In a significant turn of events post-Bashar al-Assad's ouster from Syria a few days back, the interim government on Thursday (Dec 12) pledged to implement the "rule of law," as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition.&nbsp;

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Assad fled the country after a rapid military push that ended five decades of autocratic rule by his family. His departure has been met with celebrations across Syria and among the global Syrian diaspora, many of whom endured years of oppression, including arbitrary arrests and executions.

he regime’s collapse came after a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies&nbsp;brought&nbsp;an end to decades of brutal rule by&nbsp;Assad's family, marked by widespread human rights violations.

"We were living in oppression, we were unable to speak," said Ibtissam Kaab, a resident of Assad’s hometown of Qardaha. "Whenever we wanted to speak, they threatened to harm us and our children."

<h2 dir="ltr">New government sets course for reforms</h2>

&gt; The new government, led by Mohammad al-Bashir, has promised to overhaul Syria’s political and legal systems. In a statement, government spokesman Obaida Arnaout confirmed that the new authorities will suspend the constitution and parliament for three months.

&gt; "A judicial and human rights committee will examine the constitution and propose necessary amendments," Arnaout said. "All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be held accountable."

&gt; The government also assured that Syria’s religious and cultural diversity would be respected, maintaining freedoms for all communities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mohammed-al-bashir-the-new-caretaker-prime-minister-of-syria-783127">Who is Mohammed al-Bashir, the new caretaker prime minister of Syria?</a>

&gt; The G7 said on Thursday it was ready&nbsp;to support the transition to an "inclusive and non-sectarian" government in Syria.

&gt; In a statement, leaders of the grouping called for protection of human rights, including those of women and minorities. The statement emphasised the importance of holding the previous Assad regime accountable for its crimes.

<h2 dir="ltr">HTS and Kurdish support for transition</h2>

HTS, which led the offensive against Assad’s forces, has vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for human rights violations under the former regime and urged the international community to hand over war criminals. Meanwhile, the Kurdish administration in northern Syria has expressed support for the new government, adopting the three-star independence flag used by the rebels. The flag represents Syrians' aspirations for freedom, dignity, and unity.

<h2 dir="ltr">Concerns over future stability</h2>

While many Syrians celebrate Assad’s removal, there are concerns about the future stability of the country, given its complex ethnic and sectarian makeup. Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy for Syria, cautioned that the transition must avoid creating new conflicts. "My biggest concern is that this transition could create contradictions that lead to further civil strife," Pedersen warned.

Watch:&nbsp;Who Is Mohammed Al-Bashir, The New Caretaker Prime Minister Of Syria? Explained

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&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Israeli strikes escalate regional tensions</h2>

Regional tensions continue to rise as Syria adjusts to its new political reality. Israel has intensified air strikes on Syria in recent days, with explosions reported near Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes aimed to prevent "terrorist" attacks emanating from Syria.

<h2 dir="ltr">The path forward</h2>

In cities like Aleppo, Syrians are hopeful for a safer future. “We are starting to feel safe,” said Ramadan Dali, a shopkeeper in Aleppo. "It won’t happen overnight, but we are hopeful for the future."

Meanwhile, the Baath Party, which played a key role in Assad’s regime, has suspended its activities and handed over assets to the new authorities. Assad is believed to have fled to Russia, which has called for Syria’s stabilization.

&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counter claims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

In a significant turn of events post-Bashar al-Assad's ouster from Syria a few days back, the interim government on Thursday (Dec 12) pledged to implement the "rule of law," as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition.

