
Indian Nurse Awaits Pardon to Escape Death Row in Yemen
Activist Babu John, part of the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, revealed that Priya's family has offered $1 million (approx. AED 3.67 million) in diya (blood money) to the victim's family in a desperate bid to save her life.
Nimisha moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her family back home, eventually launching her own clinic. As per local regulations, she entered into a business partnership with a Yemeni national, Talal Abdo Mehdi. The relationship reportedly turned abusive, and events spiraled into a tragic confrontation.
Now imprisoned, Nimisha has been serving fellow inmates as a nurse while awaiting her fate. Her story has sparked international outcry and a renewed push from activists and the Indian diaspora to appeal for mercy.
Her only chance at survival lies in forgiveness from Talal's family — a decision that could rewrite the ending of a case filled with pain, injustice, and complexity.
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The National
19 minutes ago
- The National
Who are the Druze and why are they being targeted in Syria?
Clashes between Druze fighters and pro-government forces in Syria have intensified into a violent urban assault, leaving scores dead, in some of the worst fighting involving the religious minority. Backed by tribal militias and extremist factions, the assault in mid-July quickly turned from a Syrian 'security operation' into a street battle in which military personnel and civilians have lost their lives. As hostilities mount, the spotlight has returned to the secretive, scattered minority that was once regarded as safe from crackdowns by the former Assad regime. Here is a closer look at the Druze minority: Who are the Druze? The Druze are a small religious sect that emerged from a branch of Islam in the 11th century. Their faith blends elements of Islam with ancient traditions. It is a closed faith − you can only be born Druze as people are not allowed to convert to or from the religion − and reincarnation is central to their beliefs. According to set leaders, they have kept their faith closed and secretive to protect its spiritual core, preserve unity, and guard against external interference. Despite the small size of their community, the Druze have figured prominently in Middle Eastern history. They have served as kingmakers, military leaders, and political mediators. Where do they live? About one million Druze live across the Middle East, mainly in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. In Syria, the largest Druze population is based in the southern province of Suweida, as well as in certain Damascus suburbs such as Jaramana and Sahnaya. Their numbers in Syria are estimated at about 700,000. In Lebanon, the community, about 300,000, is concentrated in the Chouf mountains and parts of Mount Lebanon. Though they make up less than 10 per cent of the population, their influence far outweighs their numbers. About 150,000 live in Israel, particularly in the north and in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. A smaller community also exists in Jordan, mostly near the Syrian border. What has happened in Syria? Tension erupted in Syria in April after a manipulated recording falsely claimed a Druze cleric had insulted Islam. The fake triggered sectarian violence, with Sunni militants attacking Druze towns near Damascus. Dozens were killed in the unrest. In a significant move, Israel launched air strikes near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, warning the Syrian regime not to harm the Druze minority. Syrian Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri condemned a 'genocidal campaign' against his people and called for 'international forces to maintain peace". Parts of Sweida, the sect's ancestral home, also came under assault from gunmen in nearby Deraa, in the biggest threat to the ancient minority since Hayat Tahrir Al Sham took power last year. A new round of fighting began this month after clashes involving Druze militiamen and Bedouin tribes escalated, resulting in a Syrian government offensive in Sweida. Israel intervened again, striking the city and military headquarters in Damascus. What does Israel want? Within Israel, Druze citizens are subject to mandatory military service. As a result, maintaining a strong relationship with the Druze community has been a priority for Israeli governments. In the Golan Heights, most Druze have retained Syrian citizenship and publicly reject the Israeli occupation. Last year, a projectile hit a football pitch in the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, killing 12 children and young people amid a devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel said Hezbollah launched the attack, but the Lebanese group denied responsibility. Israel's leaders have sought to embrace the Druze since the attack, but have been met with a mixed response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met by chants of "murderer" during his visit, while far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, was surrounded by angry locals when he arrived in the area. How have they been treated under Assad? Syria's Druze community has long tried to stay neutral in the country's civil war, avoiding open rebellion while maintaining local autonomy, especially in Suweida and the suburbs of Damascus. But that balance was not sustainable. The state offered little protection during sectarian violence, and resentment deepened over economic neglect and the presence of Iran-backed militias near Druze areas. Why does the Druze community matter politically? Despite their small numbers, the Druze are politically significant across the Middle East. In Israel, they are embedded in state institutions, yet increasingly vocal about inequality. In Syria, Druze communities are strategically positioned in the south near the borders with Jordan and Israel. In Lebanon, they play kingmaker roles in coalition politics. Druze leaders often tip the balance between rival blocs, especially during government formation or presidential elections. Walid Jumblatt, the long-time Druze leader, has kept his group politically relevant even as other sects outnumber them.


Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
CBUAE imposes financial sanction on branch of foreign bank
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Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Fauja Singh death: Canada-based NRI arrested in hit-and-run case
Legendary marathoner Fauja Singh, fondly remembered as the 'Turbaned Tornado,' passed away on Monday at the age of 114 after being hit by a vehicle. The accident occurred his ancestral village in Punjab's Jalandhar. Singh suffered head injuries in the hit-and-run accident and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. His son, Harvinder Singh, confirmed the heartbreaking news and said, "He was hit by a vehicle, and the driver ran away. The police are conducting an investigation. The last rites will be done in 2-3 days." The driver, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old non-resident Indian (NRI), was arrested on Wednesday, Indian media reports said. The Punjab-registered Toyota Fortuner, which was allegedly involved in the hit-and-run on Monday, has also been seized. Dhillon, originally from Kartarpur in Jalandhar, had gone to Canada on a tourist visa but got a work permit there, which is valid till 2027, police officials said. He came to India late last month. The accused told the police that he did not know the man he had hit was the marathoner, and only learnt about it through the news, Indian media reports said. Who was Fauja Singh? Fauja Singh, popularly known as the 'Sikh Superman,' stunned the world by shattering several records as a marathon runner in multiple age brackets. Since making his debut at the London Marathon in 2000 at the age of 89, Singh has completed it six more times and has also finished marathons in Toronto, New York, and several more cities. He ran several full marathons and also competed in 10 km races before retiring in 2013. He was not inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, as birth records were not kept in India in 1911, media reports said in 2011.