Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

“The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters.

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-airstrikes-says-report-344707">Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report</a>

Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary.

“Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said.

Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria.

(With Reuters inputs)

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria. “The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters. Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012. Also Read | Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary. “Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said. Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria

As Mike Pompeo became the first US diplomat to visit a West Bank settlement, watchdog reports suggest that Israel is moving ahead with settlement plans in East Jerusalem. On this week's The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you how PM Netanyahu's new settlement plans could test his ties with a Biden White House. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Episode 8 | Your Window to West Asia

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes.&nbsp;

The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lead-scientist-behind-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-ugur-sahin-says-life-will-not-return-to-normal-till-next-winter-343465">Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter</a>

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.

The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory.

On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria.

Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War.

According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria."

US visit

The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran.

Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency.

Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal. &nbsp;

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border.

Israel launched air strikes on Syria Wednesday, killing three troops and hitting Iranian targets in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack after it found explosive devices along its northern border. An Israeli military statement said its fighter jets hit "military targets belonging to the Iranian Quds force and the Syrian Armed Forces," in overnight strikes. The targets included "storage facilities, headquarters and military compounds" as well as "Syrian surface-to-air missile batteries", according to an army statement. Syrian state news agency SANA said the strikes killed three of its soldiers and injured another. Also read| Lead scientist behind Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Ugur Sahin, says life will not return to normal till next winter Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria since the civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. The Jewish state rarely acknowledges individual strikes, but has done so when responding to what it describes as aggression inside Israeli territory. On Tuesday, Israel's military said it had discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on its side of a border crossing point with Syria. Israel and Syria, neighbours still technically at war, have a border along the Golan Heights, which the Jewish State has occupied since the 1967 Six Day War. According to the Israeli military statement, the IEDs "were placed by a Syrian squad led by Iranian forces." Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Iran has been a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime throughout the civil war that has killed more than 380,000 and erupted after the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Israel's army said it "holds the Syrian regime responsible for all the actions perpetrated from its territory and will continue to operate as necessary against the Iranian entrenchment in Syria." US visit The air strikes came hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is to land in Israel for talks including on Iran, in what is likely to be his last visit to the staunch American ally before President Donald Trump leaves office. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Trump his country's strongest-ever ally in the White House, has heaped praised on the administration for its hardline approach towards Iran. Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic has included sanctions and scrapping of the nuclear deal agreed between Tehran and world powers during Barack Obama's presidency. Israeli experts have said Netanyahu is concerned that President-elect Joe Biden, Obama's former vice president, will seek to re-engage Iran diplomatically, possibly by restoring the nuclear deal.

Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets

Syria's foreign minister, Walid Muallem, died Monday at the age of 79, the government announced on state television.

The state news agency SANA carried an official government announcement but did not specify the cause of death.

Muallem was known for his mocking stances against the West, whom he accused of conspiring to start the conflict.

There were no details on the cause of death, but the 79-year old had for years been in poor health with heart problems.&nbsp;

A source close to the Syrian government said it was widely expected his deputy, veteran diplomat Faisal Mekdad, would replace his as foreign minister.

Moalem, who was first appointed foreign minister in 2006 and was also a deputy prime minister, held a succession of top diplomatic posts, including envoy to the United States and was involved in unsuccessful negotiations with Israel in the 1990's on a peace settlement.

Moalem, from a Sunni family from Damascus, publicly defended Moscow and Shi'ite Iran's growing military role, backed by its proxies in Syria, which many Syrian opponents of Assad labelled as an occupation and blamed for fuelling sectarian tension in a Sunni-majority country.

Syria erupted into civil war nearly a decade ago after Assad in 2011 began a crackdown on protesters calling for an end to his family’s rule.

Moalem accused the United States and others in the West of fuelling his country's unrest and labelled insurgents "terrorists" in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and led to the exodus of millions of refugees.

