DAMASCUS

The Syrian government has decided to shut down alcohol sales in restaurants and bars across the capital city. The order, announced by the local governor on Monday evening, says that venues must change their licenses from “nightclub” or “bar” to “cafe. ” Only sealed bottles can be sold for take‑away,

Rebel groups, led by HTS, suddenly took control of the Syrian capital, Damascus, this past weekend. This shift could change the dynamics of the long-standing civil war. The rebels announced their victory on social media, claiming to have freed the city from President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. However,