of join the clinton on the bottom administration. and thanks for joining us to what extent israel exploiting the power switch over in syria to a certain advantage as well. of course it's exploring the situation in syria to its advantage of uh from it is rarely perspective. it would be irresponsibl

it now has deployed up to syria. if, if trump would like to remove them, and if they are removed, it will leave the kurds. the syrian kurtz very exposed and, and, and that will have a serious effect on the, on the future of, of siri and kurtz. so that's a, that's a key. that's a key factor, but i think that that's actually the main factor. additionally, you know, the united states actually controls serial oil resources and it gives us or resources to the curves. so if, if the u. s. left syria, then it would mean that the new regime would have access to the revenue from uh, from its own oil. and that would, we're down to the benefit not just of the syrian regime, but also the syrian people who badly need that money state. and so i made this assignment of the quincy as 3 types of being on the w. pleasure was my thank you. so let's think of some more. let's take a look at some more stories making headlines around the world as well is the closest embassy, an island saying the irish government maintains extreme on israel

long live syria. on sunday, syria's prime minister, a dress of the nation from his home, urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition on number. we're extending our hands even to the opposition who are ready, reach out to us and gave us assurances they will not cause any harm to any citizen who belongs to the cereal of ours. despite the historic series of events, the world is now left wondering what's next for the syrian people come to send food and jersey. oh. yeah, sharper below, has moved for most go on rushes, involvements and assets movement. that was to say, when president bush on the side of his family members have arrived at most of the rational somewhere he's gone to the police, the asylum assembled allegedly about 2 inches biography plain from a russian base in the top here. the see we're in a position as opposed to the guarantees the security over from issue basis in natasha and talked to as well as diploma technicians in the country. so while the opposition is series fully a trans

he hasn't in syria.s speak now to a senior fellow, director at the future dhs project at the atlantic council thank you for coming on the program. can we start first of all with vladimir putin and bashar al-assad, and what you make about what is happening there right now? >> as your report just said, putin has suffered a major blow. i imagine right now russian intelligence and security leaders are trying to figure out how they might recer from it. it wouldn't surprise me if there were caches of cash, we are going to find out if russia sees syria's new leaders as a source of instability or support. i think it will likely be the former. lewis: why the former? >> the ft that the russian government propped up assad will not be lost on the leaders of the syrian rebel alliance, that has now taken baghdad. in particular, they would be worried that russia might be a fifth column to try to stir up opposition to their role in some number of months. russia has ties mainly into the far west of syria, the minority th

as in syria, quote, much of the world by surprise. and giovanni is now trying to send the message to allies of the syrian government that this time, things that different come in the same way. it all can probably minister them how much you. yeah. so then the distance, his country late keep from the water between it on and the region. we urge him to distance it. ok from entering the new furnace. so what's happening in syria fuel to and how to do that with the mosse cause. now under the control of a position flight test and talk to more than a decade of conflict, the well to be look into upper mohammed l giovanni to see what type of transition she brings to syria. proper. notice era runs, foreign minister says he's received assurances regarding the security of a wrong diplomatic buildings and she or religious sites in syria. speaking to radian media, abbas a rock, she said it was surprising that the serial nomic could not count to the all positions advances in syria. iraq, she said to her on, was aware of developments inside syria. besi

there is now a new reality in syria, politically and diplomatically, and syria belongs to syrians with all its ethnic, sectarian, and religious elements. it is the syrian people who will decide on the future of their own country. it is certainly not possible for turkey to turn a blind eye to developments in a country with which it shares a 910 kilometer border, which is for our neighbors syria to attain the peace and tranquility has been longing for 13 years, full serial. under aside plays play the role of a pathway for a while on to establish its cloud, and it's linked to other parts of the resistance nexus. but now that everything has changed in one says the major beneficiary of all these developments is as well. and that is why your mom says that an suspense actually, that is relevant is behind all those incidents. it now has expressed concern over the, the expansion of israel's military activities. and the goal on heights warning that is real 6 to occupy. and actually we occupied those regions, but at the same time, to have one says that there was a sense axis is keeping a close ey

some of the thinking just sees territory from northern syria or southern syria. america is seeking to strengthen its foothold in the region. these are that goals and time will show that god willing, none of them will achieve these goals. they will provide areas of see where it will be liberated by these the syrian youth. do not doubt that this will happen. america wouldn't secure his foothold either by god's grace will and power america will be expelled from the region by the resistance from the supreme leader believes that the syrian territories occupied by the way of what also being freed by quote, valiant syrian youth. now, while everyone is thinking that by losing syria as a lynch pin for the resistance access, the network has been weakened, comedy does not think so. he explained that he explained the course of the, the nature of the axis of resistance and said that the more pressure it comes under, it will get stronger and more resilient, resilient, of course. so it goes without saying how significant it, syria has been for a while now as it played the role of a corridor that est