In a significant turn of events post-Bashar al-Assad's ouster from Syria a few days back, the interim government on Thursday (Dec 12) pledged to implement the "rule of law," as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition. Assad fled the country after a rapid military push that ended five decades of autocratic rule by his family. His departure has been met with celebrations across Syria and among the global Syrian diaspora, many of whom endured years of oppression, including arbitrary arrests and executions. he regime’s collapse came after a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies brought an end to decades of brutal rule by Assad's family, marked by widespread human rights violations. "We were living in oppression, we were unable to speak," said Ibtissam Kaab, a resident of Assad’s hometown of Qardaha. "Whenever we wanted to speak, they threatened to harm us and our children." New government sets course for reforms > The new government, led by Mohammad al-Bashir, has promised to overhaul Syria’s political and legal systems. In a statement, government spokesman Obaida Arnaout confirmed that the new authorities will suspend the constitution and parliament for three months. > "A judicial and human rights committee will examine the constitution and propose necessary amendments," Arnaout said. "All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be held accountable." > The government also assured that Syria’s religious and cultural diversity would be respected, maintaining freedoms for all communities. Also read: Who is Mohammed al-Bashir, the new caretaker prime minister of Syria? > The G7 said on Thursday it was ready to support the transition to an "inclusive and non-sectarian" government in Syria. > In a statement, leaders of the grouping called for protection of human rights, including those of women and minorities. The statement emphasised the importance of holding the previous Assad regime accountable for its crimes. HTS and Kurdish support for transition HTS, which led the offensive against Assad’s forces, has vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for human rights violations under the former regime and urged the international community to hand over war criminals. Meanwhile, the Kurdish administration in northern Syria has expressed support for the new government, adopting the three-star independence flag used by the rebels. The flag represents Syrians' aspirations for freedom, dignity, and unity. Concerns over future stability While many Syrians celebrate Assad’s removal, there are concerns about the future stability of the country, given its complex ethnic and sectarian makeup. Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy for Syria, cautioned that the transition must avoid creating new conflicts. "My biggest concern is that this transition could create contradictions that lead to further civil strife," Pedersen warned. Watch: Who Is Mohammed Al-Bashir, The New Caretaker Prime Minister Of Syria? Explained Israeli strikes escalate regional tensions Regional tensions continue to rise as Syria adjusts to its new political reality. Israel has intensified air strikes on Syria in recent days, with explosions reported near Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes aimed to prevent "terrorist" attacks emanating from Syria. The path forward In cities like Aleppo, Syrians are hopeful for a safer future. “We are starting to feel safe,” said Ramadan Dali, a shopkeeper in Aleppo. "It won’t happen overnight, but we are hopeful for the future." Meanwhile, the Baath Party, which played a key role in Assad’s regime, has suspended its activities and handed over assets to the new authorities. Assad is believed to have fled to Russia, which has called for Syria’s stabilization. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counter claims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

After Assad's ouster, what changes will Syria’s interim government bring?

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With Assad's ouster, what changes will Syria’s interim government bring? On Thursday (Dec 12), Syria's new interim government pledged to implement the "rule of law" following the sudden removal of Bashar al-Assad as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition.&nbsp;

Assad fled the country after a rapid military push that ended five decades of autocratic rule by his family. His departure has been met with celebrations across Syria and among the global Syrian diaspora, many of whom endured years of oppression, including arbitrary arrests and executions.

&gt;&nbsp;The regime’s collapse came after a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, which brought an end to decades of brutal rule by Assad's family, marked by widespread human rights violations.

&gt; "We were living in oppression, we were unable to speak," said Ibtissam Kaab, a resident of Assad’s hometown of Qardaha. "Whenever we wanted to speak, they threatened to harm us and our children."

<h2 dir="ltr">New government sets course for reforms</h2>

The new government, led by Mohammad al-Bashir, has promised to overhaul Syria’s political and legal systems. In a statement, government spokesman Obaida Arnaout confirmed that the new authorities will suspend the constitution and parliament for three months.

&gt; "A judicial and human rights committee will examine the constitution and propose necessary amendments," Arnaout said. "All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be held accountable."

&gt; The government also assured that Syria’s religious and cultural diversity would be respected, maintaining freedoms for all communities.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mohammed-al-bashir-the-new-caretaker-prime-minister-of-syria-783127">Who is Mohammed al-Bashir, the new caretaker prime minister of Syria?</a>

<h2 dir="ltr">HTS and Kurdish support for transition</h2>

HTS, which led the offensive against Assad’s forces, has vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for human rights violations under the former regime and urged the international community to hand over war criminals. Meanwhile, the Kurdish administration in northern Syria has expressed support for the new government, adopting the three-starred independence flag used by the rebels. The flag represents Syrians' aspirations for freedom, dignity, and unity.

<h2 dir="ltr">Concerns over future stability</h2>

While many Syrians celebrate Assad’s removal, there are concerns about the future stability of the country, given its complex ethnic and sectarian makeup. Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy for Syria, cautioned that the transition must avoid creating new conflicts. "My biggest concern is that this transition could create contradictions that lead to further civil strife," Pedersen warned.

Watch:&nbsp;Who Is Mohammed Al-Bashir, The New Caretaker Prime Minister Of Syria? Explained

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-mohammed-al-bashir-the-new-caretaker-prime-minister-of-syria-explained-783204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Israeli strikes escalate regional tensions</h2>

Regional tensions continue to rise as Syria adjusts to its new political reality. Israel has intensified air strikes on Syria in recent days, with explosions reported near Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes aimed to prevent "terrorist" attacks emanating from Syria.