(with inputs from agencies)

Syria's foreign minister, Walid Muallem, died Monday at the age of 79, the government announced on state television. The state news agency SANA carried an official government announcement but did not specify the cause of death.

Syria's foreign minister, Walid Muallem, died Monday at the age of 79, the government announced on state television. The state news agency SANA carried an official government announcement but did not specify the cause of death. Muallem was known for his mocking stances against the West, whom he accused of conspiring to start the conflict. There were no details on the cause of death, but the 79-year old had for years been in poor health with heart problems. A source close to the Syrian government said it was widely expected his deputy, veteran diplomat Faisal Mekdad, would replace his as foreign minister. Moalem, who was first appointed foreign minister in 2006 and was also a deputy prime minister, held a succession of top diplomatic posts, including envoy to the United States and was involved in unsuccessful negotiations with Israel in the 1990's on a peace settlement. Moalem, from a Sunni family from Damascus, publicly defended Moscow and Shi'ite Iran's growing military role, backed by its proxies in Syria, which many Syrian opponents of Assad labelled as an occupation and blamed for fuelling sectarian tension in a Sunni-majority country. Syria erupted into civil war nearly a decade ago after Assad in 2011 began a crackdown on protesters calling for an end to his family’s rule. Moalem accused the United States and others in the West of fuelling his country's unrest and labelled insurgents "terrorists" in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and led to the exodus of millions of refugees. (with inputs from agencies)

Syria's foreign minister Walid Muallem dies

Physical disability is seen as a road block to leading a normal life. Society treats people with disabilities as special which often pushes them to brink of isolation. Caught in a similar situation this duo from Syria's Damascus presents an inspiring story.

Duo with disabilities help each other overcoming hardships together

In Pics | Assad regime completes 50 years of its grip on Syria

A temple dedicated to the Greek god Zeus is providing shelter to the displaced Syrians. Syrian families uprooted by war have settled among these centuries-old Roman and Byzantine ruins.

WION Fineprint: Displaced Syrians settle on ruins of Roman temple

West Asia is no stranger to radical terrorism. This week, on the West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis takes you to the heart of Syria where hate crimes and acts of terror often further political violence. Also on this week's episode, a massive earthquake rips through Turkey and Greece. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Episode 6 | Your Window to West Asia

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours.

Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus.

Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making

Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan.

It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR &nbsp;and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia.

By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format.

Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then?

Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other.

There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes&nbsp;

Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions?&nbsp;

Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group.

Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994.

Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict.

Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved?

Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey.

If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters.

Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria?

Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan.

Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question.

Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict?

Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula.

At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, &nbsp;doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan.

The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and &nbsp;“territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh)&nbsp;

The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000.

The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision.

Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations?

Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia.

In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor.

On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative.&nbsp;

As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan.

At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020.

Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it.

Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region.

I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail.

I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times. 
&nbsp;

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long.

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours. Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus. Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan. It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected. Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia. By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format. Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then? Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other. There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions? Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group. Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994. Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict. Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved? Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey. If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters. Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria? Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan. Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question. Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict? Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula. At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan. The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and “territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh) The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000. The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision. Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations? Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia. In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor. On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative. As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan. At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020. Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it. Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region. I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail. I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times.

I hope Nagorno-Karabakh conflict doesn't go the Syrian way, says ex-Indian Ambassador to Armenia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria. On Monday, a Russian warplane hit a training centre for Turkish-backed fighters in northwestern Syrian province near Turkish border.

"Russia's attack on the training centre of the Syrian national army forces in the Idlib region shows it does not want lasting peace in the region," Erdogan said in a televised address.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike killed 78 fighters.

The pro-Ankara group, known as Faylaq al-Sham, retaliated by killing at least 15 Moscow-backed fighters, the monitor said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-hebdo-caricatures-recep-erdogan-sparks-turkish-fury-338428">Charlie Hebdo caricatures Recep Erdogan; sparks Turkish fury</a>

Faylaq al-Sham is a Sunni Islamist group that has acted as Turkey's proxy during several Turkish military campaigns on Syrian soil, and has also been the source of pro-Ankara mercenaries sent to fight in Libya.