because within weeks. — governing syria. because within weeks. if— governing syria.that does not happen, i see a _ weeks, if that does not happen, i see a separatist tendency will— i see a separatist tendency will come to the fore and individual groups will try to carve — individual groups will try to carve out their own areas, like the turkish _ carve out their own areas, like the turkish backed syrian army in the — the turkish backed syrian army in the north, so this is a moment— in the north, so this is a moment for the international community to get on with it. it is awkward that the uk and others _ is awkward that the uk and others have proscribed hts as a terrorist — others have proscribed hts as a terrorist organisation which precludes them from any dealings with this group and i think— dealings with this group and i think they should look again at that very— think they should look again at that very quickly and provided there — that very quickly and provided there is— that very quickly and provided there is enough evidence that abu mohammed al—jolani is looki

planning for syria's new future.ebel fighters say they're working to form a transitional government, a day after they toppled bashar al—assad. the hunt for syria's hidden prisoners. rescuers search for secret underground cells — scenes of torture and execution under the assad regime. thousands of syrians queue to return to their country from neighbouring lebanon and jordan where many had been exiled. the musical emilia perez tops the golden globes nominations for the 2025 awards. now with all the latest sport, here's tanya arnold. the final game of the english premier league weekend takes place later, as west ham face wolves. bothjulen lopetegui and gary o'neil are under pressure over their teams form this season, and defeat for either manager could see them lose theirjob. but despite the uncertainty over his future, matters on the field are the focus for o'neil. i am not concerned about my future at all, only the club's future. i knew the size of the task when i took over. it is not often that managers walk out on p

force in syria.a very serious risk that if the kurds are abandoned, those fighters in these isis camps will get out and will become a problem for the greater peace in syria? >> i wish i could dismiss that and say it will not happen but we cannot be assured of that. the last time trump was in office, he nearly pulled the plug on those u.s. diplos in eastern syria. he had a conversation with erdogan in 20 18. erdogan made the case that the turks could control the northern border, no reason for the americans to be there. trump seemed to be fixated on the possibility that the americans could get the oil resources in eastern syria, should belong to the west. that seemed to be his priority. he was very ready at the time to do a withdrawal. he was talked down, his advisors told him that was not a good idea, all kinds of bad things that could happen including a resurgence of isis, betrayal of these kurdish forces we have been protecting for so ng. ultimately he came back from that but it is still a possibili

the one place where the americans have troops on the ground in syria is eastern syria, where the turkswould be a little surprised if donald trump ramps up the american troop presence in order to fight for syrian kurdish autonomy — that seems a little hard to imagine. right. and just on that base — and shannon, to bring you back in here — hundreds of american boots on the ground, much to do with countering the islamic the islamic state, some deterring iran. where do you see the future of that base? is it something that donald trump may take some troops out of syria? i don't think that donald trump take troops out but it's only because he was convinced out of it during his first term. so, donald trump is quite proud of the fact — and i think he set on meet the press last week — that he defeated isis and he defeated isis swiftly, so this is something that he thinks is a good thing to have american troops sort of there, keeping isis at bay. so, you know, i have no view into his military thinking or strategy but i know that he is quite proud of that accomplishment from his first term. let's

long live syria. the footage shows prisoners emerging from one of the capitals of tories prisons after years spent in detention now the walk free, the at the presidential palace in the west of damascus. a position fighters enter the compound, walking through its quality doors and gardens, you know, move that was on think about just a few days ago. the ultimate symbol of us saw its power is now standing yearly, quite serious prime minister address the nation from his home, urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition. find any wireless. i live in my office and i expect in a peaceful manner to guarantee the continuity of the public authorities and the institutions and state apparatus and to guarantee the safety and security for all citizens. and we are extending our hands even to the opposition. well, who extend their hands and gave assurances, they will not cause any harm to any citizens who belong to the syria of ours. jubilation on the streets of homes, serious through the largest city, were