<h2 dir="ltr">The path forward</h2>

In cities like Aleppo, Syrians are hopeful for a safer future. “We are starting to feel safe,” said Ramadan Dali, a shopkeeper in Aleppo. "It won’t happen overnight, but we are hopeful for the future."

Meanwhile, the Baath Party, which played a key role in Assad’s regime, has suspended its activities and handed over assets to the new authorities. Assad is believed to have fled to Russia, which has called for Syria’s stabilisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Assad's ouster, what changes will Syria’s interim government bring? On Thursday (Dec 12), Syria's new interim government pledged to implement the "rule of law" following the sudden removal of Bashar al-Assad as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition.

With Assad's ouster, what changes will Syria’s interim government bring? On Thursday (Dec 12), Syria's new interim government pledged to implement the "rule of law" following the sudden removal of Bashar al-Assad as G7 powers pushed for an inclusive transition. Assad fled the country after a rapid military push that ended five decades of autocratic rule by his family. His departure has been met with celebrations across Syria and among the global Syrian diaspora, many of whom endured years of oppression, including arbitrary arrests and executions. > The regime’s collapse came after a swift offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies, which brought an end to decades of brutal rule by Assad's family, marked by widespread human rights violations. > "We were living in oppression, we were unable to speak," said Ibtissam Kaab, a resident of Assad’s hometown of Qardaha. "Whenever we wanted to speak, they threatened to harm us and our children." New government sets course for reforms The new government, led by Mohammad al-Bashir, has promised to overhaul Syria’s political and legal systems. In a statement, government spokesman Obaida Arnaout confirmed that the new authorities will suspend the constitution and parliament for three months. > "A judicial and human rights committee will examine the constitution and propose necessary amendments," Arnaout said. "All those who committed crimes against the Syrian people will be held accountable." > The government also assured that Syria’s religious and cultural diversity would be respected, maintaining freedoms for all communities. Read More: Who is Mohammed al-Bashir, the new caretaker prime minister of Syria? HTS and Kurdish support for transition HTS, which led the offensive against Assad’s forces, has vowed to pursue justice for those responsible for human rights violations under the former regime and urged the international community to hand over war criminals. Meanwhile, the Kurdish administration in northern Syria has expressed support for the new government, adopting the three-starred independence flag used by the rebels. The flag represents Syrians' aspirations for freedom, dignity, and unity. Concerns over future stability While many Syrians celebrate Assad’s removal, there are concerns about the future stability of the country, given its complex ethnic and sectarian makeup. Geir Pedersen, the UN envoy for Syria, cautioned that the transition must avoid creating new conflicts. "My biggest concern is that this transition could create contradictions that lead to further civil strife," Pedersen warned. Watch: Who Is Mohammed Al-Bashir, The New Caretaker Prime Minister Of Syria? Explained Israeli strikes escalate regional tensions Regional tensions continue to rise as Syria adjusts to its new political reality. Israel has intensified air strikes on Syria in recent days, with explosions reported near Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes aimed to prevent "terrorist" attacks emanating from Syria. The path forward In cities like Aleppo, Syrians are hopeful for a safer future. “We are starting to feel safe,” said Ramadan Dali, a shopkeeper in Aleppo. "It won’t happen overnight, but we are hopeful for the future." Meanwhile, the Baath Party, which played a key role in Assad’s regime, has suspended its activities and handed over assets to the new authorities. Assad is believed to have fled to Russia, which has called for Syria’s stabilisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria's interim government promises 'Rule of Law' after Assad's fall

Israeli air strikes on Wednesday killed two Syrian soldiers and wounded six others on Syria's west coast, state media said, quoting a military source.

"At exactly 17:22 (1422 GMT) this afternoon, the Israeli enemy carried out strikes...from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea targeting some of our air defence sites in Tartus," the official news agency SANA quoted the source as saying.

"The aggression led to the death of two soldiers, and wounded six others," it added.

During more than a decade of war in Syria, neighbouring Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Wednesday's strikes also targeted a weapons depot belonging to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

The British-based monitor with a network of sources inside Syria confirmed the death of the two soldiers, adding that a fighter whose nationality was unknown was also killed "in attacks believed to be Israeli missile fire".

