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Image: Louai Beshara/Getty Images/AFPImage: Louai Beshara/Getty Images/AFP

Syria

Syria is located on the east coast of the Mediterranean and shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. The brutal civil war and a crumbling economy leave it ill-prepared to deal with natural disasters.

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All Content on this topic

A photograph of Syrian President Bashar Assad hangs in the broken window of a building damagaed by an Israeli strike

A photograph of Syrian President Bashar Assad hangs in the broken window of a building damagaed by an Israeli strike

Syria's dictator caught between Iran and Israel

Israel's direct attacks within Iran over the weekend could force Bashar Assad to open a new front in the conflict.

Syrian refugee Fawsia, who fled Lebanon, uses a zimmerframe to walks towards a shelter at a refugee camp in Syria. The ground is hard earth and the makeshift shelters have canvas roofs tied down with ropes.

Syrian refugee Fawsia, who fled Lebanon, uses a zimmerframe to walks towards a shelter at a refugee camp in Syria. The ground is hard earth and the makeshift shelters have canvas roofs tied down with ropes.

Fleeing yet another war: Syrian refugees escape from Lebanon

Tens of thousands of Syrians are fleeing Israeli bombs in Lebanon to return to their home country.

The white Air Jordan sneakers of a breakdancer with a prosthetic leg

The white Air Jordan sneakers of a breakdancer with a prosthetic leg

Syrian breakdancer hasn't skipped a beat after losing leg

Mo, a Syrian breakdancer, lost his leg in a bomb explosion, but that has not kept him from the dance floor.

Displaced Syrians who have fled Israeli bombing in Lebanon, arriving at areas in northern Syria, controlled by anti-government forces..

Displaced Syrians who have fled Israeli bombing in Lebanon, arriving at areas in northern Syria, controlled by anti-government forces..

Why the Lebanon crisis is good business for Syrian military

As Syrians flee Israeli bombs to return home, security forces are doing lucrative business charging entry fees.

Displaced Palestinians on their way attempting to return to their homes in north Gaza

Displaced Palestinians on their way attempting to return to their homes in north Gaza

October 7: One year on in the Middle East

The Hamas terror attacks and the resulting war in Gaza have set off regional and domestic shifts. A closer look.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, uses a diagram of a bomb to describe Iran's nuclear program in 2012

How Israel prevents its neighbors from getting nuclear arms

Here's an overview of how Israel has historically sought to curb the nuclear ambitions of its regional adversaries.

People displaced by conflict from southern Lebanon wait outside a temporary reception shelter in the northern city of Tripoli on September 25, 2024.

People displaced by conflict from southern Lebanon wait outside a temporary reception shelter in the northern city of Tripoli on September 25, 2024.

Lebanon estimates 1 million displaced amid Israeli strikes

Thousands of Lebanese and Syrian refugees in Lebanon are fleeing to find shelter, or any way out of the country.

A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft performs a practice strafing run over Syria

A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft performs a practice strafing run over Syria

Syria: US airstrikes kill 37 Islamist militants

The militants killed in September strikes were affiliated with the "Islamic State" group and an al-Qaida-linked group.

Displaced Palestinians take shelter in a tent in the southern Gaza Strip

Displaced Palestinians take shelter in a tent in the southern Gaza Strip

Has Israel-Hamas war displaced Palestinian refugees forever?

The plight of Palestinian refugees has worsened since the Israel-Hamas war began. DW explains their status.

People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 24, 2024. .

People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, on Sept. 24, 2024. .

Thousands of Lebanese and Syrians flee into war-torn Syria

Of half a million people displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli bombs, Syrian refugees may be in the toughest position.

View of a road congested with vehicles as Lebanese citizens flee the country's southern villages

View of a road congested with vehicles as Lebanese citizens flee the country's southern villages

Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Civilians caught in the crossfire

Civilians are fleeing southern Lebanon, many to Syria, to escape the cross-border conflict.

Israel's airstrikes in southern Lebanon have triggered a massive exodus of people looking for safety.

Israel's airstrikes in southern Lebanon have triggered a massive exodus of people looking for safety.

What the Israel-Hezbollah conflict means for Lebanon

Israel's airstrikes in southern Lebanon have caused thousands to flee their homes looking for refuge.

Syrian migrant Abu Ali in his bakery in Libya

Syrian migrant Abu Ali in his bakery in Libya

Libya welcomes Syrian refugees as skilled workers

Crisis-ridden Libya benefits from Syrian refugees, despite its lack of an official asylum policy and dire human rights.

Trucks carrying Syrian refugees and their belongings prepare to leave Lebanon

Trucks carrying Syrian refugees and their belongings prepare to leave Lebanon

Is any part of Syria safe for deportations?

Some in Germany are debating whether it is now safe enough to deport people to Syria. But experts say it's not.