, the old syria is gone.hat will this bring? is this going to be an opportunity? could this lead to a solution? could this lead to peace or will it lead to chaos and more violence? very much an uncertain day after the rebels took over last night. and, barbara, just in terms of people's day to day existence, obviously, for any state to function and for people to live, they have to be able to get food, water, have access to power, and all that requires a government to keep functioning, doesn't it? in the coming hours and days, do we have any idea how that might play out? we do have some suggestion about it because the leader of the rebels, abu mohammad al—juwlani, issued an order to his forces yesterday. i think it was in which he said that they should not publish. sorry, excuse me. target public institutions, that these were still under the authority of the prime minister and they would need to eventually be officially handed over. so he was stressing there a certain continuity in the civic governing elements

it doesn't involve encroaching into syria _ it doesn't involve encroaching into syria.mal encroachment in id military— very minimal encroachment in id military i— very minimal encroachment in id military i zone between us and the syrians —— demilitarised. many— the syrians —— demilitarised. many attacks against weapons that are — many attacks against weapons that are there, part of the army. _ that are there, part of the army, that fall in the hands of radical— army, that fall in the hands of radical groups that operate in syria — radical groups that operate in syria as _ radical groups that operate in s ria. �* , radical groups that operate in sria. r ~' ., syria. as you know, the united nations is _ syria. as you know, the united nations is very _ syria. as you know, the united nations is very quickly - nations is very quickly criticise these israel strikes. this moment of transition for syria, also been criticised by neighbouring countries including saudi arabia. how do you explain israel's sudden moves in this direction? they mi . ht moves in this direction? they mi

long live syria. on sunday, syria's prime minister, a dress of the nation from his home, urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition on number. we're extending our hands even to the opposition who are ready, reach out to us and gave us assurances they will not cause any harm to any citizen who belongs to the cereal of ours. despite the historic series of events, the world is now left wondering what's next for the syrian people from this includes. and just a lot of correspondence data hold on has been in the syrian capital as people take in the news about us that she says there's a mix of jubilation. i'm concerned for the future. yes, i report from damascus as we are in damascus. what's was the power of president? and i said his role is now over. the opposition has taken control of the capital for the past 10 days. the rebels pushed from there a strong hold in the northwest of the country, making their way south through the masters, while double guns common carrier, also made their way toward

forces still stationed in syria. cnn's national security correspondent natasha bertrand joins us now. natasha, there are about 900 american troops currently in syria. what happens to them now? >> well, they're going to be staying there for now. we've got no indication either from president biden or from u.s. defense officials that they have any intention of pulling any of those roughly 900 troops out of syria. in fact president biden, in his remarks earlier today, he said that our mission against isis, which is that core mission of the u.s. troops that are stationed there will be maintained including, he said, crucially, the security of the detention facilities where isis fighters are being held as prisoners. that is a really important part of the u.s. and coalition mission in syria. and the u.s. really doesn't want to cede any ground to terrorist groups. as we see the potential for a power vacuum to take place inside syria with the fall of bashar al-assad. and to that end we actually saw the u.s. conduct dozens of a

v ' . ., syria? it's difficult for russia to _ syria?a? it's difficult for - russia to sugar-coat what is russia to sugar—coat what is happening. effectively this is a blow to russia and russia are's prestige when you consider the resources, the huge amount of resources that russia poured in to trying to make sure that bashar al—assad stayed in power over the last nine years, their financial resources, political resources and of course military resources. russia are intervening in the syrian war intervening in the syrian war in 2015 to shore up assad, that sending thousands of troops and russian air power. keep in mind this intervention by russia was driven by russia's desire to project itself as a global power and to establish itself as the key power in the middle east, a power that could speak to all sides. and what have we seenin to all sides. and what have we seen in recent days? we have seen in recent days? we have seen this project, syria, unravelling for the kremlin in quite dramatic circumstances. so it is a blow and that's refle

forces from syria. there was, at that time, you remember, turkey very much involved or very much concerned about the situation in the syria because of the result of the civil war. there was a huge influx of refugees that moved across the border into turkey, particularly, a lot of strain on the turkish system to be able to support them has also been a long-running hostilities between turkey and kurdish forces inside syria. and so, in terms of what happens next, it's interesting because the west is fairly sidelined when it comes to what is happening on the ground now in syria. turkey is going to be a really important player. as well, russia. vladimir putin clearly has just seen his key ally disappear, and rebel forces move on the capital. he will be very concerned about the fate of a significant russian naval base and russian airbase inside syria , presumably he will be wanting to cut deals with whoever does take control inside syria, or else lose strategic bases, which would be a huge loss for russia, gi