Since the start of the war in Syria, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, mainly targeting forces backed by Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, allies of Damascus and sworn enemies of Israel, as well as the Syrian army.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-air-strikes-hit-anti-aircraft-battery-in-syria-611118">Watch |&nbsp;Israeli air strikes hit 'anti-aircraft battery' in Syria</a>

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Israel rarely comments on individual strikes it carries out on targets in Syria, but it has repeatedly said it would not allow its archfoe Iran, which supports Damascus, to expand its footprint there.

When questioned by AFP on Wednesday, an Israeli army spokesman said he didn't comment on "foreign media reports".

Later in the evening, Israeli aircraft again targeted Syria, targeting the scientific research centre in the mountains of the village of Taqsis, in the province of Hama, where explosions were heard, the Syrian Observatory said, reporting no casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-four-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-air-strikes-near-damascus-reports-622954">Also read |&nbsp;At least four Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus: Reports</a>

Syria's war has killed more than half a million people since it broke out in 2011, sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests.

It quickly escalated into a deadly conflict that pulled in foreign powers and jihadist insurgents.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Israeli air strikes on Wednesday killed two Syrian soldiers and wounded six others on Syria's west coast, state media said, quoting a military source. "At exactly 17:22 (1422 GMT) this afternoon, the Israeli enemy carried out strikes.

Israeli air strikes on Wednesday killed two Syrian soldiers and wounded six others on Syria's west coast, state media said, quoting a military source. "At exactly 17:22 (1422 GMT) this afternoon, the Israeli enemy carried out strikes...from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea targeting some of our air defence sites in Tartus," the official news agency SANA quoted the source as saying. "The aggression led to the death of two soldiers, and wounded six others," it added. During more than a decade of war in Syria, neighbouring Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Wednesday's strikes also targeted a weapons depot belonging to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The British-based monitor with a network of sources inside Syria confirmed the death of the two soldiers, adding that a fighter whose nationality was unknown was also killed "in attacks believed to be Israeli missile fire". Since the start of the war in Syria, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, mainly targeting forces backed by Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, allies of Damascus and sworn enemies of Israel, as well as the Syrian army. Watch | Israeli air strikes hit 'anti-aircraft battery' in Syria × Israel rarely comments on individual strikes it carries out on targets in Syria, but it has repeatedly said it would not allow its archfoe Iran, which supports Damascus, to expand its footprint there. When questioned by AFP on Wednesday, an Israeli army spokesman said he didn't comment on "foreign media reports". Later in the evening, Israeli aircraft again targeted Syria, targeting the scientific research centre in the mountains of the village of Taqsis, in the province of Hama, where explosions were heard, the Syrian Observatory said, reporting no casualties. Also read | At least four Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus: Reports Syria's war has killed more than half a million people since it broke out in 2011, sparked by the repression of pro-democracy protests. It quickly escalated into a deadly conflict that pulled in foreign powers and jihadist insurgents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israeli strikes along west coast kill two Syrian soldiers: Report

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region.

US Central Command (Centcom) "has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of US fighter patrols over US forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment US forces" in the area, which is controlled by the US and its Kurdish allies, spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement.&nbsp;

The number of armored vehicles sent as reinforcement did not exceed half a dozen, and "less than 100 people" were sent to maneuver them, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-do-election-fraud-claims-made-by-trump-have-substance-328507">Also read|&nbsp;US Elections 2020: Do election fraud claims made by Trump have substance?</a>

Without mentioning Russia, Urban said the moves were meant "to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces," and that the US "does not seek conflict with any other nation in Syria, but will defend Coalition forces if necessary."

The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said however that the actions "are a clear signal to Russia to adhere to mutual de-confliction processes and for Russia and other parties to avoid unprofessional, unsafe and provocative actions in northeast Syria."

US Bradley Fighting Vehicles were pulled out of the region last October by President Donald Trump, who tried in early 2019 to recall all US troops from Syria, before agreeing to leave a few hundred to protect oil wells.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-chief-russia-targeting-joe-biden-in-us-election-2020-328437">Also read|&nbsp;FBI Chief: Russia targeting Joe Biden in US Election 2020</a>

Several incidents in recent weeks have pitted the US military against Russian forces now deployed along the Turkish border under an agreement with Ankara.&nbsp;

At the end of August, seven American soldiers were injured in a collision with a Russian vehicle.&nbsp;

Videos posted on Twitter, apparently filmed by witnesses and the Russians themselves, showed Russian armor and helicopters attempting to block American vehicles and then force them out of the area.

The tanks were flown in from a base in Kuwait, anti-jihadist coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto said in another statement.

US and Russian troops frequently interact in Syria, but confrontations have been rare.