A truce at the start of the year brought an end to a Russia-backed Syria regime offensive that had killed more than 500 civilians and displaced almost one million people. 
It was one of the worst humanitarian crises of Syria's nine-year civil war.

The last major rebel stronghold covers around half of Idlib province as well as slivers of adjacent provinces.

(With AFP inputs)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday accused Russia of not wanting "lasting peace" in Syria just two days after a Russian airstrike killed dozens of pro-Turkey rebels in Syria. On Monday, a Russian warplane hit a training centre for Turkish-backed fighters in northwestern Syrian province near Turkish border. "Russia's attack on the training centre of the Syrian national army forces in the Idlib region shows it does not want lasting peace in the region," Erdogan said in a televised address. Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike killed 78 fighters. The pro-Ankara group, known as Faylaq al-Sham, retaliated by killing at least 15 Moscow-backed fighters, the monitor said. Also Read | Charlie Hebdo caricatures Recep Erdogan; sparks Turkish fury Faylaq al-Sham is a Sunni Islamist group that has acted as Turkey's proxy during several Turkish military campaigns on Syrian soil, and has also been the source of pro-Ankara mercenaries sent to fight in Libya. A truce at the start of the year brought an end to a Russia-backed Syria regime offensive that had killed more than 500 civilians and displaced almost one million people. It was one of the worst humanitarian crises of Syria's nine-year civil war. The last major rebel stronghold covers around half of Idlib province as well as slivers of adjacent provinces. (With AFP inputs)

Russian airstrike in Syria shows it does not want lasting peace, says Erdogan

Air strikes by Russia killed 56 fighters from a Turkey-backed rebel group in northwest Syria on Monday.

Russian warplanes also wounded 100 people when they targetted a training camp of the Faylaq al-Sham faction in the Jabal Duwayli area in Idlib province.

In March, a fragile truce brokered between the Syrian regime ally and Turkey stemmed a deadly months-long Russia-backed regime military offensive on the country's last major rebel stronghold in Idlib that displaced almost a million people from their homes.

The March truce has largely held with the exception of some bombardment and intermittent air strikes on the area, including a US drone strike on Thursday that killed 17 jihadists, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and allied rebels dominate the region of some three million people, many living in camps after being displaced by the nine-year war.

After a string of military victories backed by Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says.

The war, which broke out after the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes.

(with inputs)

Air strikes by Russia killed 56 fighters from a Turkey-backed rebel group in northwest Syria on Monday. Russian warplanes also wounded 100 people when they targetted a training camp of the Faylaq al-Sham faction in the Jabal Duwayli area in Idlib province.

Air strikes by Russia killed 56 fighters from a Turkey-backed rebel group in northwest Syria on Monday. Russian warplanes also wounded 100 people when they targetted a training camp of the Faylaq al-Sham faction in the Jabal Duwayli area in Idlib province. In March, a fragile truce brokered between the Syrian regime ally and Turkey stemmed a deadly months-long Russia-backed regime military offensive on the country's last major rebel stronghold in Idlib that displaced almost a million people from their homes. The March truce has largely held with the exception of some bombardment and intermittent air strikes on the area, including a US drone strike on Thursday that killed 17 jihadists, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and allied rebels dominate the region of some three million people, many living in camps after being displaced by the nine-year war. After a string of military victories backed by Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says. The war, which broke out after the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes. (with inputs)

Russia strikes kill 34 Turkey-backed rebels in Syria

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five civilians were also among those killed.

"US Forces conducted a strike against a group of Al-Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) senior leaders meeting near Idlib, Syria," the spokeswoman for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

"The removal of these AQ-S leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners and innocent civilians."