long live syria. the quoted shows prisoners emerging from one of the capitals, the tories prisons after years spent in detention now the walk free, the at the presidential palace and the west of damascus opposition fighters entered the comp time walking through its college doors and gardens. you know, move that was on think about just a few days ago. the ultimate symbol of a saw, its power is now standing yearly, quite serious prime minister address donation from his home, urging the opposition to ensure an orderly transition. find any warehouse on the office and i expect in a peaceful manner to guarantee the continuity of the public authorities and the institutions and state apparatus and to guarantee the safety and security for all citizens. and we are extending our hands even to the opposition, will extend their hands and gave assurances. they will not cause any harm to any citizens who belong to the syria of ours. jubilation on the streets of homes. serious through the largest city were opposition

and outside syria as well. and then 3rd look, as i said in response to match question us as imposed a number of sanctions on syria. we have suspended diplomatic relations with syria. um, we have made quite clear for some time that serious should not be treated as a normal country. you saw subject to the re admission of syria to the air bleed before us off and taking any of the steps that the air bleak and other countries, and called on him to take to engage with other political actors inside syria. so we have all of those various authorities and abilities at our disposal and we will make clear to the, to all the relevancy actors inside syria. but these are the kind of steps that we want to see them take before we consider a change in united states policy. okay. and just last question, how do you square? you said that it has to be a serial lead process. how do you square that with the fact that everyone in the region and outside is, is involved right now is precisely in this process. so 1st of all, so really lik

you have 30 oki by northern syria. you have a us presence in southern and eastern syria. there are all sorts of external powers and players with this thing is in the syrian part, which unfortunately means i'm quite pessimistic about the syrian people being able to peacefully determine their own future as they have a sovereign right to. to keep you. 2 seems to be somewhat dismissive of the comments that were that were made by best on a smart threats when he sides. that the, the jewish state shouldn't compass all, not only palestinian territories, but neighboring eric territories, like the syrian capital, damascus, jordan lab, and on egypt, syria, iraq. i'll just elaborate on why you don't think this idea will gain traction in israel and how much support does it have amongst the right wing politicians though like best on a sponsor with himself? i agree with was what would uh, when he said that is right, it's doing what it's doing because it can. but uh the question is, well is way to be able to do what smoke treat shop is firing. um, once the crown was a goal, but now the i

ok, so now syria has a new government settings. are in government put in place by a mix group of insurgents with differing ideologies, goals and visual identities until it gets president. oh, do i was raised a point that must be on the minds of lots of people, the danger of the country splintering? well, here's his thoughts and then come back to you. i saw that sorta so now on we cannot allow syria to be divided. once again is in. we can never allow the countries to treat to become a possible ground once again on the scene at any attack on the freedom of the syrian peoples. the stability of the new syrian government and the integrity of the ancient century and tenor tree will find goes along with the syrian people. so yeah, how can i be like the busi, the director of the iron tash bash? how great do you see the danger of serious fracturing because of local factional interests? i see a possibility for syria united, but i think clearly president, the other one is more worried. the me to talk to syria while a sod was there, was actual

we with the groups who have now taken over in syria.— taken over in syria.rom a guest a _ taken over in syria. we had from a guest a little - taken over in syria. we had from a guest a little while i taken over in syria. we had i from a guest a little while ago that turkey has been a key player, talking to some of the armed opposition groups, and russia does have a relationship with turkey. we obviously don't know what the back channels for discussion are, but one assumes that there are lots of lines of communication at least being attempted right now.- attempted right now. yeah, absolutely. _ attempted right now. yeah, absolutely. russia - attempted right now. yeah, absolutely. russia has - attempted right now. yeah, absolutely. russia has a - absolutely. russia has a relationship with turkey. not always an easy relationship. the relationship between president erdogan and president putin has had its ups and downs over the years, to put it mildly. but, yes, moscow has made it clear... i think there was a statement from the foreign ministry today that made it

there is now a new reality in syria, politically and diplomatically, and syria belongs to syrians with all its ethnic, sectarian, and religious elements. it is the syrian people who will decide on the future of their own country. it is certainly not possible for turkey to turn a blind eye to developments in a country with which it shares a 910 kilometer border, which is for all neighbors syria to attain the peace and tranquility has been longing for 13 years. hold on to bring back in use of to loudly hear from to run yourself and not considering how invested you, ronnie, and government was, and it's pies with a sides government. well, one of its reaction to how it all fell apart. serial under aside plays play the role of a pathway for a while on to establish its cloud. and it's linked to other parts of the resistance, texas. but now that everything has changed, it wants, as the major beneficiary of all these developments is as well. and that is why i'm on says that and suspects actually that is well was behind all those in sense. it now has expressed concern over the expansion of israe

