Latest fromMiddle East
Friendly-fire incident: US Navy pilots downed over Red Sea
US strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after pilots rescued from Red Sea.
Inside Assad’s hasty escape: The downfall of Syria’s ruling elite
Several Assad allies, including Maher and Mamlouk, sought refuge in Russia and Lebanon.
‘Closer than ever’: Progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, says Hamas
Hamas reports significant progress in ceasefire talks; deal could finalise this year.
Editorial: Why the lightning fall of Syria’s brutal regime matters for us all
OPINION: The ripple effects of a post-Bashar al-Assad world could spread to NZ.
'Not a takeover': Turkey rebuffs Trump's Syria comments
Turkey denies controlling Syrian rebels, emphasises co-operation over domination.
'Could be catastrophic': UN warns of escalating Syria conflict
UN highlights humanitarian crisis in Syria; nearly 13 million face acute food insecurity.
Letters: Kiwis' safety and security have gone backwards
OPINION: 'My insecurity stems from events both overseas and domestically.'
Israeli strikes in Gaza 'kill 22', including Al Jazeera journalist
UN warns of famine as Gaza's health system collapses amid ongoing Israeli bombardment.
Assad's prisoner No 3006 tells his story
An ex-prisoner recalls torture and execution threats in Syrian jail.
'Every day more hope is lost': Families search notorious prison
Liberated prisoners found alive in Sednaya; families cling to hope amid chaos.
Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 25, including women and children
Israeli strikes kill 25 in Gaza, including women and children, amid ongoing military ops.
Why Netanyahu's corruption trial marks a historic moment
Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.
Israeli strikes hit Syrian ships as Assad ousted from power
Israel strikes Syrian navy, damaging ships and research centre after Assad's ousting.
With Assad gone, a brutal dictatorship ends. But the new risks are huge
New York Times: Will Assad's fall usher in a new era for Syria and the Middle East?
Watch: Syrians storm Assad's palace, find his luxury car collection
Videos show fighters and civilians inside the sprawling New Shaab Palace.
Analysis: Assad's fall - a new chapter begins in Syria's turbulent history
ANALYSIS: As Assad flees to Moscow; Turkey calls for an inclusive power transition.
How rebels toppled the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad
New York Times: Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebels claimed the capital, Damascus.
Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza
New York Times: Israel has rejected the charge saying it was "based on lies".
Syrian airstrike kills journalist amid fierce battle for Hama
Rebels advance on Hama as airstrikes kill journalist; Assad raises military salaries.
Executions and rehab: Saudi Arabia dials up its ‘war on drugs’
Financial Times: Narcotics use blamed on social change, rise of drugs such as Captagon.
Lightning assault on major Syria city: 'Not a single shot was fired'
'There has been no fighting, not a single shot was fired, as regime forces withdrew.'