Ukrainian doctors receive training in Germany

Ukrainian doctors receive training in Germany

Germany’s bureaucracy blocks Ukrainian, Syrian doctors

Thousands of doctors from Ukraine and Syria who came to Germany as refugees are struggling to get licensed to work.

Syrian migrants stand in a line in Cyprus

Syrian migrants stand in a line in Cyprus

EU's Syria policy shifts amid calls to increase deportation

The EU is under pressure to revisit its ties with Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Italy has already taken the first step.

Captagon tablets in a black plastic bag.

Captagon tablets in a black plastic bag.

What is the drug Captagon, and how is it linked to Germany?

What is the stimulant Captagon, where does it come from, and what does Germany have to do with its discovery?

People protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Amman, Jordan.

People protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Amman, Jordan.

Arab nations in Hamas-Israel conflict: What you need to know

Some have quiet-but-close relationships with Israel, while others host Iran-backed groups opposed to the US and Israel.

Irak Freiwillige Helfer auf Minensuche in Nordirak

Irak Freiwillige Helfer auf Minensuche in Nordirak

Iraq: Survivors in Mosul deal with IS legacy 10 years on

In Iraq, Kurdish villagers risk their lives trying to de-mine their territory 10 years after Islamic State rule.

A Syrian fighter carries his son while holding a rifle

A Syrian fighter carries his son while holding a rifle

Will EU's normalization push with Syria help Bashar Assad?

Observers are concerned about Europe's push to thaw ties and return refugees to Syria. Will "safe zones" benefit Assad?

Bashar Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Jul 24, 2024.

Bashar Assad and Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Jul 24, 2024.

Syria's Assad meets Putin in Moscow

The Syrian president voiced his concerns about the "escalation" of conflicts across the Middle East.

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during parliamentary elections, in Damascus, Syria, with photos of Bashar Assad in the background, including one with the text "We love you."

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during parliamentary elections, in Damascus, Syria, with photos of Bashar Assad in the background, including one with the text "We love you."

Syrians in government-held areas vote for new parliament

The vote is expected to keep Syrian President Bashar Assad's ruling Baath party in power.

Theater director Zhenya Berkovich, left, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk are seen in a glass cage prior to a hearing in a court in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 20, 2024. They are leaning in close to each other, apparently to speak in each other's ear.

Theater director Zhenya Berkovich, left, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk are seen in a glass cage prior to a hearing in a court in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 20, 2024. They are leaning in close to each other, apparently to speak in each other's ear.

Russia jails director, playwright for 'justifying' terrorism

A Russian court has convicted Zhenya Berkovich and Svetlana Petriychuk, sentencing them to six years each in prison.

Police officers patrol in front of the Eiffel Tower, which shows the Olympic rings, in Paris in June 2024.

Police officers patrol in front of the Eiffel Tower, which shows the Olympic rings, in Paris in June 2024.

Could a Syrian war criminal be attending Paris Olympics?

Syrian activists are finding it harder than expected to stop a possible war criminal from attending the Paris Olympics.

Syrian refugees are seen at the refugee camp in Idlib

Syrian refugees are seen at the refugee camp in Idlib

Syria: Refugees return to 'square one' at best

Despite increased crackdowns on Syrian refugees in countries such as Turkey and Lebanon, most don't want to go back.

A protester stands in front a burning Turkish truck

A protester stands in front a burning Turkish truck

As Turkey, Syria thaw ties, unrest may derail reconciliation

Anti-Turkish protests in Syria and violence against Syrians in Turkey are casting a shadow on efforts to renew ties.

A file photo of armed German police

A file photo of armed German police

Germany, Sweden arrest 8 over suspected war crimes in Syria

German authorities have said the men are suspected of killing civilians during Syria's civil war.

A young Syrian refugee taps on his tablet PC

A young Syrian refugee taps on his tablet PC

Syrians in Turkey face deportation into an unknown future

Turkey is deporting Syrian refugees back to Syria, despite international concerns and dire warnings by rights groups.

Schisto refugee camp near Athens: Ayham Albahsh, 11, has been living here for seven months with his younger sister Lin, 8, and his parents

Schisto refugee camp near Athens: Ayham Albahsh, 11, has been living here for seven months with his younger sister Lin, 8, and his parents

Growing up in a Greek refugee camp

How do children learn about the concept of home when their lives are in limbo? DW reports from the Schisto refugee camp.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (r) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at Pyongyang-Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (r) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smile during their meeting at Pyongyang-Sunan International Airport outside Pyongyang.

Stand by me? Vladimir Putin's remaining allies

Putin may be internationally isolated, yet he still can still count on some friendly autocratic nations for support.

General view of the Stockholm District Court in Sweden

General view of the Stockholm District Court in Sweden

Syrian general acquitted of war crimes by Swedish court

The former senior officer had been accused of "aiding and abetting" war crimes during 2012.

People wander past the rubble of a bombed out building in central Gaza on June 9, 2024

People wander past the rubble of a bombed out building in central Gaza on June 9, 2024

Number of civilians killed in wars soars in 2023 — UN report

"The proportion of women killed in 2023 doubled and that of children tripled," said UN Human Rights boss Volker Turk.