But the Britain-based Observatory said the operation, which targeted a dinner meeting of jihadists in the village of Jakara in the Salqin area, killed at least 17 jihadists including 11 leaders.&nbsp;

The village lies in Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib, which is dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and its rebel allies.

But other jihadist groups, including the rival Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras al-Deen faction, are also present in the area.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that five non-Syrian jihadists were among those killed, but their nationalities were not immediately known.

A March agreement between rebel backer Ankara and government ally Moscow halted a deadly offensive by government forces against the region of some three million people.

A US-led coalition is present in the east of the country, where its airstrikes have backed Kurdish-led forces battling remnants of the Islamic State group.

Thursday's strike came after it emerged that the 18-year-old who killed a school teacher in France last week for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class had been in contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria.

A source close to the case said the identity of the Russian-speaking jihadist was not yet known, but French newspaper Le Parisien claimed the person's IP address was traced to Idlib.

After a string of military victories backed by key ally Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says.

The war, which broke out after the bloody suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes.

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor.

The US army said Thursday it carried out a drone strike against Al-Qaeda leaders in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, killing 17 jihadists, according to a war monitor. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five civilians were also among those killed. "US Forces conducted a strike against a group of Al-Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) senior leaders meeting near Idlib, Syria," the spokeswoman for United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said. "The removal of these AQ-S leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners and innocent civilians." But the Britain-based Observatory said the operation, which targeted a dinner meeting of jihadists in the village of Jakara in the Salqin area, killed at least 17 jihadists including 11 leaders. The village lies in Syria's last major rebel bastion of Idlib, which is dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, and its rebel allies. But other jihadist groups, including the rival Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras al-Deen faction, are also present in the area. Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that five non-Syrian jihadists were among those killed, but their nationalities were not immediately known. A March agreement between rebel backer Ankara and government ally Moscow halted a deadly offensive by government forces against the region of some three million people. A US-led coalition is present in the east of the country, where its airstrikes have backed Kurdish-led forces battling remnants of the Islamic State group. Thursday's strike came after it emerged that the 18-year-old who killed a school teacher in France last week for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class had been in contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria. A source close to the case said the identity of the Russian-speaking jihadist was not yet known, but French newspaper Le Parisien claimed the person's IP address was traced to Idlib. After a string of military victories backed by key ally Russia, the Syrian government has regained control of around 70 percent of the country, the Observatory says. The war, which broke out after the bloody suppression of anti-government protests in 2011, has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions from their homes.

US drone strike kills 17 jihadists in NW Syria

High-level U.S. officials traveled recently to Syria for rare talks with the Assad government in an attempt to secure the release of American citizens held prisoner there, a high priority for the Trump administration, but there has been little apparent progress so far, officials said.

The secret US&nbsp;mission to Damascus in August focused on Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who was seized while reporting on the Syrian civil war in 2012, and Majd Kamalmaz, a psychotherapist who was taken in 2017. The trip was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by two U.S. officials with knowledge of American operations in the Middle East, including a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The senior official cautioned that the attempt was still in its early stages, and that the U.S. government did not have any recent proof that Tice, 39, was still alive. The Syrian government has not publicly acknowledged holding either him or Kamalmaz, 62, who is diabetic and requires regular medication, according to his family and the U.S. government.

Previous contacts by the United States about prisoners held by President Bashar Assad’s government have fizzled out, but his regime — which would like to see economic sanctions lifted and U.S. troops withdrawn from Syria — has much to gain, potentially, from improved relations with Washington. The Trump administration has secured the release of people held in several other countries in the Middle East, a goal of particular interest to the president.

In August, Kashyap Patel, the senior counterterrorism director at the National Security Council, and Roger D. Carstens, the State Department’s special envoy for hostage affairs, went to Damascus to meet with Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syria’s National Security Bureau intelligence service, U.S. officials said.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been minimal since the United States closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 and ordered the closure of the Syrian Embassy in Washington in 2014. The U.S. has long labeled Syria, considered a pariah state by much of the world, as a sponsor of terrorism, and has imposed sanctions on the country and its officials for human rights violations before and during the war that began in 2011.

