Recycling has become a lifeline in Syria and in a desperate search for work and affordable items, residents turn to sifting through the garbage dumps, transforming plastic into everyday requirements. Here's our report.

Desperate Syrians turn to recycling and plastic scavenging for survival

A 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker has stabbed four toddlers in the French town of Annecy. At least one of the toddlers was in a strolled at the time of the attack. Will the incident force France to rethink its policy regarding refugees and asylum-seekers? Vikram Chandra brings you the details.

France: Syrian asylum-seeker stabs toddlers in Annecy

Israel reportedly carried out nocturnal attacks on the Syrian capital of Damascus, according to the Syrian Defence Ministry. The ministry claimed that Israel targeted specific points nearby, but anti-aircraft defence guarded the capital and shot down many missiles.

Reports: The Israeli attack causes only material damage in Damascus

Mothers in Syria are being forced to abandon their babies in mosques, hospitals and even under trees. People in poverty-ridden refugee camps are struggling to feed their children. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Why are Syrian mothers forced to abandon their babies?

Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law.

<h2>What did the judge say?</h2>

"You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence.&nbsp;

The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS.

"Your ambition was to become a sniper."

<h2>Guilty plea and the sentence</h2>

Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria.&nbsp;

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Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months.&nbsp;

How did an 18-year-old join ISIS?

He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria.&nbsp;

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS.&nbsp;

Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News.&nbsp;

<h2>Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him</h2>

In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation.&nbsp;

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However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt.&nbsp;

<h2>Escaping the ISIS</h2>

Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS.&nbsp;

However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group.

Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining.

After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law. What did the judge say? "You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence. The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS. "Your ambition was to become a sniper." Guilty plea and the sentence Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria. Also read | South Carolina judge temporarily blocks abortion ban, pending supreme court review Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months. How did an 18-year-old join ISIS? He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria. During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS. Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News. Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation. Also read | Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt. Escaping the ISIS Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS. However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group. Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining. After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.

British man receives life sentence for trying to join ISIS in Syria

A top US defence source confirmed to Fox News that the country's military authorities are retracting their assertion that a senior al Qaeda commander was killed in a recent drone operation in Syria. The Washington Post reported the story first. According to the Post, Lotfi Hassan Misto, 56, was recognised by his family as the victim of the American missile strike on May 3.

The operation was overseen by US Central Command, or CENTCOM, which said in a statement the day of the strike that it had carried out a strike "targeting a senior al Qaeda leader."&nbsp;

No more information was given, and the victim's identity remained a secret.&nbsp;Misto's family asserts that he was caring for his sheep when he was slain and that he had no connections to terrorist groups.

According to Misto's family, he was a father of 10 who quietly resided in a town in northwest Syria and lived in poverty for the majority of his life.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-prohibits-employees-from-using-openais-chatgpt-report-593888">Apple bans employees from using OpenAI's ChatGPT</a>

“We are no longer confident we killed a senior AQ official,” one official said.

Also speaking on the condition of anonymity was another official source who said “though we believe the strike did not kill the original target, we believe the person to be al-Qaeda.”

Michael Lawhorn, a spokesman for Central Command, said, “Centcom takes all such allegations seriously and is investigating to determine whether or not the action may have unintentionally resulted in harm to civilians."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-to-attend-japan-hosted-g7-summit-in-person-593931">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend Japan-hosted G7 summit in person</a>

In the weeks following the strike, US military authorities have resisted disclosing details of their target, the error that happened, whether a real terrorist commander fled, if Misto was an actual member of al-Qaeda, and the reason why some Pentagon officials continue to believe Misto was an al-Qaeda member despite his family's protestations.

<h2>US evacuation from Afghanistan and erroneous airstrikes&nbsp;</h2>

When the Biden administration was accused of covering up instances of erroneous airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of innocent people last year, it committed to take action to lessen those risks while also pledging greater openness in the event that such fatalities did occur.

Watch | Japan to join India's UPI payment system, says Kono Taro, Japan's Digital Minister

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Investigations by numerous media outlets, including The Post, have shown how faulty intelligence and what the military refers to as "confirmation bias" have resulted in disaster.

One such incident occurred in 2021 during the US evacuation of Afghanistan and was initially reported to have killed a suicide bomber but actually killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children.

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A top US defence source confirmed to Fox News that the country's military authorities are retracting their assertion that a senior al Qaeda commander was killed in a recent drone operation in Syria.

