Latest from Syria

Leak could give Syrian opposition a new weapon against Assad

Syria's democratic opposition is combing through this week's release of the "Panama Papers" to revitalise efforts to identify and freeze billions of dollars amassed by the family and friends of their country's dictator, Bashar al-Assad.

Putin still has the power of surprise

Russian President Vladimir Putin, with his sudden move to withdraw Russian forces from Syria, once more caught international observers by surprise.

Peace talks push on as jets fly home

Noah Feldman: Russia's withdrawal is a win for Isis

COMMENT: The announcement makes it explicit that Putin has no interest in giving Assad the support he'd need to take on the forces of Isis.

Russian leader puts the squeeze on Assad

Putin's announcement that Russia will begin withdrawing the "main part" of its military from Syria is a surprise potential end to a six-month intervention.

Chris Clarke: Looking for hope after five years of Syrian war

For five years Syria has suffered through a civil war that has tortured its people and destroyed the country, writes World Vision's Chris Clarke. For five years too long children have witnessed things no one should ever see.

Rachel Smalley: Syrian conflict changing our world

There are over a million refugees living in Europe. Living in squalid and challenging conditions. And witness how that influx of humanity has destabilised Europe, writes Rachel Smalley.

Gwynne Dyer: Russia's divide and conquer plan in Syria brings US closer

Russian's plan is "the best opportunity the Syrian people have had over the past five years for lasting peace and stability".

Baby number 5000 born at refugee camp

As the Syrian conflict approaches its fifth anniversary, not far across the border in Jordan an altogether more hopeful milestone is being celebrated.

Syrian refugees welcomed to NZ

Children waved small photocopied Syrian flags as New Zealand welcomed its first extra intake of refugees from the war-torn nation at Mangere today.

NZ leads talks on Syria humanitarian crisis

NZ is leading urgent talks at the UN on a desperate humanitarian crisis in the Syrian town of Madaya, where besieged residents are reported to be dying of starvation.

Kids starving under Assad siege

Thousands of Syrian families are starving to death as Bashar al-Assad's regime imposes a siege on two mountain towns, despite a United Nations-brokered ceasefire designed to allow in aid.

Refugee children may be taught by robots

German scientists think they have found the solution for young refugees who have entered Germany from war-torn countries and are seeking a better life.

The cats and dogs of war

In the years since the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011, Alaa Aljaleel has become his hometown's unofficial feline caretaker.

West could be dragged into ground conflict

Western countries face the prospect of being dragged further into the war in Syria as it prepares to support a new "ground army" from Muslim nations.

Surge in foreigners joining Isis

The number of foreign fighters who have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join militant groups such as Isis has more than doubled according to a study.

Britain on the verge of war with Isis

Corbyn called the plan for strikes an 'ill-fated twist in never-ending war on terror', but lost the support of his caucus.

US extends its 'long reach'

Special Ops task force will expand US troops' direct involvement in battling Isis commanders.