But in 2017, Mike Pompeo, then the CIA director, called Mamlouk to open back-channel communications on Tice. Washington then sent an intermediary to see Mamlouk, the officials said. They met for hours and the intermediary delivered an unsigned letter from the U.S. government.

But the effort was put on hold the next year, when the Syrian government launched a chemical attack on a rebel-held area, and the United States responded with missile strikes on Syrian targets. Weeks later, French authorities issued international arrest warrants for Mamlouk and other officials, in connection with torture, killings and war crimes.

In August 2018, the CIA sent a top agency official with expertise in the Middle East to meet Mamlouk in Damascus, where the official raised the case of Tice.

A year ago, Trump ordered the withdrawal of most of the U.S. troops in Syria, in effect ceding back to Assad territory that had been captured from the Islamic State. Critics questioned why the administration had not demanded anything from Syria in return, like the release of prisoners.

Tice, a Marine Corps veteran, was attending law school at Georgetown University when he decided to cover the war in Syria, where he wrote articles for several news organizations. His family has been outspoken about maintaining interest in his case and seeking his release, and said as recently as 2018 they were confident he was still alive.

“For years we have pushed for engagement between the U.S. and Syrian governments to help bring our son safely home, so we hope recent reports are accurate,” his parents, Marc and Debra Tice, said in a statement released Monday. “We are deeply grateful to everyone working for Austin’s safe return, and his continued absence shows there is more to be done.”

Kamalmaz, who was born in Syria and grew up in the United States, had established a mental health clinic in Lebanon for refugees from the Syrian war. He went to Syria to visit family members and was taken the day after he arrived.

High-level U.S. officials traveled recently to Syria for rare talks with the Assad government in an attempt to secure the release of American citizens held prisoner there, a high priority for the Trump administration, but there has been little apparent progress so far, officials said.

High-level U.S. officials traveled recently to Syria for rare talks with the Assad government in an attempt to secure the release of American citizens held prisoner there, a high priority for the Trump administration, but there has been little apparent progress so far, officials said. The secret US mission to Damascus in August focused on Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who was seized while reporting on the Syrian civil war in 2012, and Majd Kamalmaz, a psychotherapist who was taken in 2017. The trip was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by two U.S. officials with knowledge of American operations in the Middle East, including a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The senior official cautioned that the attempt was still in its early stages, and that the U.S. government did not have any recent proof that Tice, 39, was still alive. The Syrian government has not publicly acknowledged holding either him or Kamalmaz, 62, who is diabetic and requires regular medication, according to his family and the U.S. government. Previous contacts by the United States about prisoners held by President Bashar Assad’s government have fizzled out, but his regime — which would like to see economic sanctions lifted and U.S. troops withdrawn from Syria — has much to gain, potentially, from improved relations with Washington. The Trump administration has secured the release of people held in several other countries in the Middle East, a goal of particular interest to the president. In August, Kashyap Patel, the senior counterterrorism director at the National Security Council, and Roger D. Carstens, the State Department’s special envoy for hostage affairs, went to Damascus to meet with Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syria’s National Security Bureau intelligence service, U.S. officials said. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been minimal since the United States closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 and ordered the closure of the Syrian Embassy in Washington in 2014. The U.S. has long labeled Syria, considered a pariah state by much of the world, as a sponsor of terrorism, and has imposed sanctions on the country and its officials for human rights violations before and during the war that began in 2011. But in 2017, Mike Pompeo, then the CIA director, called Mamlouk to open back-channel communications on Tice. Washington then sent an intermediary to see Mamlouk, the officials said. They met for hours and the intermediary delivered an unsigned letter from the U.S. government. But the effort was put on hold the next year, when the Syrian government launched a chemical attack on a rebel-held area, and the United States responded with missile strikes on Syrian targets. Weeks later, French authorities issued international arrest warrants for Mamlouk and other officials, in connection with torture, killings and war crimes. In August 2018, the CIA sent a top agency official with expertise in the Middle East to meet Mamlouk in Damascus, where the official raised the case of Tice. A year ago, Trump ordered the withdrawal of most of the U.S. troops in Syria, in effect ceding back to Assad territory that had been captured from the Islamic State. Critics questioned why the administration had not demanded anything from Syria in return, like the release of prisoners. Tice, a Marine Corps veteran, was attending law school at Georgetown University when he decided to cover the war in Syria, where he wrote articles for several news organizations. His family has been outspoken about maintaining interest in his case and seeking his release, and said as recently as 2018 they were confident he was still alive. “For years we have pushed for engagement between the U.S. and Syrian governments to help bring our son safely home, so we hope recent reports are accurate,” his parents, Marc and Debra Tice, said in a statement released Monday. “We are deeply grateful to everyone working for Austin’s safe return, and his continued absence shows there is more to be done.” Kamalmaz, who was born in Syria and grew up in the United States, had established a mental health clinic in Lebanon for refugees from the Syrian war. He went to Syria to visit family members and was taken the day after he arrived.