A top US defence source confirmed to Fox News that the country's military authorities are retracting their assertion that a senior al Qaeda commander was killed in a recent drone operation in Syria. The Washington Post reported the story first. According to the Post, Lotfi Hassan Misto, 56, was recognised by his family as the victim of the American missile strike on May 3. The operation was overseen by US Central Command, or CENTCOM, which said in a statement the day of the strike that it had carried out a strike "targeting a senior al Qaeda leader." No more information was given, and the victim's identity remained a secret. Misto's family asserts that he was caring for his sheep when he was slain and that he had no connections to terrorist groups. According to Misto's family, he was a father of 10 who quietly resided in a town in northwest Syria and lived in poverty for the majority of his life. Also Read | Apple bans employees from using OpenAI's ChatGPT “We are no longer confident we killed a senior AQ official,” one official said. Also speaking on the condition of anonymity was another official source who said “though we believe the strike did not kill the original target, we believe the person to be al-Qaeda.” Michael Lawhorn, a spokesman for Central Command, said, “Centcom takes all such allegations seriously and is investigating to determine whether or not the action may have unintentionally resulted in harm to civilians." Also Read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend Japan-hosted G7 summit in person In the weeks following the strike, US military authorities have resisted disclosing details of their target, the error that happened, whether a real terrorist commander fled, if Misto was an actual member of al-Qaeda, and the reason why some Pentagon officials continue to believe Misto was an al-Qaeda member despite his family's protestations. US evacuation from Afghanistan and erroneous airstrikes When the Biden administration was accused of covering up instances of erroneous airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of innocent people last year, it committed to take action to lessen those risks while also pledging greater openness in the event that such fatalities did occur. Watch | Japan to join India's UPI payment system, says Kono Taro, Japan's Digital Minister × Investigations by numerous media outlets, including The Post, have shown how faulty intelligence and what the military refers to as "confirmation bias" have resulted in disaster. One such incident occurred in 2021 during the US evacuation of Afghanistan and was initially reported to have killed a suicide bomber but actually killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US retracts from claim that it eliminated a senior al Qaeda leader in Syria drone strike

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is attending the Arab League Summit in Jeddah. Iran has hailed the reinstatement of the country into the bloc.

Syria President gets warm welcome from Saudi crown prince

After more than a decade of isolation, Bashar al-Assad, the president of war-torn Syria, has been welcomed back into the Arab League.

Assad gets warm reception as Syria welcomed back into Arab League

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad attending the Arab League Summit in Jeddah. Iran has hailed the reinstatement of the country into the bloc. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Syria attends Arab League summit | Iran hails Syria's reinstatement

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Thursday to attend the Arab League summit the following day. Watch the video to know more.

Syria's Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for Arab league summit

On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights.

On May 7, 2023, the 22-member regional group formally re-admitted Syria and this week al-Assad, still a pariah in the eyes of the West, is scheduled to attend an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, whose autocratic de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, had been pushing for an end to Syria’s isolation.

The decision to welcome back al-Assad, who has done nothing that would merit an embrace, is an abject lesson to&nbsp;the fact that national self-interest and geopolitics trump human rights. Assad has made no concessions for political reform at home, scoffs at the evidence of war crimes in the 4,194 days between expulsion and re-admission, and made no effort to persuade six million refugees to return home.

The Arab League’s decision also highlighted the waning influence of the United States, once a dominant player in the Middle East, and its Western allies. At a joint press conference in Washington two days after the League’s announcement, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his British counterpart James Cleverly made clear their opposition.

“We do not believe that Syria merits re-admission,” said Blinken. “Our position is clear: We are not going to be in the business of normalising relations with Assad and with that regime.” Not surprisingly, Russia cheered Assad’s return to the fold. “Moscow welcomes this long awaited step of returning Syria to the ‘Arab family’,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-attends-arab-league-meet-after-11-years-592720">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years</a>

The tide of the multi-sided civil war that followed the government’s initial wave of anti-protest repression turned in favour of the Assad regime with the 2015 intervention of Russia. Its air power, combined with Iranian-backed militias on the ground saved the government from collapse and allowed it to re-establish control over most of the country.

At the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as “a living nightmare” and said, “Syria’s people have endured some of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.”

There never was much hope that al-Assad and his regime would be held to account for a string of well-documented war crimes - from the systematic torture of prisoners and the bombing of schools and hospitals to the use of chemical weapons. Their most devastating deployment took place in August 2013 with the release of the nerve gas Sarin in the opposition-controlled Damascus district of Ghouta. It killed an estimated 1,400 people, including children.

In the early stages of the conflict, legal experts and human rights activists debated whether the Syrian leader could be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. But under the treaty that established it, there can be prosecution only for crimes committed in one of the 123 member states. Syria is not a member.

When the war began, policymakers in the United States and its Western allies thought tough economic sanctions would be an effective alternative to military action and expected that it would force the Assad regime to change its behaviour.

