Armed factions who led the final charge on Damascus that toppled Assad are hesitating to take part in a new system led by northern ones.

On 11 January, the Syrian government reduced customs duties on goods from Arab countries by up to 60 percent, while increasing duties on Turkish imports by up to 300 percent, applying a uniform rate across all neighbouring countries. This decision has drawn criticism from Turkey’s business community.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

Syria's interim rulers are trying to form a united national army after the fall of Bashar Assad late last year

Insurgents in Syria's northwest met to discuss political transition, leading to chaos and uncertainty among rebel factions.

As insurgents raced across Syria in a surprise offensive launched in the country's northwest late last year, officials from several countries backing either the rebels or Syria's government met in Qatar on what to do.

Here is a look at Arab Spring, anti-government protests that began in Tunisia in December 2010 and spread throughout the Middle East and Africa in 2011. Algeria January 4, 2011 – Protests begin, sparked by an increase in food prices.

Crossing the border from Jordan on Dec. 29, one North Jersey man had tears in his eyes. “I hugged the first Syrian person I saw,” he said.

The new Syrian regime can only be trusted if it concedes meaningful decentralization to the country’s minority groups.

Socialist Alternative’s Omar Hassan is roaming around al-Qaeda controlled Syria, presenting its imperialist-backed takeover as an exciting new stage in a "revolution."

By bnm Gulf bureau Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened military action against militant groups in Syria, particularly Kurds, unless they lay down their arms and disband, Turkish media reported on January 15.