High-level US mission to Syria sought release of American prisoners

Wildfires fuelled by high temperature ravage several regions of Syria, Lebanon & Turkey. The wildfires triggered by heatwaves hitting the region have killed at least 3 people and burned swaths of land.

Wildfires ravage parts of West Asia, forest fires claim at least 3 lives in Syria

In September 2015, Russia formally entered the Syrian civil war with President Bashar al-Assad's rule increasingly under threat..... 5 years since then, Moscow has managed to save the Syrian regime, but at what cost? Ghadi Francis tells you more on this week's The West Asia Post. For more such stories, keep watching The West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

THE WEST ASIA POST: 5 Years of Russian Intervention in Syria

Kinana al-Bunni is driving changing attitudes towards female taxi drivers in Syria. After realizing that working indoors did not suit her the single mother pursued a career as a taxi driver a route not typically taken by women in her country. Watch her story.

Shattering stereotypes Syrian woman drives taxi | WION News | World News

Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan continued for yet another day, this as France, Russia and US stepped up to mediate. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: International mediators head to Geneva

A car bomb on Tuesday killed 14 people in the Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab in northern Syria.

According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion near a bus station in the town also wounded at least 40 people, some of them seriously.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the car bombing.

Turkey and its Syrian proxies control several pockets of territory on Syria's side of the border following three military incursions since 2016.

The town, 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Syria's second city Aleppo, was one of the western-most strongholds of the jihadists' self-styled territorial "caliphate". US-backed Kurdish forces seized the last scrap of the statelet from the jihadists in eastern Syria in March last year.&nbsp;

A car bomb on Tuesday killed 14 people in the Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab in northern Syria. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion near a bus station in the town also wounded at least 40 people, some of them seriously.

A car bomb on Tuesday killed 14 people in the Turkish-controlled town of Al-Bab in northern Syria. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion near a bus station in the town also wounded at least 40 people, some of them seriously. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the car bombing. Turkey and its Syrian proxies control several pockets of territory on Syria's side of the border following three military incursions since 2016. The town, 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of Syria's second city Aleppo, was one of the western-most strongholds of the jihadists' self-styled territorial "caliphate". US-backed Kurdish forces seized the last scrap of the statelet from the jihadists in eastern Syria in March last year.

Car bomb in north Syria kills 14

On damaged wall in the Syrian city of Idlib, artist Aziz Asmar painted a colourful mural of U.S President Donald Trump arm-wrestling the coronavirus.

Syrian artist paints mural of Trump arm-wrestling the coronavirus

The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on Syria's central bank chief and 16 other people or institutions.

