Latest news with #Druze-majority
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Historic Shifts Offer Syria A Path Forward
Press Release – UN News After years of stalemate and suffering, Syria is beginning to see renewed international engagement. 21 May 2025 The United States, European Union and United Kingdom have taken steps to ease long-standing sanctions – moves that, according to UN officials, could pave the way for long-overdue progress on the political and humanitarian front, provided they are sustained and inclusive. Speaking to the Security Council from the capital Damascus on Wednesday, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen called the developments 'historic,' highlighting their potential to improve conditions on the ground and allow a successful transition. 'They hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition, giving Syrian people a chance to grapple with the legacy of misrule, conflict, abuses and poverty,' he said. The sanctions, imposed mostly during the Assad era, have long been blamed for hindering economic recovery. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar are supporting renewed engagement, offering support to fund public salaries, energy infrastructure and Syria's obligations to international financial institutions. National political movements The easing of sanctions comes amid significant domestic developments, with Syria's interim government announcing last week the formation of two key bodies: the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons. Both are seen as essential to rebuilding trust and addressing the legacy of enforced disappearances and war crimes that have scarred nearly every Syrian household, Mr. Pedersen said. He urged continued steps to ensure that the new People's Assembly is truly representative and that the rights and aspirations of women and girls are protected. 'Syrians also continue to look ahead to the envisaged future constitutional process, which needs to be inclusive of all social and political components in shaping a new social contract and paving the way for the free and fair elections as called for by [Interim Prime Minister] Ahmed al-Sharaa from the outset.' Crisis on the ground Despite political momentum, Syria's humanitarian crisis remains dire. Over 16 million people need aid and over half the population faces hunger, senior UN humanitarian Ramesh Rajasingham warned ambassadors. Sectarian violence has deepened the crisis, displacing more than 670,000 people since November, among them 15,000 during a recent flare-up in Druze-majority areas of rural Damascus. The situation has been further complicated by Israeli airstrikes, including near the presidential palace and during the unrest in Druze-majority neighbourhoods. UN agencies meanwhile face a severe funding shortfall, having received only 10 per cent of a $2 billion appeal for the first half of 2025. Dozens of hospitals, community support centres and safe spaces for women – especially in the northeast and northwest – have already closed. 'The consequences are already visible and will become more so as time passes and as funding cuts take hold,' said Mr. Rajasingham, who is the Director of Coordination at the UN relief wing, OCHA. Seize the moment Both officials stressed that lifting sanctions must lead to tangible progress in recovery and stability. 'The Syrian people have taken heart from the fact that the decisions to lift sanctions give them a better chance than before to succeed against great odds,' Mr. Pedersen said. 'They are looking to the interim authorities to seize this moment and push towards a fully inclusive transition…and to all of us to do our part as genuine partners in support.' US implementing sanctions relief Speaking for the United States, John Kelley, Political Coordinator at the US mission, said government agencies are beginning the process of sanctions relief and restoring diplomatic ties with Syria. He called on Syrian authorities to take bold steps and show sustained progress on the clear expectations the US has communicated. This includes, removing foreign terrorist fighters, cooperate with the US and partners to prevent resurgence of ISIS detention facilities, and making peace with Israel through the Abraham Accords. 'We continue to urge the new government to choose policies that will reinforce stability, protect human rights of all Syrians, ensure peace with Syria's neighbours, develop Syria's economy and become at long last a responsible member of the international community.' Syrians uniting for future prosperity Riyad Khaddour, Syria's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, told ambassadors in New York that his country is committed to becoming a nation of peace and partnership – not a battleground for conflict or foreign ambitions. 'As countries in the region and beyond extend their hands to Syria, Syrians themselves are uniting across all factions, rejecting extremism, terrorism, and hate speech,' he said. Mr. Khaddour noted that Syrian institutions are committed to international standards, working to improve the investment climate and advancing economic reforms. He hailed the lifting of sanctions as a long-awaited turning point, adding that it offers 'real prospects' to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and accelerate recovery. 'Syrians have welcomed it with great hope, seeing it as a first step towards restoring normal life, reviving the economy, ensuring food security and returning to the path of sustainable development.'