Police officers lay down flowers at a makeshift memorial to local police officer Rouven L. on June 07, 2024 in Mannheim, Germany

Police officers lay down flowers at a makeshift memorial to local police officer Rouven L. on June 07, 2024 in Mannheim, Germany

Germany debates deportations to Afghanistan, Syria

Anti-immigration rhetoric is being stepped up ahead of the elections for the European Parliament.

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage on the runway of Aleppo International Airport after a suspected Israeli strike there in Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage on the runway of Aleppo International Airport after a suspected Israeli strike there in Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Suspected Israeli strikes kill several in Syria: reports

An overnight airstrike near Aleppo was the second suspected Israeli attack in Syria in less than one week.

Refugees in an Idlib camp

Refugees in an Idlib camp

Syrians in Lebanon: Not safe to stay, not safe to go home

Syrians are weighing up whether to stay in a more hostile Lebanon or risk the hazards back in opposition-held Syria.

A boy stands on dry and cracked ground

A boy stands on dry and cracked ground

Climate change impacts on hydropower in the Middle East

Through Turkey, Syria and Iraq, the Euphrates-Tigris basin is suffering both water stress and a hydropower deficit.

Bashar Assad and Ali Khamenei sit next to a portrait of Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on May 30

Bashar Assad and Ali Khamenei sit next to a portrait of Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran on May 30

Syria's Assad offers condolences in Iran after Raisi death

Syrian President Bashar Assad met with Ayatollah Khamenei soon after the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Passport of Germany on a pile of different passports

Passport of Germany on a pile of different passports

Germany records highest number of naturalizations since 2000

Over 200,000 people from 157 different countries obtained German citizenship in 2023.

Activists in Paris hold Syrian flags next to portraits of alleged victims of the Syrian regime

Activists in Paris hold Syrian flags next to portraits of alleged victims of the Syrian regime

France: 3 Syrian officials convicted of war crimes

The trial focused on the officials' role in the alleged 2013 arrest and killing of a French-Syrian father, and his son.

A composite image showing one man and two women

A composite image showing one man and two women

Three perspectives: What does German citizenship mean?

What does the German passport mean for people with different backgrounds?

Fokus Europa | Geflüchtete Unternehmerin

Fokus Europa | Geflüchtete Unternehmerin

Turkey: German microcredits for Syrian refugees

Refugees often find it difficult to create a new livelihood. Micro-credits can help them.

Front left to right: Ursula von der Leyen, Nikos Christodoulides and Nabih Berri

Front left to right: Ursula von der Leyen, Nikos Christodoulides and Nabih Berri

Could the EU-Lebanon aid deal backfire on Syrian refugees?

Experts say the EU's recent aid deal for Lebanon could exacerbate existing tensions and increase irregular migration.

Migrants at the Pournara refugee camp in Cyprus

Migrants at the Pournara refugee camp in Cyprus

EU funnels aid to Lebanon amid Syria migrant surge to Cyprus

The EU has unveiled a €1 billion package for Lebanon amid concern about a refugee surge to nearby Cyprus.

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Israel-Iran tensions: Is Syria the new battlefield?

Israel has been bombing Syria covertly for years, trying to weaken anti-Israel forces. Will things escalate in Syria?

The Stockholm District Court building

The Stockholm District Court building

Syrian ex-general faces Swedish court over war crime charges

Sweden has put on trial the highest-ranking Syrian military official to date to face a court in Europe.

Syrische Flüchtinge in Zypern

Syrische Flüchtinge in Zypern

Cyprus suspends Syrian asylum applications

More than 4,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Cyprus since the beginning of this year.

A man with his face painted the colors of the Iranian flag waves an Iranian flag in Teheran

A man with his face painted the colors of the Iranian flag waves an Iranian flag in Teheran

Iranian embassy attack has Israel, Middle East on edge

Following the deadly airstrike on Iran's embassy in Damascus, fears of escalation in the regional conflict are growing.

Lebanese Army lines up a group of Syrians accused of illegally crossing into Lebanon from Syria

Lebanese Army lines up a group of Syrians accused of illegally crossing into Lebanon from Syria

Lebanon: Killing of official unleashes fury against Syrians

The murder of a local politician is still under investigation, but widespread accusations are already being politicized.

Präsident Joe Biden

Präsident Joe Biden

Biden promises Israel 'ironclad' support against Iran threat

With Iran vowing retaliation against Israel, military analyst Marina Miron assesses Tehran's capabilities.

An Iranian flag hangs as smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus

An Iranian flag hangs as smoke rises after what the Iranian media said was an Israeli strike on a building close to the Iranian embassy in Damascus

After Damascus embassy attack, what will Iran do?

Iran has vowed to retaliate for the airstrike in Syria, likely by Israel. It has many options, including all-out war.