
Do the Druze feel more Syrian or Israeli? ‘It's controversial,' says expert
Guests:
Samir Al Taqi, researcher at the Middle East Institute
Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas
Ruth Wasserman Lande, former member of Knesset and expert on Arab affairs
Dr. Osama Kadi, senior advisor to the Syrian economy and industry
Angie Wong, Miami Executive Committeewoman
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Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Sri Lanka in talks with Middle East Green Initiative to explore climate partnership
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is exploring a potential partnership with the Middle East Green Initiative, Colombo's envoy to Riyadh told Arab News on Saturday, as the island nation seeks to step up partnerships to combat climate change. Sri Lanka — home to 22 million people — is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is particularly at risk of extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought. On Monday, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh facilitated an introductory virtual meeting between its Ministry of Environment and the MGI secretary-general 'to explore potential ways and means for cooperation and partnership in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development,' according to a statement. Led by Saudi Arabia, the MGI was established in 2021 as a regional alliance aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and forging collaborations to meet global climate targets in the region. 'The MGI is an important regional initiative spearheaded by Saudi Arabia in combating challenges posed by climate change. We are pleased to see Saudi Arabia is giving a great leadership role in promoting climate action and environmental protection,' Ameer Ajwad, Sri Lanka's envoy to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. Colombo is also keen to share its experience in climate resilience efforts. 'Sri Lanka is actively contributing to the global multilateral climate initiatives. Sri Lanka's expertise and rich experience in the field will be also useful for the MGI process for fostering environmental collaboration and advancing shared climate objectives,' Ajwad said. 'For example, Sri Lanka could contribute its expertise in the field of mangrove conservation and sea grass management, et cetera.' Sri Lanka has led several climate resilience efforts throughout the years, including restoration of its mangrove forests following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. The country made a commitment to become the first to replant all of its mangrove forests — a goal the government sought to achieve by providing microloans and education to communities in exchange for mangrove conservation. In 2022, it launched the Sri Lankan Climate Prosperity Plan to attract foreign investment and accelerate climate adaptation while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


Al Arabiya
3 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Hamas rejects Trump remarks on Gaza talks breakdown
Hamas officials expressed surprise on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's accusation that the group 'didn't really want' a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza. Trump made the allegation of Friday a day after Israel and the United States quit indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar that had lasted nearly three weeks. 'Trump's remarks are particularly surprising, especially as they come at a time when progress had been made on some of the negotiation files,' Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP. 'So far, we have not been informed of any issues regarding the files under discussion in the indirect ceasefire negotiations,' he added Al-Nunu, who is close to Hamas's most senior political officials, said he was 'surprised' that Israel and the United States had left the talks. Announcing the recall of US mediators on Thursday, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of not 'acting in good faith.' Though not part of the Hamas negotiating team, Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq insisted the group had shown 'flexibility' in the talks. 'The American statements deliberately ignore the real obstructionist to all agreements, Netanyahu's government, which continues to put obstacles, deceive and evade commitments,' he said. Both Hamas officials called on the United States to be more even-handed in its role as mediator in the quest for a ceasefire after more than 21 months of fighting. 'We call for an end to the US bias in favor of Netanyahu, who is obstructing any agreement,' al-Nunu said.


Al Arabiya
4 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Syria, Israel discuss containing escalation in southern Syria, Ekhbariya TV reports
Syrian and Israeli officials held talks in Paris mediated by the United States about containing any escalation in southern Syria, Syria's state-run Ekhbariya TV reported on Saturday, citing a diplomatic source. The diplomatic source said the meeting did not result in any final agreements but they agreed to continue talks and evaluate steps aimed at maintaining stability in southern Syria.