the question is, how many people are going to stay in syria, how that people going to return to syria or if violence breaks out now between these various opposition groups will be see another large number of syrians will have to leave are forced to leave because of the violence, the country, a lot of open questions remain this hour. i'm afraid we're going to leave it there . that was on the options or senior director of the counter extreme and it's extremely some project. thank you very much for your analysis. thank you so much. i meanwhile is a real, has seized a buffer zone in the searing controlled area of the golan heights. it says this is a temporary bug necessary measurement because syrian soldiers had abandoned their positions. their prime minister benjamin netanyahu says their departure means israel's 1974. a ceasefire agreement with syria has collapsed and his really forces must now take over the territory to protect against any new potential threats. you send a hand to piece to all those beyond our border in syria, to the jews, to the goods, to the christians, and to the mus

i was leaving syria. i had been undercover in damascus posing as a tourist, went back into lebanon, and i never imagined this moment would come when we would be driving through this border with no one from the regime to stop us the scene at that border crossing, as we pass through it again, it was already dark, already past curfew very, very quiet and just nothing like we've seen it before. the only real evidence we saw, wolf, of any struggle to finally take damascus to finally ouster bashar al-assad, was a tank in the road below a torn poster of president or i should say, former president bashar al-assad. and wolf, my cameraman, scott mcwhinnie, just found this on the ground, literally, as we were listening to that clip, this is the old flag of the syrian regime, which has two green stars, the rebel's flag has three green stars, but this one has now been literally we just found it on the floor. i guess a real moment where you see how much things have changed just in the past 24 hours. >> well, russia has

in syria. syrian forces have surrounded russia's her name and base in the talk you. they say they're searching for a sort of willis shadow says he wants to maintain ties, which with most go, which was a strong ally of the said regime on joins i live by wrestle. so there who is in damascus. russell took us through some of these diplomatic activities as we just mentioned, that the, the foreign minister of kuwait is in damascus. and so 2 is the secretary general of the gulf corporation council. indeed. so this, this visits are extremely important for the new administration and see that because when they took control of the con, through, on december a to say that's one of the top priorities is to have the international recognition . and says that the to on the have seen that a geishas off the vacations visiting damascus and meeting the possible that the top of your shows off the ministration state. but particularly the fact the leader of syria. i'm at a chevron. so as one of the latest business tod

at the 11 on syria border. the united nations has called on israel to stop the bombardment, the spokesman for the un secretary general ones that attends to see syrian land are illegal. it is very clear that we stand against any violation of the territory, the territorial integrity of syria. we're against these types of attacks. i think this is a, this is a turning point for syria. it should not be used by its neighbors to encroach on the territory of syria. it should be used by all those in the region and beyond to support the syrian people so they can choose their own path. so they can they work and work on a transition that is sir in the lead that is to your own. oh, that is inclusive where all the minorities, the myriads of minorities that, that are in syria, a feel safe and feel, feel they are part of the syria nation. the syrian or physician side is saying they've now taken over did as or the north east and city was previously under the control of syrian cottage forces. it comes a day off, the 3 civilians

syria has chemical weapons, happening in syria. syria has chemicalweapon5, it happening in syria.hose getting into the hands of tho5e getting into the hands of the rebels, some of whom are affiliated with al-qaeda. syria has a large military, lots of weapons stockpiles, it has an air force, weapons stockpiles, it has an airforce, fighterjets, so air force, fighter jets, so israel airforce, fighterjets, so israelis really, airforce, fighterjets, so israel is really, really concerned.— israel is really, really concerned. , . . concerned. israel is concerned and this also _ concerned. israel is concerned and this also changes - concerned. israel is concerned and this also changes a - concerned. israel is concerned and this also changes a lot - concerned. israel is concerned and this also changes a lot ofl and this also changes a lot of the dynamics that we are seeing in the region when it comes to iran, to lebanon. how do you think israel might try to navigate what is going to happen next? i navigate what is going to happen next?— navigate what is going to happen next? navigate what

didn't syria is the product of a joint american. and so on this point, we have evidence a wrong supreme lead a pull down the cuttings. we're bailing the western haven't been serious, claiming it's the us on the israel behind the taking off of the size and clearing the way for is limited to minutes to take over the walls, syria is in goals to entails, and the power group is on is ready for these sees for tea, take alons, it's the f o thomas, the nation. taken down and navy ship bases on the much more at the last $48.00 pound turkey is go to its own mission to where these folks name and lessons take on the us box costs of renewals, encore, a, take, save and destroy the delta and trucks packed with miss cells and the host of other homes and a warning disturbing images that the new rulers of syria, well the west and latest celebrate the rise to power and re brands. them. the feeling civilians live in the streets and feelings at point blank range. the a very well welcome is a b on here in most go in, this is on the international with the