Syria's Assad still standing after 8 years of war – how did we get here?
What started as a peaceful protest against a strongman's rule has snowballed into one of the most complex and bloody conflicts on the planet
Syria Crisis
The state of Syria's civil war
March 15th marks 8 years of civil war in Syria. Jasmine El-Gamal, a senior fellow at The Atlantic Council and former Middle East adviser for the Pentagon, joins CBSN to explain how a peaceful uprising in 2011 turned into 8 years of war. She also discusses the players involved.
Reporter's notebook: Debora Patta on Syria
CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta joins CBSN to discuss her experience covering the fall of the city of Aleppo during Syria's ongoing civil war.
Syrian children talk about impact of war
About half a million Syrians have been killed in the country's civil war and more have been injured. Caroline Hawley from our partners at the BBC spoke with some of the children who have been impacted by the brutal fighting.
Father of ISIS bride sues to get U.S. to let her come back
Suit argues Hoda Muthana is an American citizen and should be allowed to return but U.S. says she's not
American ISIS bride wants to come home
Hoda Muthana told her family she was going on a school trip and instead flew to the Middle East
EU states say taking ISIS recruits back "not as easy" as Trump thinks
Mr. Trump has demanded that EU states take back ISIS recruits for trial, but European nations' reactions have been mixed
Civilians flee final territory held by ISIS
With few civilians left, ISIS fighters face inevitable defeat
Pentagon chief may get an earful in Iraq over ISIS battle plan
Acting Secretary of Defense's visit comes after President Trump angered the Iraqis by suggesting a different mission for U.S. troops in the country
ISIS still fighting in Syria despite Trump's assurances
Ground forces backed by U.S. and coalition airstrikes launched an offensive over the weekend
Men who fled ISIS territory are being interrogated
ISIS militants have been caught sneaking out with their families and protesting their innocence
ISIS' territory nearly gone, but is U.S. leaving job "halfway" done?
One Kurdish commander said ISIS has already established an underground network of terror cells preparing to regroup and strike back
Is U.S. leaving ISIS fight "halfway" done?
President Trump says he expects to announce the final defeat of ISIS' so-called "caliphate" within the next week. In late 2014, ISIS held major cities throughout Iraq and Syria. U.S. officials now say the group has lost more than 99 percent of that territory. Charlie D'Agata went close to the last piece of ISIS-controlled land and saw the combat first hand.
29 children and babies die from cold as families seek shelter: Report
"Children are dying from hypothermia as their families flee to safety," said Elizabeth Hoff, WHO representative in Syria.
Daughters of American detained in Syria appeal to Trump for help
Majd Kamalmaz's daughters are speaking out about their search for their father, held for nearly two years by the Assad regime
Israel confirms strikes on Iranian targets in Syria
Description of airstrikes marks rare departure from Israel's years-long policy of ambiguity regarding activities in neighboring war-torn Syria
Another bomb attack targets U.S. troops in Syria
Less than a week after 4 Americans were killed in attack by ISIS, which Trump says is beaten, new ISIS-claimed blast hits a joint convoy in Syria's north
Graham in Turkey after criticizing Trump's Syria withdrawal plans
Senior GOP senator has said Trump's move to pull out will embolden ISIS, as ex-U.S. envoy warns it's already happening
ISIS sleeper cells increase attacks away from the battlefield in Syria
A bombing on Wednesday is showing how ISIS remains a lethal force in Syria
ISIS is morphing in Syria, but it's not beaten yet
CBS News visits the front line in the ongoing fight by Kurdish forces, and their American allies, against a persistent enemy Trump insists is defeated
Fight against ISIS in Syria rages on despite calls for U.S. withdrawal
An American-led coalition reported 575 airstrikes during the first two weeks of this month alone
U.S. troops killed in Syria explosion
A car bombing in Syria killed U.S. troops. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin joins CBSN from the Pentagon with more.
U.S. troops killed in Syria suicide attack claimed by ISIS
Shortly after the military said service members were killed, Vice President Pence said ISIS "has been defeated"
U.S. troops killed in Syria bombing
U.S. troops were among those killed in an attack in northern Syria on Wednesday -- the same day that Vice President Mike Pence said ISIS, which claimed responsibility for the attack, "has been defeated." "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joined CBSN to discuss.
Kurds fear fate as Turkey says Trump reaffirmed U.S. Syria withdrawal
Turkish president says Trump has reassured him that America is pulling out of neighboring Syria, leaving U.S.-allied Kurds to hope, and fight ISIS while they can
World
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Fake political party led by an AI cockroach overruns Indian politics
The satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" calls itself a "political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth." India's government may be trying to squash it.
NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
2 climbers die on Everest as record-holder warns of overcrowding
At least five climbers have died during this Everest season. A U.S. and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu earlier this month.
