In the latest escalation between India and Pakistan, Israeli-made loitering munitions—specifically Harop ‘kamikaze’ drones—have taken centre stage. These drones, designed to loiter and strike targets with surgical precision, were deployed by India against Pakistan, supposedly in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-occupied Kashmir, although their victims have predominantly been civilians in Pakistan. Pakistani authorities have reportedly shot down at least 25 of the Indian drones so far.

With Israel escalating its attacks on Syrian territory under the banner of “protecting the Druze,” the Syrian fact-checking group Eekad has revealed what appears to be a clandestine, coordinated, Israeli-backed campaign aimed at driving the Druze-majority Suwayda region toward secession - against the wishes of the majority of Syrian Druze people.

Syria's new leadership has said it will not extend the contract with Russia for the naval base in Tartus. The fate of the nearby Hmeimim air base is likely to be the same. Thus, the 54-year history of a permanent Soviet, and later Russian, presence is coming to an inglorious end.

By Asser Khattab, Newlines Magazine

Boghos never expected to find himself in one of Syria’s underground dungeons.

He was a devoted Christian who opted for a literal interpretation of Romans 13:1-2, where Paul the Apostle writes, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” and, “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.”

By James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS