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Sammy Ketz

Abu Mohamed al-Golani, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group led by al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, poses for a selfie during a press conference in the area of Bab al-Hawa crossing northern Syria late on March 12, 2024. (OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)
December 7, 2024, 8:36 am
Syria’s rebel leader Golani: From radical jihadist to ostensible pragmatist
Since breaking ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has sought to portray himself as a more moderate leader; whether that is true remains up for debate
By Sammy Ketz and Layal Abou Rahal
In this file photo taken on March 2, 1961, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (2nd L) and Prince Philip (R) pose with Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (2nd R) and his wife Farah Pahlavi during their state visit to Tehran. (Central Press/AFP)
September 10, 2022, 11:02 am
Amid hostility over UK’s support for shah, Iran greets queen’s death with silence
Recent book says Queen Elizabeth II ‘considered the shah a crushing bore and hated his company as he only talked of administrative matters,’ but was angry he wasn’t offered asylum
By Sammy Ketz and Ahmad Parhizi
Iranian artisan works during the 29th Handmade Carpet Exhibition in Iran's capital Tehran on August 23, 2022 (AFP)
August 29, 2022, 8:44 am
Ancient Iranian rug tradition gets modern makeover as sinking sales force redesign
Changing tastes coupled with increased competition from parts of Asia have led some to adapt Persian traditions dating back over 2,000 years
By Sammy Ketz
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani arrives at the Coburg Palais, venue of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) meeting aimed at reviving the Iran nuclear deal, in Vienna on December 17, 2021. (ALEX HALADA / AFP)
December 21, 2021, 3:24 pm
Iran, unlike West, is upbeat about nuclear talks, experts say
As Europe and US lose patience, Tehran believes it has scored points in Vienna by ensuring discussion of sanctions relief takes place in next round of talks
By Sammy Ketz
Ebrahim Raisi, who went on to win Iran's presidential election, waves after casting his vote at a polling station in Tehran, Iran, on June 18, 2021. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)
October 18, 2021, 8:16 pm
With nuke talks on hold, Iran’s Raisi tours countryside to boost image
Elected in vote marked by record low turnout, former judiciary chief takes step back from international stage, while working to win the hearts and minds of his people
By Sammy Ketz
Sudanese demonstrators wave Sudan's independence-era flag (R) as smoke billows from burning tyres during a protest in Khartoum, June 30, 2020. (ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP)
December 7, 2020, 10:04 am
Arab insurgents return to independence-era flags to spurn dictatorship
In Syria, Libya and Sudan, revolutionaries see national banners of the past as a way of showing their rejection of the regimes they wish to overthrow
By Sammy Ketz
Syrian civilians and rebels, who were evacuated from the Qabun district in northeast Damascus, arrive at a temporary camp in the northern countryside of Idlib province on May 15, 2017. (AFP/Omar Haj Kadour)
May 15, 2017, 2:04 pm
Syria regime nears total recapture of Damascus
Rebels evacuate 3 of the last city districts under their control, shattering dreams of seizing capital and toppling Assad regime
By Sammy Ketz
A Syrian woman shows her ink stained thumb after voting at a polling station during parliamentary elections in Damascus on April 13, 2016. (AFP Photo/Joseph Eid)
April 13, 2016, 1:36 pm
Syria holds parliamentary polls in regime-held areas
Controversial vote coincides with a second round of UN-brokered peace talks; Assad opponents dismiss election as illegitimate
By Sammy Ketz
A picture shows on March 31, 2016 the remains of Arch of Triumph, also called the Monumental Arch of Palmyra, in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, which was destroyed by jihadists of the Islamic State group in 2015. (AFP / JOSEPH EID)
April 1, 2016, 11:49 pm
Syria’s Palmyra scarred forever by IS jihadists
Many temples, columns and other treasures have been destroyed by group, with even partial recovery expected to take years
By Sammy Ketz
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers an address on the US and Russia's agreement to enforce ceasefire in Syria in his office near Moscow on February 22, 2016. (AFP / SPUTNIK / MICHAEL KLIMENTYEV)
March 14, 2016, 5:42 am
US, Russia pull the strings as Syrian civil war enters sixth year
Major world powers have ‘monopoly’ on resolving crisis, and their interests will take precedence over Syrians’, analyst says
By Sammy Ketz and Olga Rotemberg
Syrian President Bashar Assad gestures during an interview in the capital Damascus on February 11, 2016. (AFP/Joseph Eid)
February 12, 2016, 6:24 pm
Assad vows to reclaim whole of Syria, warns could ‘take long time’
Embattled president says he believes in negotiations but won’t stop fighting rebels, jihadists; accuses Europe of ‘giving cover to terrorists’ among refugees
By Sammy Ketz and Christian Chaise
Two Russian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers at the Russian Hmeimim military base in Latakia province, in the northwest of Syria, December 16, 2015. (Photo by AFP Photo/Paul Gypteau)
December 21, 2015, 9:24 am
Entering Syrian war, Russia and Iran see Mideast resurgence
Moscow and Tehran are regaining influence with their interventionist streaks, but risk getting stuck in Assad’s quicksand
By Sammy Ketz
A Syrian man looks at backpacks and suitcases for sale at a market in Damascus on September 22, 2015. When customers ask which of the backpacks displayed in the Souk al-Khija market is the sturdiest, the shopkeeper knows they are planning to take to the sea to reach Germany. (AFP/LOUAI BESHARA)
September 28, 2015, 2:20 pm
German fever grips war-weary Syrians in Damascus
Young professionals, students scrambling to learn German as thousands seek to reach country, a top destination for those fleeing conflict
By Sammy Ketz and Rim Haddad
An armored personnel carrier, likely a Russian made BTR-82A, firing large-caliber bullets during a battle in Latakia, Syria, is seen in a video posted online on August 23, 2015. (Screen capture YouTube)
September 25, 2015, 2:11 pm
Russian ‘visitors’ receive warm welcome in coastal Syria
Assad’s seaside bastion of Latakia sees major military build-up; locals hail ‘the melody of Russian planes’
By Sammy Ketz
Free Syrian Army fighters run after attacking a Syrian Army tank during fighting in the Izaa district of Aleppo, Syria, on September 7, 2012. (AP/Manu Brabo, File)
May 25, 2015, 10:20 pm
Syria regime preparing for partition of the country
Beaten by Islamic State in the east and battered by other rebels, Assad could withdraw to Alawite enclave
By Sammy Ketz
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