Syria’s intelligence apparatus on trial in Germany

In Syria, the Islamic State group stands accused of executing a series of attacks targeting truffle hunters. Truffles, or 'sand truffles' as they're commonly known, grow in the desert and have become a sought-after commodity. FRANCE24's Observers team delved into this issue. Journalist Mahmoud Naffakh provides further insights.

The two countries are asking the International Court of Justice both to examine torture and other crimes against humanity committed during Syria's civil war, and to order Damascus to halt any such mistreatment.

With the Hollywood screenwriters' strike now in its sixth week, unions are demanding guarantees that artificial intelligence will not be used to create new content. Could AI eventually replace writers and directors or even actors and singers? How effective and how credible are current AI tools? Are they truly a threat to the entertainment industry that could lead to hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs – or a golden opportunity to increase productivity?

Since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, the European Union has been the largest donor of humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance to Syrians, with another conference known as Brussels VII – aimed at supporting Syria and the region – held on June 14 and 15 in the Belgian capital. But the recent rehabilitation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by regional players has arguably complicated the EU's task.

Lawmakers in Ghana are calling for legislation to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI). They argue that the tool could increase inequality and want clarity over machine error. But proponents of AI disagree.

The power struggle between Moscow, Damascus and Ankara continues, while the civilian population pays the price.

The US military said Russian jets flew dangerously close to American jets over northwest Syria for a second time on Thursday after a similar incident Wednesday. The Central Command has released videos of both incidents.

The situation arose when Russia vetoed a nine-month extension and failed to gain support for an alternative six-month plan. The UN-brokered lifeline expired Monday.

Although Baghdad maintained diplomatic ties with Syria during the civil war, no Iraqi prime minister has visited Damascus for over a decade.

Syrian state media reported four soldiers were killed in a missile strike outside Damascus. A Syrian war monitor said the strikes targeted weapons stores and Iran-backed militias.

Aid deliveries from Turkey to rebel-held areas of northwestern Syria stopped in late July after a UN Security Council mandate was not extended. Damascus had demanded the UN not deal with "terrorist organizations."

As Middle Eastern countries again accept Bashar Assad's control over Syria, India is beginning to renew its ties with Damascus in order to build strategic influence in the region.