The United States ordered the freezing of any US assets of the central bank governor, Hazem Karfoul, and the other Syrians, with any financial transactions with them now punishable in US.

The US Treasury Department, which is widely targetting anyone affiliated with President Bashar al-Assad, did not allege specific crimes by Karfoul but pointed to reports he tried to shake down businesses to contribute to state coffers.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions against Syrian figures "will not cease until the Assad regime and&nbsp;its&nbsp;enablers take irreversible steps to end their&nbsp;campaign of violence against the Syrian people."

Among others designated by the Treasury Department are businessman Khodr Taher bin Ali and Husam Muhammad Louka, head of the General Intelligence Directorate, one of the country's spy agencies.

Taher was accused of being a key supplier for the army's Fourth Division including through the creation of a private security firm that has become the unit's "informal executive arm."

The Treasury Department said Taher also set up a telecommunications provider, Emma Tel LLC, in an apparent bid to counter Rami Makhlouf, a tycoon who has fallen out with his cousin Assad.

The State Department separately said it was designating three people or units over deadly air strikes three years ago in the town of Armanaz, in Idlib province near the Turkish border.

At least 34 Syrians died in the attack, according to the State Department's toll, as Russia backed Syria in operations against jihadists.

The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on Syria's central bank chief and 16 other people or institutions. The United States ordered the freezing of any US assets of the central bank governor, Hazem Karfoul, and the other Syrians, with any financial transactions with them now punishable in US.

The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on Syria's central bank chief and 16 other people or institutions. The United States ordered the freezing of any US assets of the central bank governor, Hazem Karfoul, and the other Syrians, with any financial transactions with them now punishable in US. The US Treasury Department, which is widely targetting anyone affiliated with President Bashar al-Assad, did not allege specific crimes by Karfoul but pointed to reports he tried to shake down businesses to contribute to state coffers. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions against Syrian figures "will not cease until the Assad regime and its enablers take irreversible steps to end their campaign of violence against the Syrian people." Among others designated by the Treasury Department are businessman Khodr Taher bin Ali and Husam Muhammad Louka, head of the General Intelligence Directorate, one of the country's spy agencies. Taher was accused of being a key supplier for the army's Fourth Division including through the creation of a private security firm that has become the unit's "informal executive arm." The Treasury Department said Taher also set up a telecommunications provider, Emma Tel LLC, in an apparent bid to counter Rami Makhlouf, a tycoon who has fallen out with his cousin Assad. The State Department separately said it was designating three people or units over deadly air strikes three years ago in the town of Armanaz, in Idlib province near the Turkish border. At least 34 Syrians died in the attack, according to the State Department's toll, as Russia backed Syria in operations against jihadists.

US slaps sanctions on Syrian central bank chief, businessman

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

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.&nbsp;

The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019.&nbsp;

The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate.&nbsp;

"The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom."

Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brings-back-child-trapped-in-syria-dominic-raab-327904">Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab</a>

The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens.&nbsp;

Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians.

Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links.&nbsp;

But the US has pushed back against these approaches.&nbsp;

"Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year.&nbsp;

Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US.&nbsp;

The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home.&nbsp;

As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday. The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019. The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate. "The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom." Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force. Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens. Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians. Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links. But the US has pushed back against these approaches. "Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year. Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US. The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home. As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

US charges citizen with providing support to IS

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the&nbsp;war-torn country.

The news was announced by&nbsp;British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do."

However, no further details are expected to be revealed as the issue invoces a minor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-starts-investigating-9-pakistani-terrorists-held-in-syria-323251">Also read:&nbsp;US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria</a>

As per reports by various charities and government groups, close to 60 British children are trapped in Syria. The UK has been actively trying to get these children, many of whom are orphans, back to their home country.

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Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1306122091461214208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The news was hugely welcomed in the country, especially after the recent criticism faced by the government for apparently&nbsp;efusing to help nationals including children to return home after they or their parents were accused of joining the Islamic State militant group.