So confident were key members of the US administration that Assad would buckle under the combined pressure of sanctions and anti-government forces that the Obama administration’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-scores-big-diplomatic-win-in-11-years-to-attend-arab-league-meeting-after-10-years-592771">WATCH |&nbsp;Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years</a>

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Famous last words. More than a decade and an estimated 300,000 dead civilians later, the West is facing a question yet to be answered: once it is clear that rogue regimes can survive sanctions, should they continue to be applied? Almost everywhere, they have been hurting the civilian population more than their ruthless rulers.

Now that Syria is back with "the Arab family,” what do its members expect? So far, they have not spelt that out explicitly but one key issue for all is the millions of Syrian refugees that the host governments would like to leave their countries. Syrians are a particular burden on Lebanon, numbering close to two million in a population of five.

Another point of “family” contention is Syria’s role as the world’s leading producer and exporter of Captagon, an amphetamine popular in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It remains to be seen whether Assad can control the drug lords, including close affiliates, who have become multimillionaires under his rule.

Bashar escaping punishment would complete a family tradition. His father, from whom he inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacre sites, the way Hafez al-Assad dealt with Moslem Brotherhood dissidents in the city of Hama stood out.

On February 2, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding Hama with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed in the assault ranged from 10,000 to 40,000, most of them civilians.

The assault ended a four-year campaign of bombing and assassinations by Sunni Muslims intent on breaking the tight grip on power of the Assad family and the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, to which the Assads belong. The Brotherhood lost, Hafez al-Assad won. A role model for his son, he ruled for another 18 years, until his death of heart problems.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights.

On November 12, 2011, the Arab League suspended the membership of Syria to punish the government of President Bashar al-Assad for cracking down on anti-government protestors with a brutality so savage it shocked even the members of a group with a poor record of concern for human rights. On May 7, 2023, the 22-member regional group formally re-admitted Syria and this week al-Assad, still a pariah in the eyes of the West, is scheduled to attend an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia, whose autocratic de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, had been pushing for an end to Syria’s isolation. The decision to welcome back al-Assad, who has done nothing that would merit an embrace, is an abject lesson to the fact that national self-interest and geopolitics trump human rights. Assad has made no concessions for political reform at home, scoffs at the evidence of war crimes in the 4,194 days between expulsion and re-admission, and made no effort to persuade six million refugees to return home. The Arab League’s decision also highlighted the waning influence of the United States, once a dominant player in the Middle East, and its Western allies. At a joint press conference in Washington two days after the League’s announcement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his British counterpart James Cleverly made clear their opposition. “We do not believe that Syria merits re-admission,” said Blinken. “Our position is clear: We are not going to be in the business of normalising relations with Assad and with that regime.” Not surprisingly, Russia cheered Assad’s return to the fold. “Moscow welcomes this long awaited step of returning Syria to the ‘Arab family’,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ALSO READ | Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years The tide of the multi-sided civil war that followed the government’s initial wave of anti-protest repression turned in favour of the Assad regime with the 2015 intervention of Russia. Its air power, combined with Iranian-backed militias on the ground saved the government from collapse and allowed it to re-establish control over most of the country. At the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the war as “a living nightmare” and said, “Syria’s people have endured some of the greatest war crimes the world has witnessed this century.” There never was much hope that al-Assad and his regime would be held to account for a string of well-documented war crimes - from the systematic torture of prisoners and the bombing of schools and hospitals to the use of chemical weapons. Their most devastating deployment took place in August 2013 with the release of the nerve gas Sarin in the opposition-controlled Damascus district of Ghouta. It killed an estimated 1,400 people, including children. In the early stages of the conflict, legal experts and human rights activists debated whether the Syrian leader could be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. But under the treaty that established it, there can be prosecution only for crimes committed in one of the 123 member states. Syria is not a member. When the war began, policymakers in the United States and its Western allies thought tough economic sanctions would be an effective alternative to military action and expected that it would force the Assad regime to change its behaviour. So confident were key members of the US administration that Assad would buckle under the combined pressure of sanctions and anti-government forces that the Obama administration’s leading expert on Syria, Frederic Hof, told a Congressional committee that “our view is that this regime is the equivalent of a dead man walking…I do not see this regime surviving.” WATCH | Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years × Famous last words. More than a decade and an estimated 300,000 dead civilians later, the West is facing a question yet to be answered: once it is clear that rogue regimes can survive sanctions, should they continue to be applied? Almost everywhere, they have been hurting the civilian population more than their ruthless rulers. Now that Syria is back with "the Arab family,” what do its members expect? So far, they have not spelt that out explicitly but one key issue for all is the millions of Syrian refugees that the host governments would like to leave their countries. Syrians are a particular burden on Lebanon, numbering close to two million in a population of five. Another point of “family” contention is Syria’s role as the world’s leading producer and exporter of Captagon, an amphetamine popular in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It remains to be seen whether Assad can control the drug lords, including close affiliates, who have become multimillionaires under his rule. Bashar escaping punishment would complete a family tradition. His father, from whom he inherited his power, also enforced authoritarian rule with mass murder. Even in a Middle East dotted with massacre sites, the way Hafez al-Assad dealt with Moslem Brotherhood dissidents in the city of Hama stood out. On February 2, 1982, an army raid on militants of the outlawed Brotherhood sparked fighting throughout the city. The government responded by surrounding Hama with tanks and artillery and blasted the densely-populated centre for 27 days, without pause. Estimates of those killed in the assault ranged from 10,000 to 40,000, most of them civilians. The assault ended a four-year campaign of bombing and assassinations by Sunni Muslims intent on breaking the tight grip on power of the Assad family and the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, to which the Assads belong. The Brotherhood lost, Hafez al-Assad won. A role model for his son, he ruled for another 18 years, until his death of heart problems. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How Syria’s Bashar al-Assad got away with murder

