Sex, drugs and 'Candy Crush': Secrets of Assad's palace revealed

Sex, drugs and 'Candy Crush': Secrets of Assad's palace revealed

Syrian officials and military officers told The Atlantic that communications adviser Luna al-Shibl served as the ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad’s mistress and was responsible for procuring women for him, including the wives of senior Syrian officers. The report also described missed opportunities Assad squandered and cited claims by a former Israeli official who said he had proposed organizing a palace coup.

Talks between Iran and the US on brink of collapse

Administration split over Iran talks, agreement uncertain

There is a significant gap between statements in Iran claiming that only the nuclear issue is on the table in talks with the Americans. Diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions who say that talk of a “positive atmosphere” is merely diplomatic wording for the absence of any real agreements.

US-Iran meeting will decide between war or deal

Iran blinked in Oman talks as US anger forced Tehran to back down

Behind the impression of firm American resolve, it is becoming clear that in the secret talks held in Oman, Iran initially managed to bend the agenda to its advantage. What concessions are being weighed behind the scenes, who actually defused the crisis, and is the regime heading toward a dangerous internal confrontation?

Report: Iran considers shake-up of Revolutionary Guards command

Report: Iran considers shake-up of Revolutionary Guards command

Arab diplomatic sources estimate that alongside talks with the US, Iran is preparing to “boost its readiness for war” should fighting break out. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s senior adviser, Ali Larijani, is expected to see his powers expanded, alongside a series of appointments of new commanders from the hardline camp.