Deadly attack on U.S. forces highlights challenges facing Syria's new president

By Jane Arraf,

Steve Inskeep

Published December 15, 2025 at 5:09 AM EST

The deadly attack on U.S. forces in Syria underscores the challenges facing the new Syrian president one year into his rule of the fractious nation.

Jane Arraf

Jane Arraf covers Egypt, Iraq, and other parts of the Middle East for NPR News.

See stories by Jane Arraf

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

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