As insurgents raced across Syria in a surprise offensive launched in the country's northwest late last year, officials from several countries backing either the rebels or Syria’s government met in Qatar on what to do.

On 11 January, the Syrian government reduced customs duties on goods from Arab countries by up to 60 percent, while increasing duties on Turkish imports by up to 300 percent, applying a uniform rate across all neighbouring countries. This decision has drawn criticism from Turkey’s business community.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

Al-Shaibani is visiting Turkey for the first time as Syria foreign minister, as the interim government continues to clash with remaining Assad loyalists.

Syria's interim rulers are trying to form a united national army after the fall of Bashar Assad late last year. But armed factions in the country's south — who led

Syria's interim rulers are trying to form a united national army after the fall of Bashar Assad late last year

As insurgents raced across Syria in a surprise offensive launched in the country's northwest late last year, officials from several countries backing either the rebels or Syria's government met in Qatar on what to do.

Turkey's national flag carrier resumed flights to the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday after a break of nearly 13 years, state news agency Anadolu reported. A plane with 349 passengers took off from Istanbul International Airport for Damascus on Thursday morning in first such flight since April 2012,

Commercial flights between Turkey and Syria resumed Thursday after 13 years with a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Damascus. Turkish media showed Syrian families draped in their national flag singing pro-opposition songs and cheering as they prepared to board flight TK0846 to Damascus.

Alia Malek with ABC journalist celebrates the ‘liberation’ of Syria. Almassian’s response to events contrasts. Watch to understand Syria.

No country has as much to gain from a stable Syria as Turkey, and few have as much to lose if it implodes. Turkey is home to more than 3m Syrian refugees, and wants Syria to be safe enough for many to return.

Chris Wedel is a fan of all things tech and gadgets. Living in rural Kansas with his wife and two young boys makes finding ways to stay online tricky — not to mention making my homestead smarter.