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

"I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya.&nbsp;

Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation.&nbsp;

Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.

Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold.

Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya.&nbsp;

Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually.

The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus.&nbsp;

<h2>UAE invites Syria to COP28</h2>

The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday.

Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness.

The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia. "I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya. Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation. Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold. Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya. Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually. The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus. UAE invites Syria to COP28 The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday. Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness. The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years

In a major diplomatic win for Syria, the country's leaders attend the first Arab League meeting in 11 years on Monday. The senior officials were present at the session ahead of Friday's summit in Saudi Arabia.

Syria scores big diplomatic win in 11 years, to attend Arab League meeting after 10 years

Syria's 10-year-long dry spell finally ends, UAE invites the country to COP28 climate summit

Syria has got its first-ever stand-up comedy group, the group is named 'Styria', founded by Sharif Homsi in 2022 and has about 14 comedians. A growing crowd comes every weekend to a small coffee shop in Syria's capital, Damascus.

Syria gets its first stand-up comedy group 'Styria' in Damascus, founded by 'Sharif Homsi'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold recently after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension.

Saudi Arabia, Syria to restore diplomatic ties after a decade, reopen missions

Big news for Syria as the Arab League officially end its 12-year sentence in the cold. Damascus has re-entered the Arab fold as relationships are being re-written in one of the world's most volatile regions. What led to these developments and what will be its impact? Ghadi Francis decodes the story.

Syria returns to the Arab fold | The West Asia Post

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension.

The restoration of diplomatic ties happened nearly a decade after Riyadh withdrew its representatives during the early stages of Syria's civil war.&nbsp;

The statement by Riyadh's foreign ministry said that the Kingdom has decided "to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria," as quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, adding that it would seek to "develop joint Arab action".

Meanwhile, the Syrian news agency SANA, also citing officials, reported, "The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia."&nbsp;

The contact between the two countries gathered momentum after the landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported Reuters citing a regional source aligned with Damascus.

Tehran is reportedly a key ally of Assad. However, the United States, an ally of Saudi Arabia along with Arab countries, is opposed to initiatives taken by regional countries to normalise ties with Assad.&nbsp;

The US has cited his government's brutality during the conflict. Notably, Assad had been politically isolated in the region since Syria's war began and it was not until this week's diplomatic activity which has resumed ties that shifted the political landscape.

The agreement also comes ahead of the pan-Arab bloc's next summit which will take place on May 19. Last month, Assad met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for the first time since the war broke out in 2011.&nbsp;

In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad's government while it has also long hailed Assad's ouster, backing Syrian rebels in earlier stages of the war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold Tuesday (May 9) after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension. The restoration of diplomatic ties happened nearly a decade after Riyadh withdrew its representatives during the early stages of Syria's civil war. The statement by Riyadh's foreign ministry said that the Kingdom has decided "to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria," as quoted by the official Saudi Press Agency, adding that it would seek to "develop joint Arab action". Meanwhile, the Syrian news agency SANA, also citing officials, reported, "The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia." The contact between the two countries gathered momentum after the landmark China-brokered deal to re-establish ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reported Reuters citing a regional source aligned with Damascus. Tehran is reportedly a key ally of Assad. However, the United States, an ally of Saudi Arabia along with Arab countries, is opposed to initiatives taken by regional countries to normalise ties with Assad. The US has cited his government's brutality during the conflict. Notably, Assad had been politically isolated in the region since Syria's war began and it was not until this week's diplomatic activity which has resumed ties that shifted the political landscape. The agreement also comes ahead of the pan-Arab bloc's next summit which will take place on May 19. Last month, Assad met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for the first time since the war broke out in 2011. In 2012, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad's government while it has also long hailed Assad's ouster, backing Syrian rebels in earlier stages of the war. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.&nbsp;

"Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria.&nbsp;

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters.

