syrian civil war
The Kurds Are Planning to Declare Their Own Autonomous Region in Syria
The Kurds have asserted de-facto control of a large swath of northern Syria amid the civil war — now they are poised to formally declare their own federal system.
Putin Withdraws Most Forces From Syria, Saying Russia Has 'Achieved Its Goals'
Russia has dozens of aircraft in Syria, plus ships and other equipment. Putin called Syrian President Bashar al Assad to let him know he's beginning to pull out.
All Sides Are Supposedly Violating Syria's Ceasefire — That Doesn't Mean It's a Total Failure
A week into Syria's cessation of hostilities, there are multiple reports of violations — but in many parts of the country people are able to live without fear of bombing for the first time in years.
The US State Department's Syria Hotline Staff May Not Speak Arabic — or Answer the Phone
VICE News spent a day calling up the the State Department's Syria hotline, set up to help document reports of violence in the country. Most of the time, nobody picked up.
What Life Is Like Inside the Besieged, War-Torn Syrian City of Aleppo
Constant bombing attacks, the destruction of hospitals and schools, and the severing of supply chains have left Aleppo and its estimated 320,000 remaining citizens in dire straits.
At 11th Hour, UN Security Council Demands That Syria's Warring Parties Adhere to Ceasefire
The endorsement of a US/Russia-brokered cessation of hostilities agreement insisted that fighting among rival factions stop, but the ceasefire does not include the Islamic State or the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front.
The Syrian Government and Opposition Groups Agree to Temporary Truce
The Syrian government and the umbrella opposition group the High Negotiations Committee have both issued statements provisionally agreeing to the terms of a ceasefire brokered by Russia and the US.
We Asked an Expert What the 'Ceasefire' Between the US and Russia in Syria Really Means
Does this agreement between the US and Russia mean that the conditions on the ground will change, or that we're any closer to actual peace?
The Battle for Aleppo Shows That US Strategy in Syria Is in Tatters
The newest allies of the US are battling the old ones, Russia keeps bombing, the regime's army advances, and the Islamic State sits back while its enemies kill one another.
Supposed Syrian Ceasefire Viewed Skeptically by War-Weary Aid Workers
World leaders have reportedly reached a deal to end fighting in Syria, but in light of the earlier collapse of peace talks in Geneva, humanitarian officials said they will wait to see results on the ground before wholly endorsing the deal.
The UN Says a Syrian Regime Siege of Aleppo Would Be a Total Catastrophe
An estimated 300,000 residents remaining in Aleppo risk being completely cut off from humanitarian supply routes if the Syrian government and allied forces succeed in surrounding the city.
From Syria to the Six: What It's Like Living in Canada as a Refugee
On New Years Eve, Canadian journalist Kourosh Houshmand linked up with Nazar Poladian—a newly arrived Syrian refugee—to welcome 2016 in style.