Bashar al-Assad

IS blows up airport entrance and captures aquarium but cannot take full control of crucial transport hub.

New Details emerge on Frenchmen from Champigny-sur-Marne who converted to Islam and joined Isis

The tide appears to be turning in Assad's direction in the historic city of Aleppo.

President to consider United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura's peace initiative with rebels.

Isis and Jabhat al-Nusar militants nearly took over Syria's second city after taking over governor's office.

Chemistry teacher admits to planning to travel to Syria to fight against president Bashar al Assad.

The ban is the latest in a line of sanctions imposed against the President Bashar al-Assad's regime

Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary from west London is a rapper who performed the "Anonymous Anthem" in a YouTube video from 2013.

Iran's supreme leader accuses West of fuelling divisions between Sunnis and Shi'ites in Middle East

Saudi Arabia, Jordan and UAE involved in operation whose targets include Islamist militants' stronghold in Raqqa.

Moscow says US military action should be approved by UN and Bashar al-Assad.

Regime forces claim women and children are terrorists to justify slaughtering them.

Islamist group frees UN troops dropping all demands

When considering an alliance with Assad against IS rebels, our government must remember his atrocities.

Britons fighting with Islamic State affiliate frustrated at fighting other rebel groups.

Human Rights Watch accuses Islamic State of using banned weapon in Aleppo region.

UNHCR says Syria is "biggest humanitarian emergency of our era".

UN blames IS and government fighters for war crimes in Syria.

Up to April more than 191,000 people have been killed in conflict, UN human rights chief says.

Italian Defence ministry confirms duo is missing in rebel-held Syrian city.

Italian missionary is believed to have been kidnapped by Isis in ar-Raqqah.

Josat satellite television guests Shaker al-Johari and Samih Khrais fight during news talk.

Jihadists from Islamic State seize Shaar gas field in central Syria Islamic State Killing 23.

Russia is leading global arms seller and exported $15.7bn of arms in 2013.

David Cameron's government scrapped Lord Richards' proposal to train and equip rebels as it was thought too risky.

Washington believes aid will equip Syrian opposition to fight Bashar al-Assad and Isis Sunni insurgents.

Islamist rebel group battling Assad targeted government-controlled area in central Syria.

Syrian activist groups confirm deaths of at least 20 people in strike in al-Sukkari district.

Islamic Front claims responsibility for three giant explosions that have killed dozens of regime troops in recent weeks

Syrian leader votes at school in Damascus's al-Malki neighbourhood in presidential elections.