State Department spokesman says Washington 'will not express any support for efforts to normalize or rehabilitate' Syrian leader after Emirati foreign minister travels to Damascus

Trip by top Emirati diplomat, the first since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, comes as Damascus seeks economic opportunity and Gulf looks to counter Iran

Blinken, meeting with Israeli, UAE counterparts, says Washington won't lift sanctions without 'vital' political progress, despite warming ties between Arabs states and Damascus

Abdullah affirmed that his country supports 'efforts to preserve Syria's sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and people'

Attack on Hamza Division comes amid increasing tensions between Assad's forces and insurgent groups who still have a stronghold in parts of the country

Syrian state TV says the two discuss continued military operations in country's long civil war, amid recent reports of Russian airstrikes on Idlib

President says elections, which international community said weren't free or fair, 'have proven the strength of popular legitimacy that the people have conferred to the state'

Gaza-ruling terror group hopes the Iranian president-elect will continue Tehran's 'honorable stances in solidarity with Palestine'; Islamic Jihad also sends well-wishes

Dictator confirmed by elections widely regarded as a farce hails 'fighting spirit' of nation torn asunder by war, says he'll be victorious no matter how many battles it takes

Russia lauds 'decisive victory' by Syrian dictator, rejects Western accusations of sham vote