Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Trump Claims He Will Void Biden Documents Signed with Autopen 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Israel and Syria are moving closer to a potential de-escalation agreement that could ease years of conflict, according to U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack. Speaking during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Barrack revealed that the proposed deal would halt Israeli attacks in exchange for Syria agreeing not to move heavy machinery or equipment near the Israeli border. This arrangement is seen as the first step toward a broader security deal currently under negotiation.
The talks, encouraged by U.S. President Donald Trump, aim to create a framework for stability in the region. However, Barrack noted that progress has been slower than anticipated due to the Jewish New Year holiday, Rosh Hashanah, and unresolved sticking points between the two sides. “I think everybody is approaching it in good faith,” Barrack said, stressing cautious optimism about the outcome.
Syria, under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad last December, has been pressing for an end to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern territories. Israel, however, remains wary of Damascus’ Islamist-led government and its leader’s former jihadist ties. The Israeli government has repeatedly voiced concerns about security risks and has urged Washington to keep Syria decentralized and militarily weakened.
Tensions escalated sharply after Israel abandoned the 1974 truce on December 8, the same day Assad was ousted by rebel forces. Since then, Israel has conducted more than 1,000 airstrikes and over 400 ground incursions into Syrian territory, according to Sharaa. The Syrian leader expressed skepticism during remarks in New York, suggesting that Israel might be deliberately slowing down the negotiation process. “We are scared of Israel. We are worried about Israel. It’s not the other way around,” Sharaa warned.
The possible agreement marks a rare diplomatic opening between two historical adversaries. Yet, deep mistrust, territorial disputes, and competing political agendas mean that even if signed, the road to lasting peace will remain uncertain.
