Daesh group claims first attack on Syrian government forces since Assad's fall
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Damascus between the Druze, Alawites and Kurds
It is true that Bashar Assad left the palace on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7, and that Ahmad Al-Sharaa entered it the next day without a single shot being fired in the capital. This is a rare occurrence in history. Even so, the road ahead for the new leadership is neither paved nor smooth. The road to change from Idlib to Damascus was open because most Syrians — as well as regional and global actors — truly wanted change. But the actual uprooting of the Assad regime was a long and bloody process — perhaps one of the most complex transitions in the region. From this standpoint, we must interpret the current events within this context, rather than as a mere 'moment of victory.' Optimism, enthusiasm and widespread support did not prevent political unrest: confrontations on the coast with Alawites, the bombing of a Christian church in Damascus and disputes with the Druze of Sweida and with the Syrian Democratic Forces in Raqqa. The crises that have already occurred — and those that may still come — are expected. The domestic consensus to remove Assad means the alternative system will need time to build trust. There is also a troubled regional environment, with actors harmed by the transition who will need time to test the waters, accept the new reality and choose to cooperate. Amid these local confrontations, two dangerous factions threaten the new order. The first includes actors that are overtly hostile — such as remnants of the old regime, forces in Iran and local gangs like drug cartels. The domestic consensus to remove Assad means the alternative system will need time to build trust Abdulrahman Al-Rashed These groups will repeatedly try to create a confrontational climate that escalates over time. They aim to shrink Syria, entangle Damascus in a prolonged battle and encourage the emergence of independent regions. The second faction comes from within the system — or considers itself part of it — and plays a role in fueling crises. It has its own views on how the country should be governed and how it should engage with the world. Though loyal, this faction is no less dangerous than the hostile one, because it ignites conflicts and deepens divisions. Its threat lies in dragging the Syrian authority into a confrontation with the regional order and inviting foreign powers to invest in a local civil war. These traps require wisdom in handling so that they do not distract the government from its most difficult task: building a new state that most Syrians are waiting for — one that improves living standards and transitions into a modern nation. Al-Sharaa has domestic popularity that he must strengthen, lest it erode under the weight of looming challenges — most notably, bread shortages, inflation, low wages and delays in foreign aid. These are challenges unrelated to Iran or the regime's remnants. They are compounded by the need to extinguish growing social strife, which risks becoming a civil war. Those engaged in this strife — whether in the name of freedoms or defending (or opposing) the regime — are stoking tensions among Syria's deeply anxious and mistrustful communities. The international community wants a civil state that manages a disciplined security and military apparatus. The new Damascus government needs time to organize itself and win over Syria's diverse groups. Let us remember that Hafez Assad, while presenting himself as a protector of minorities, placed Abdul Halim Khaddam and Mustafa Tlass at his right and left. There are also forces in the region that have failed to establish extremist regimes — and now want Syria to become another Gaza or Afghanistan. The new Damascus government needs time to organize itself and win over Syria's diverse groups Abdulrahman Al-Rashed Upon entering the capital, Al-Sharaa immediately announced his openness to all, stressing that his concern is Syrian — not international. He displayed a moderation that surprised many and he has managed his relationships pragmatically, consistent with his promises. That is why Syria will not follow the Iranian model — which is now nearing its end — nor should it fight on behalf of others, whether against Israel or Iran. Nor should it allow others to bring their wars onto Syrian soil. Amid these ethnic, sectarian and regional tensions, the road will remain difficult. The government has inherited a devastated country violated by both domestic and foreign forces. Fixing it will require political skill — not brute force — and a sixth sense that can anticipate crises and contain them.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
UN report praises Kingdom's achievements in integrated water resources management
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shared its experience of advancing water security and sustainability in a region of extreme water scarcity during the SDG 6 Water Action Agenda Special Event in New York. The event was held on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN's headquarters, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. It followed UN-Water's recognition of Saudi Arabia as one of the countries showing clear and measurable progress in integrated water resources management under SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 6. The Kingdom's delegation, led by Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, presented Saudi Arabia's approach to accelerating the progress of SDG 6. The event spotlighted successes in the sector and countries making significant strides. Saudi Arabia was highlighted in the report as a success story for its rapid progress in integrated water resources management, the SPA added. Al-Shaibani said that the Kingdom's efforts had brought notable improvements in efficiency, coordination, and service quality between 2017 and 2023. The Kingdom's integrated water resources management indicator rose from 57 percent to 83 percent during this period, marking one of the fastest global increases under SDG indicator 6.5.1, he said. Al-Shaibani stressed that strong support from the Kingdom's leadership had enabled significant structural and organizational reforms to aid sustainable water management. With substantial investments to expand and modernize water infrastructure, these efforts had raised the Kingdom's 'enabling environment' score from 42 percent in 2017 to 87 percent in 2023, he added.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Report: Türkiye Wants SDF to Show It Abides Deal with Damascus
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) must prove it is adhering to a recent integration agreement with the Syrian government, a Turkish defense ministry source said on Wednesday. Syria's territorial integrity is essential for regional stability and Ankara is closely monitoring events there, following a deal reached on March 10 between Damascus and the SDF, which Türkiye considers a terrorist organization. "The SDF must concretely demonstrate that it is abiding by the agreement it made with the Damascus government," the defense ministry source said, requesting anonymity. Türkiye has repeatedly said it would not tolerate moves that could lead to the fragmentation of Syria and has voiced opposition to any form of autonomy for Kurdish groups near its southern border.