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region.

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region. US Central Command (Centcom) "has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of US fighter patrols over US forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment US forces" in the area, which is controlled by the US and its Kurdish allies, spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. The number of armored vehicles sent as reinforcement did not exceed half a dozen, and "less than 100 people" were sent to maneuver them, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said. Also read| US Elections 2020: Do election fraud claims made by Trump have substance? Without mentioning Russia, Urban said the moves were meant "to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces," and that the US "does not seek conflict with any other nation in Syria, but will defend Coalition forces if necessary." The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said however that the actions "are a clear signal to Russia to adhere to mutual de-confliction processes and for Russia and other parties to avoid unprofessional, unsafe and provocative actions in northeast Syria." US Bradley Fighting Vehicles were pulled out of the region last October by President Donald Trump, who tried in early 2019 to recall all US troops from Syria, before agreeing to leave a few hundred to protect oil wells. Also read| FBI Chief: Russia targeting Joe Biden in US Election 2020 Several incidents in recent weeks have pitted the US military against Russian forces now deployed along the Turkish border under an agreement with Ankara. At the end of August, seven American soldiers were injured in a collision with a Russian vehicle. Videos posted on Twitter, apparently filmed by witnesses and the Russians themselves, showed Russian armor and helicopters attempting to block American vehicles and then force them out of the area. The tanks were flown in from a base in Kuwait, anti-jihadist coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto said in another statement. US and Russian troops frequently interact in Syria, but confrontations have been rare.

US military strengthens deployment in Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see- how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">China </a>on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of- diplomatic-missions-264784">US President Donald Trump</a> has decided to abruptly withdraw troops from northeast Syria and reimpose sweeping sanctions on Iran, Beijing,&nbsp;the world's top crude importer,&nbsp;has doubled down on its economic commitments in the oil-rich region.

"The United States, the world's only superpower and one with tremendous influence in the region, has pursued a selfish and unilateralist policy," said Chen Xiaodong, China's assistant foreign minister.

This policy "sides with the strong at the expense of the weak, which has been a prominent factor behind the security predicament of the region," said Chen, speaking at the two-day Middle East Security Forum in Beijing.

Since taking office, President Xi Jinping has overseen a concerted effort to expand Chinese influence in the Middle East and Africa, including the construction of the country's first military base in Arab League state Djibouti.

In July 2018, Xi pledged $20 billion in loans for economic development to Arab states, which have remained largely silent on Beijing's rounding up and detention of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in China's western Xinjiang region.

Beijing has also increased its involvement in neighbouring Muslim countries, such as the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"We hope that China could play a bigger role in the political and economic security of the region," said Jawad Anani, former deputy prime minister of Jordan, in an opening speech.

Speakers echoed China's criticism of US actions in the Middle East, such as the Iraq War, and highlighted China's support for an independent Palestinian state.

Many blamed Washington's backing of Israel,&nbsp;including Trump's decision to recognise bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital -- for disrupting the peace process.

"Both China and Russia have benefited from the anti-US sentiment in the Middle East because both the ruling elites and ordinary people hope to see an alternative to US hegemony," Ahmed Ould Teguedi, Mauritania's foreign affairs minister, said at the forum's opening ceremony.

The conference came as a report Wednesday said for the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the US.

China on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years.

China on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years. While US President Donald Trump has decided to abruptly withdraw troops from northeast Syria and reimpose sweeping sanctions on Iran, Beijing, the world's top crude importer, has doubled down on its economic commitments in the oil-rich region. "The United States, the world's only superpower and one with tremendous influence in the region, has pursued a selfish and unilateralist policy," said Chen Xiaodong, China's assistant foreign minister. This policy "sides with the strong at the expense of the weak, which has been a prominent factor behind the security predicament of the region," said Chen, speaking at the two-day Middle East Security Forum in Beijing. Since taking office, President Xi Jinping has overseen a concerted effort to expand Chinese influence in the Middle East and Africa, including the construction of the country's first military base in Arab League state Djibouti. In July 2018, Xi pledged $20 billion in loans for economic development to Arab states, which have remained largely silent on Beijing's rounding up and detention of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in China's western Xinjiang region. Beijing has also increased its involvement in neighbouring Muslim countries, such as the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. "We hope that China could play a bigger role in the political and economic security of the region," said Jawad Anani, former deputy prime minister of Jordan, in an opening speech. Speakers echoed China's criticism of US actions in the Middle East, such as the Iraq War, and highlighted China's support for an independent Palestinian state. Many blamed Washington's backing of Israel, including Trump's decision to recognise bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital -- for disrupting the peace process. "Both China and Russia have benefited from the anti-US sentiment in the Middle East because both the ruling elites and ordinary people hope to see an alternative to US hegemony," Ahmed Ould Teguedi, Mauritania's foreign affairs minister, said at the forum's opening ceremony. The conference came as a report Wednesday said for the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the US.

