The Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces have reached an agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire into a permanent truce, laying a framework for integrating Kurdish forces into the state and ending nearly a month of fighting.
The agreement on Friday appeared to resolve escalating tensions between the two sides over the question of kurdish autonomy in north-east Syria and paved a way for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to join Syria’s new army through negotiations, rather than battle.
It also was a milestone for Damascus, wich has sought to extend its control over the entirety of Syria’s territory, which for 14-years was carved up by competing militias and powers. The SDF had previously controlled about a quarter of the country and all of its main oilfields, constituting a significant challenge to the fledgling state’s rule.
It came after Syrian government forces swept through north-east Syria, aided by the Arab and tribal elements, shrinking the territory controlled by the SDF by about 80%. The SDF chose mainly to withdraw from Arab-majority areas but were preparing to defend Kurdish-majority cities from government forces, when the deal was struck on Friday.
Under the agreement, both sides would pull their fighters back from frontlines in north-east Syria and government security forces would enter the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli, the strongholds of the Kurdish authority.The SDF would integrate into the army, and the Syrian state would absorb the civilian institutions of the Kurdish authority.
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Hunter Biden, son of president Joe Biden, was indicted on federal gun charges in September 2023 and later on tax charges in June 2024, marking a significant escalation in the long-running examination into his business dealings. As of January 30, 2026, the legal proceedings are ongoing, with a trial date set for june 2026.
Federal Gun Charges
The initial indictment in Delaware accused Hunter Biden of making false statements when purchasing a firearm in 2018. Specifically, he allegedly claimed he was not using or addicted to drugs at the time of purchase, which is a federal offense.
Definition / Direct Answer: Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony counts related to the purchase of a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018.
Detail: The charges stem from a period when Biden was struggling with a documented addiction to crack cocaine. Prosecutors allege he knowingly lied on the required federal form 4473, which asks about drug use. The case has been complicated by legal arguments over the statute of limitations and the validity of the special counsel appointment.
Example or Evidence: The indictment, filed in the District of Delaware, details the alleged false statements made on the form. Department of Justice Press Release (September 14, 2023).
Tax Charges
In June 2024, a federal grand jury indicted hunter Biden on tax charges in California, alleging he failed to pay over $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019. The indictment includes accusations of evading assessment and multiple counts of failing to file and pay taxes.
Definition / Direct Answer: Hunter Biden faces nine federal tax charges, alleging tax evasion and failure to file returns between 2016 and 2019.
Detail: Prosecutors claim Biden spent the money on an extravagant lifestyle, including drugs, hotels, and escorts, rather than paying his taxes. The charges are based on an investigation led by Special Counsel David Weiss, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Biden’s legal team has argued that he is being unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Example or Evidence: The indictment details the alleged unpaid taxes and the lifestyle expenses.Department of Justice Press Release (June 20, 2024).
- Joe Biden: President of the United States and Hunter biden’s father. The White house
- David Weiss: Special Counsel overseeing the investigation into Hunter Biden. Office of the Special Counsel
- Department of Justice: The federal agency prosecuting hunter biden. U.S. Department of Justice
- District of Delaware: The federal court where the gun charges were initially filed.United States district Court for the District of Delaware
- Central District of california: The federal court where the tax charges were filed. United States District Court for the Central District of California
Current Status (as of January 30, 2026)
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pre-trial motions are ongoing, and a trial date is currently scheduled for June 2026. The case continues to attract significant media attention and political scrutiny.His legal team is actively challenging the evidence and seeking to dismiss the charges.
Definition / Direct Answer: As of January 30, 2026, Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial in June 2026.
Detail: The proceedings are expected to be lengthy and complex, potentially involving testimony from numerous witnesses. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the Biden management, regardless of the verdict.