&nbsp;Meanwhle, there has been no change in the existing policy of stripping off the citizenship of the locals who travel to Syria to support terrorist groups such as the IS.

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the war-torn country. The news was announced by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria.

Britain has successfully brought back a child who was trapped in Syria, out of dozens of such children who are trapped in the war-torn country. The news was announced by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on twitter, who wrote, "Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do." However, no further details are expected to be revealed as the issue invoces a minor. Also read: US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria As per reports by various charities and government groups, close to 60 British children are trapped in Syria. The UK has been actively trying to get these children, many of whom are orphans, back to their home country. Pleased we have been able to bring home a British child from Syria. As I have said previously, we assess each case carefully. Safely facilitating the return of orphans or unaccompanied British children, where possible, is the right thing to do. — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) September 16, 2020 × The news was hugely welcomed in the country, especially after the recent criticism faced by the government for apparently efusing to help nationals including children to return home after they or their parents were accused of joining the Islamic State militant group. Meanwhle, there has been no change in the existing policy of stripping off the citizenship of the locals who travel to Syria to support terrorist groups such as the IS.

UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace

But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out.

A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money?

Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai!

The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram

And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration.

Here's an alternative viewpoint.&nbsp;

Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, Syria is a war-torn country.&nbsp;

According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 
&nbsp; 
2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate.

There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child.

But what we are talking about here are limits.

Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. 
&nbsp; 
Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family.

The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US

Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land.&nbsp;

Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started.

There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially.

In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide.

But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate.

The only question is, how far should you take things&nbsp;

 
This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture.

Check out couple of lines from her post.

'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!'

Hope this gets you thinking&nbsp;

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008.

Have you heard about Gender reveal parties? They are in trend. And as the name suggests, it is a party that involves revealing the gender of an unborn baby. The concept took off sometime around 2008. And today, gender reveal parties have become commonplace But there is something really worrying about how these gender reveal parties are shaping out. A Syrian couple recently spent as much as USD 100,000 on gender reveal party of their baby. What did they do with that kind of money? Project the child's gender onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai! The couple are social media influencers with over 7 million followers on Youtube and over 2 million followers on Instagram And they saw nothing wrong in splurging this much on a grand celebration. Here's an alternative viewpoint. Imagine the kind of use this money could have been put to back in the couple's home country Syria. Remember, Syria is a war-torn country. According to one estimate, 9.3 million Syrians go to sleep hungry. 2 million others are at risk of meeting a similar fate. There is nothing wrong to share joy over your yet-to-born child. But what we are talking about here are limits. Several netizens have pointed at the sheer waste of money. One Twitter user called it disgusting and shameful. Someone else called the celebrations to be exaggerated. Another Twitter user from Syria dropped a political bomb. She said that the couple belongs to a political family. The man's father is the head of US-backed Syrian Opposition. We have not been able to independently verify this claim. But if it is true, then some serious questions need to be posed to political elites in Syria and the US Speaking of US, you must have heard about the California wildfires. The same one that has gutted 2.2. million acres of land. Did you know that a gender reveal party is responsible for it? That's where the fire started. There is nothing wrong in celebrating the gender of an unborn child. Especially if you can afford it economically and socially. In India, for example, it is not even an option as the gender of the child is not revealed over fears of infanticide. But if you are in a country where there aren't social taboos and fears, you are well within your rights to celebrate. The only question is, how far should you take things This woman is said to have come up with the idea of gender reveal parties. × In her post on Facebook, she claims she has mixed feelings about her contribution to this culture. Check out couple of lines from her post. 'Who cares what gender the baby is? I did at the time because we didn't live in 2019 and didn't know what we know now...PLOT TWIST, the world's first gender-reveal party baby is a girl who wears suits!' Hope this gets you thinking

This gender reveal party cost USD 100,000

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