China slams 'selfish' US-Middle East policies

Kurdish doctor Farid Mustafa was one of the last to flee Ras al-Ain as Turkish bombs rained down on the Syrian border town. He fears he may never return home. He escaped on Thursday night with his wife and two small children as warplanes flew in the sky above a line of cars trying to get away from the border.

Kurdish doctor Farid Mustafa was one of the last to flee Ras al-Ain as Turkish bombs rained down on the Syrian border town. He fears he may never return home. He escaped on Thursday night with his wife and two small children as warplanes flew in the sky above a line of cars trying to get away from the border. A few people stayed behind to defend their homes. "We were scared of the plane, not anything else," he told. "Also my kids, I swear we're not even worried about ourselves, but the kids. They were crying." Some 100,000 people have fled their homes since Turkey mounted its offensive in northeast Syria on Wednesday, moving away from the border and deeper into the region - which the Kurdish YPG militia and its allies control. The exodus is the latest in Syria's war that has already uprooted more than half of the population - some 11 million people - through years of multi-sided warfare which shattered the country. Mustafa, with some 30 family members, is now staying at a relative's house in the city of Hasaka, where many residents have opened up their homes. He fears his Kurdish ethnicity would make him a target if his town of Ras al-Ain falls to Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies, enemies of the YPG. "I'm not worried about my house, let it be destroyed," he said. "But what if my town is gone, what will I do?" he said. Ankara brands the YPG a security threat because of links to the Kurdish PKK which has waged a long insurgency inside Turkey. Turkey's offensive, its third into northern Syria, kicked off after withdrawal from part of the border of US forces, whose presence had until then deterred such an attack. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which the YPG spearheads, decried the US move as betrayal after they fought alongside each other to crush Islamic State across much of Syria. Still, US forces have not all gone. Dozens of Syrians fled towards one of the US bases outside the mainly Kurdish town of Kobani after it was shelled, some taking their cattle with them, a witness and a local official said. Kobani was the birthplace of the US-YPG military alliance some five years ago when Washington intervened with airstrikes to help Kurdish fighters turn the tide against Islamic State. Kurdish leaders see their region as a relatively stable part of Syria that has enjoyed autonomy for years, shielded from Turkey and the Damascus government by the presence of US forces. Having lost fighters in the war against Islamic State and played a critical role in helping to defeat the jihadists, long-persecuted Syrian Kurds had hoped to shore up their autonomy within a reformed Syrian state. That now looks in jeopardy. The Turkish offensive deals yet another blow to an ethnic group left stateless when the Ottoman Empire collapsed a century ago and the Kurds were scattered between Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says he wants to settle up to two million Syrian refugees, many of them Sunni Arabs, into the region targeted in the operation dubbed "Peace Spring". Sleeping in the streets The road to Hasaka was choked by traffic earlier this week as people fled Ras al-Ain. The city is now crammed with people, and authorities do not have enough water tankers, food, or shelter for the influx, said Khaled Ibrahim, a Kurdish official who oversees aid efforts in the northeast. "I saw people who could not make it to Hasaka sleeping in the streets, on the pavement, in the public gardens," Ibrahim said. The ethnically mixed northeast region is home to some 1.5-2 million people, many of them uprooted from other parts of Syria. Semira Haj Ali, the head of the education board in the region, said teaching had stopped so that schools could provide shelter. "We opened schools in Hasaka, and even wedding halls, anywhere there's room, to shelter the displaced families. We are expecting more to come." Most of the people fleeing so far have come from the border towns of Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain, the current focal point of the Turkish assault. But people have been on the move elsewhere too. Hemrin Mahmoud and her sister, both pregnant, fled their homes right on the border in Qamishli to safer parts of the city, along with their six children. "Naturally, our husbands stayed in their homes to take up arms. What else are we going to do?" "There was the sound of bullets, my children were afraid, crying, I got them out of the house," said Mahmoud, 35. They are sheltering at the home of another sister. Walid Mamo, their brother-in-law, said he had stocked up on supplies. "I bought 3,000 lira worth of bread today - 100 loaves. I've put them in the freezer," he said.

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