"When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said.

"Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said.&nbsp;

News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies.&nbsp;

These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant.

An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike."&nbsp;

"No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-returns-to-arab-league-after-11-long-years-590000">Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years</a>

The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes.

The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday (May 8) that a major drug smuggler was killed in an airstrike in southern Syria. The war monitor attributed the airstrike to Jordan which has neither confirmed nor denied this. Drug dealer "Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike" in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "Ramthan is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan", said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi was asked about the airstrike by reporters. "When we take any steps to protect our national security... we will announce them at the appropriate time," he said. "Drugs... are a great threat to the kingdom, the region and the world as smuggling operations soar," Safadi said. News agency AFP said that an investigation it carried out in November found that Syria has become a narco-state, with the $10 billion captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies. These narcotics are mainly smuggled to oil-rich Gulf countries, says AFP. But Jordan has also become a transit route for trade in the amphetamine-type stimulant. An activist in Sweida province with knowledge of the local drug trade told AFP that "we expect to see a noticeable impact on smuggling operations from Sweida after the strike." "No one could smuggle anything across the border without Ramthan's knowledge," he said, requesting anonymity for his own security. Also Read | Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years The activist reportedly added that since the airstrike took place, some traffickers in the area have fled their homes. The rare attack comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting of several Arab foreign ministers in Amman in which Damascus had agreed to "enhance cooperation" with countries "affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border", a Jordanian foreign ministry statement said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Airstrike kills major drug trafficker in Syria: War monitor

The Arab League has decided to readmit Syria. The country was suspended 12 years ago following the outbreak of the civil war. Will all Arab states now normalise relations with Syria?

Gravitas: Syria readmitted into the Arab League after 12 years

West Asia has been showing signals of change recently, and the change is now profound. Syria has been re-admitted to the Arab League of Nations, ending a 12-year period of political seclusion.

Arab League brings Syria back into its fold after 12 years

Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise

The Syrian shift to Arab league has been a huge one. Syria has been readmitted into the Arab League of nations ending the 12-year-long isolation. The move comes after Arab League Foreign Ministers voted to reinstate Syria back into Arab fold at a meeting in Cairo.

Syria returns to Arab league: Syria's 12 years of political isolation ends

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian&nbsp;government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday.

The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-ministers-to-agree-on-syrias-conditional-return-to-arab-league-report-589961">Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report</a>

Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution.

As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in&nbsp;2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted&nbsp;in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry.

Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity.

At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise."

Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition.

However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia.

The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community.

An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back the Syrian government to its fold. This marks the end of more than a decade-long suspension and with this President Bashar al-Assad has made a return to the Arab fold after years of isolation. In an anonymous decision, the group's foreign ministers announced that the "government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings," starting Sunday. The group's foreign ministers in their statement spoke of their "keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve" the Syria crisis and its "humanitarian, security and political consequences." They also noted that humanitarian aid must reach "all those in need." Also read | Arab ministers to agree on Syria’s conditional return to Arab League: Report Furthermore, they have decided to establish a ministerial committee to continue a "direct dialogue" with the Syrian government with the aim of achieving a comprehensive solution. As per AFP, the 22-member group had suspended Damascus' participation in 2011 due to the nation's actions against peaceful protests that started earlier that year. These protests turned into a civil conflict and resulted in the death of over 500,000 individuals, the displacement of millions, and significant damage to the country's infrastructure and industry. Ever since the war started, President Bashar al-Assad was left politically isolated. However, ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19, recent weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity. At the beginning of the conflict, a number of Arab countries severed diplomatic relations with Syria, "betting on his demise." Others, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia as per AFP, even offered assistance to the Syrian opposition. However, the leader "stubbornly held onto power," and even regained territory that was previously lost during the conflict. Due to this, regional capitals slowly warmed up to him. This acceptance, as per AFP, was further facilitated by the vital support provided by Iran and Russia. The United Arab Emirates, which resumed diplomatic relations with Damascus towards the end of 2018, has reportedly been taking the lead in the recent push to reintegrate Syria into the Arab community. An earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6th of this year further contributed to an Arab outreach to Assad's government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Syria returns to Arab League after 12 long years

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