Body found stuffed in barrel linked to Belgrade police chief
Police found the body of a man stuffed in a barrel following a shooting in a restaurant that led to the arrest of Belgrade's police chief, prosecutors said.
Live
Rubio says Iran imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable"
The secretary of state tempered optimism for a deal to end the Iran war, calling Iran's bid to "create a tolling system" in the Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable."
Navy's acting secretary says Taiwan arms sale put on "pause" over Iran war
The acting secretary of the U.S. Navy said Thursday that arm sales to Taiwan had been put on "pause" to ensure that the American military had sufficient munitions for its Iran operations.
Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
U.S.
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How some U.S. schools are teaching kindness classes
Kindness 101 is a program that uses the stories CBS News finds in our "On the Road" series to teach kindness and character. The stories are paired with lesson plans created by a nonprofit at Iowa's Drake University called "Character Counts!"
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
Kyle Busch was coughing up blood a day before his death, 911 call reveals
Kyle Busch's cause of death has not been given, though his family said earlier the NASCAR icon had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
MoneyWatch
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AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
This factor may determine whether you get rich. You don't control it.
Landing a good-paying job may not be enough to buy a home. A new study finds family wealth plays an outsized role in who becomes a homeowner.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Politics
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Cruz says Blanche faced "full-on revolt" over DOJ fund at meeting with GOP senators
The GOP senator said the meeting included "screaming," adding that "fiery does not begin to cut it."
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Exclusive
CIA director brought paramilitary leader involved in Maduro capture to Cuba meeting
When CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana last week to meet with senior Cuban officials, he brought along one of the covert operators involved in the mission to capture Nicolás Maduro, multiple people familiar with the matter said.
Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal district judge granted Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to dismiss two criminal charges on the grounds his prosecution was vindictive and selective.
Trump administration to require most green card applicants to leave U.S. first
The Trump administration on Friday announced a sweeping policy designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to get permanent residency.
HealthWatch
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Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
New weight-loss drug Retatrutide in trials
A new weight-loss drug, so new it is not on the market yet, is showing promising results in trials, doing much more than what current medications can. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
U.S. steps up Ebola prevention efforts
The U.S. is stepping up efforts to prevent Ebola from entering the country through its airports, with one flight diverted to Canada on Wednesday evening. Ian Lee reports from Detroit.
U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
World
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U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Fake political party led by an AI cockroach overruns Indian politics
The satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" calls itself a "political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth." India's government may be trying to squash it.
NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
2 climbers die on Everest as record-holder warns of overcrowding
At least five climbers have died during this Everest season. A U.S. and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu earlier this month.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Rob Base, rapper on classic hip-hop track "It Takes Two," dies at 59
Rob Base, the MC whose lyrics lit up the dancefloor classic "It Takes Two" and got countless people moving worldwide, passed away Friday.
Weenie 500 winners relish first-place finish
The Indianapolis 500 is this Memorial Day Weekend, kicked off by the second annual Weenie 500. "Cook 'Em Cam" and "Jack and Cheese," whose New York dog won the race, join CBS News to discuss.
New movies to watch this summer
Major franchises are bringing new movies to a theater near you this summer. Fandango's Erik Davis joins with more.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Technology
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CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Crime
Lawyers shot outside North Carolina courthouse
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a woman's civil case turned into a criminal one after police said she shot two lawyers outside a courthouse. Both were hospitalized. Skyler Henry reports.
Ivey and Ellison on 6 years since Floyd murder
Six years after his murder in Minneapolis, and despite passing the House twice, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act remains stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers are hoping to change that. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to reflect on the state of police reform.
Mosque attack was streamed online
The deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego was streamed online, and at least three people watched as two teenagers attacked the facility filled with young students, CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Britney Spears argued with police during DUI arrest, footage shows
Pop star Britney Spears said she was "totally fine" to drive and had not had a drink for about six hours when she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.
Space
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SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The weather heading into Memorial Day weekend
CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has the weather forecast as the U.S. heads into Memorial Day weekend.
The Memorial Day sales to look out for
A recent survey from digital savings platform Retail Me Not found 54% of respondents plan to shop Memorial Day weekend sales this year, up 36% from last year. But the survey found the amount people plan to spend has dropped a whopping 70% from last year. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch has more.
Is the DOJ independent of the president?
This week, the Justice Department created a so-called "anti-weaponization fund" as part of a settlement between President Trump and his own federal government over the leaking of his tax returns. The settlement also includes a pledge from the IRS that it will not pursue any legal claims it may have against Mr. Trump, his family and his companies. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Some schools teach kindness classes
Schools teach kids how to read, write and do math. But what about a class on how to be kind? In some places, it is. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.