Assad's regime is conducive to the return of the Islamic State. According to the BBC, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazlum Abdi, warns of increased IS activity and the threat of prisoners being freed.

Assad's regime sets the stage for the potential return of the Islamic State. According to the BBC, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, warns of increased Islamic State activity and the threat of prison breakouts.

President-elect Donald Trump plans to launch a mass deportation operation targeting millions of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and with temporary protections once he takes office on Jan. 20, a challenging initiative that could split apart families and affect U.S. businesses.

The United States has removed the long-standing $10 million bounty on the de-facto leader of Syria following a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist Friday.

A senior delegation of U.S. diplomats arrived in Syria to meet with the new de facto rulers, looking to understand more about how they intend to govern.

The first appearance of a formal US delegation in more than a decade is a sign of dramatic shifts since Assad's fall.