The conflict poses a challenge for the new interim president as he tries to unify Syria and extend his authority over the entire country.

Shara’s unlikely path from membership in Al Qaeda to head of state has raised questions about how he intends to govern Syria.

Following last week’s strikes just south of Damascus, Israel’s military said it conducted another round of strikes on Monday on military targets in northwestern Syria.

Journalists have uncovered documents hidden in fortified mountain tunnels and secret chambers, revealing a vast corruption network entrenched in the