Author: M Barbu

The ideology of resistance is a distinct feature of powerful armed groups in the Middle East. It is time to introduce a new concept and, probably, a new term.

So-called Shia militias account for a major part of the Syrian regime’s firepower in the ongoing conflict, and are the subject of a heated debate. Most of these militias have a strong ideological disposition that combines a cohesive narrative with a plan of action and a high degree of operational flexibility. In addition, they have the ability to constantly reproduce themselves based on a tried-and-tested model – a mitosis-like cellular reproduction of militias.

A BBC investigation has found that more than 5,000 people around the world died during November as a result of violence caused by al-Qaeda, its offshoots and groups which subscribe to a similar ideology, commonly referred to as “jihadism”.

Syrian dictator Bashar Assad has been unusually quiet about Israel’s conflict with multiple nations in the Middle East. But the weekend’s Israeli attacks on Iran could force him to open a new front in the conflict.

Last weekend, more than 100 Israeli fighter jets bombed targets in Iran. But the first wave of Israeli pilots had a different destination: Their goal was to disable air defense and radar systems in Syria that might be used to warn Iran about air attacks.

In Mezzeh, a neighbourhood reshaped by geopolitical stakes, the lives of ordinary people are caught in a struggle that has fundamentally altered their community, 963 Media writes.

Once one of Damascus’ most prestigious neighbourhoods, Mezzeh has shifted from a symbol of sophistication to a flashpoint in Syria’s complex regional conflict. In recent years, increased militarization—driven by Iranian and Hezbollah presence—has made Mezzeh a target of Israeli airstrikes, disrupting daily life and eroding the neighbourhood’s allure. Originally known for its diplomatic institutions, embassies, and exclusive residential zones, Mezzeh’s transformation illustrates how the Syrian war has reached into even the most established areas of the capital.

Abdi voiced concern over how reduced coalition presence could affect the region’s security, Syria TV says.

Mazlum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has called for sustained diplomatic efforts by international mediators to address escalating tensions with Turkey. Abdi noted that dialogues with the Syrian regime have been in progress for years, despite the limited outcomes thus far.

Despite ongoing airstrikes in Damascus, Homs, and Deir-ez-Zor, Syrian regime forces have not provided official statements regarding these incidents, Shaam Network writes.

Israeli warplanes reportedly launched an airstrike targeting Tal al-Jabiya, northwest of Nawa in Daraa governorate, with no official comment from the Israeli or Syrian authorities.

Sources told al-Watan that this change was influenced by a veto communicated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin to his Turkish counterpart, Yasar Guler.

The areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern and northeastern Syria have experienced a cautious calm over the past two days following a five-day barrage of intense air and ground bombardments by Turkish forces. This violence had resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including oil, gas, and electricity facilities, amid accusations from the Turkish administration that the SDF was responsible for an attack on the Aviation and Space Industries Company (TOSAS) near Ankara last Thursday.