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Historic Shifts Offer Syria A Path Forward
21 May 2025 The United States, European Union and United Kingdom have taken steps to ease long-standing sanctions – moves that, according to UN officials, could pave the way for long-overdue progress on the political and humanitarian front, provided they are sustained and inclusive. Speaking to the Security Council from the capital Damascus on Wednesday, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen called the developments 'historic,' highlighting their potential to improve conditions on the ground and allow a successful transition. 'They hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition, giving Syrian people a chance to grapple with the legacy of misrule, conflict, abuses and poverty,' he said. The sanctions, imposed mostly during the Assad era, have long been blamed for hindering economic recovery. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Qatar are supporting renewed engagement, offering support to fund public salaries, energy infrastructure and Syria's obligations to international financial institutions. National political movements The easing of sanctions comes amid significant domestic developments, with Syria's interim government announcing last week the formation of two key bodies: the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons. Both are seen as essential to rebuilding trust and addressing the legacy of enforced disappearances and war crimes that have scarred nearly every Syrian household, Mr. Pedersen said. He urged continued steps to ensure that the new People's Assembly is truly representative and that the rights and aspirations of women and girls are protected. 'Syrians also continue to look ahead to the envisaged future constitutional process, which needs to be inclusive of all social and political components in shaping a new social contract and paving the way for the free and fair elections as called for by [Interim Prime Minister] Ahmed al-Sharaa from the outset.' Crisis on the ground Despite political momentum, Syria's humanitarian crisis remains dire. Over 16 million people need aid and over half the population faces hunger, senior UN humanitarian Ramesh Rajasingham warned ambassadors. Sectarian violence has deepened the crisis, displacing more than 670,000 people since November, among them 15,000 during a recent flare-up in Druze-majority areas of rural Damascus. The situation has been further complicated by Israeli airstrikes, including near the presidential palace and during the unrest in Druze-majority neighbourhoods. UN agencies meanwhile face a severe funding shortfall, having received only 10 per cent of a $2 billion appeal for the first half of 2025. Dozens of hospitals, community support centres and safe spaces for women – especially in the northeast and northwest – have already closed. 'The consequences are already visible and will become more so as time passes and as funding cuts take hold,' said Mr. Rajasingham, who is the Director of Coordination at the UN relief wing, OCHA. Seize the moment Both officials stressed that lifting sanctions must lead to tangible progress in recovery and stability. 'The Syrian people have taken heart from the fact that the decisions to lift sanctions give them a better chance than before to succeed against great odds,' Mr. Pedersen said. 'They are looking to the interim authorities to seize this moment and push towards a fully inclusive transition…and to all of us to do our part as genuine partners in support.' US implementing sanctions relief Speaking for the United States, John Kelley, Political Coordinator at the US mission, said government agencies are beginning the process of sanctions relief and restoring diplomatic ties with Syria. He called on Syrian authorities to take bold steps and show sustained progress on the clear expectations the US has communicated. This includes, removing foreign terrorist fighters, cooperate with the US and partners to prevent resurgence of ISIS detention facilities, and making peace with Israel through the Abraham Accords. 'We continue to urge the new government to choose policies that will reinforce stability, protect human rights of all Syrians, ensure peace with Syria's neighbours, develop Syria's economy and become at long last a responsible member of the international community.' Syrians uniting for future prosperity Riyad Khaddour, Syria's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, told ambassadors in New York that his country is committed to becoming a nation of peace and partnership – not a battleground for conflict or foreign ambitions. 'As countries in the region and beyond extend their hands to Syria, Syrians themselves are uniting across all factions, rejecting extremism, terrorism, and hate speech,' he said. Mr. Khaddour noted that Syrian institutions are committed to international standards, working to improve the investment climate and advancing economic reforms. He hailed the lifting of sanctions as a long-awaited turning point, adding that it offers 'real prospects' to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and accelerate recovery. 'Syrians have welcomed it with great hope, seeing it as a first step towards restoring normal life, reviving the economy, ensuring food security and returning to the path of sustainable development.'
United News of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Macron criticizes Israeli airstrike in Syria "bad practice"
Paris, May 8 (UNI) French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticized Israeli strikes in Syria, warning such actions would not guarantee "Israel's long-term security." He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Elysee Palace in Paris. "As far as bombing and incursions are concerned, I think this is bad practice. You don't ensure the security of your country by violating the territorial integrity of your neighbors," Macron said. "The right method is increased cooperation," he added. Macron's comments followed a series of Israeli airstrikes early Friday targeting a site near the official residence of the Syrian president in central Damascus. Loud explosions were heard across wide areas of the capital. Israeli aircraft were also reportedly observed flying reconnaissance missions over Damascus shortly after the strikes. The attack came amid escalating violence in southern Syria, particularly in Druze-majority regions. Clashes between Druze groups and government-aligned forces have left over 100 people dead in recent days, fueling concerns of further destabilization in the country. UNI XINHUA GNK
Rudaw Net
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Druze elder says external groups threaten Damascus suburb
Also in Syria Syria's Sharaa to meet Macron in first Europe visit SDF repels ISIS attack in east Syria Kurdish forces arrest suspected ISIS leader in east Syria UK urges Damascus to 'restore calm' in Druze areas A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Druze elder from the Jaramana suburb south of Damascus said on Monday that external 'unchecked' armed groups are threatening the area while locals have secured the city after sectarian violence left over 113 dead. 'The threat isn't from the city, the threat is from outside the city, where some unchecked [armed] elements are present outside the city of Jaramana. They present a danger to the city, Fahad Haydar, a Druze elder of Jaramana, told Rudaw. According to Haydar, the security situation in Jaramana has stabilized with the presence of local Druze councils and religious bodies. Tensions boiled over in southern Syria last week after an offensive audio clip about the Prophet Muhammad initially attributed to a Druze cleric triggered sectarian anger. The audio, later discovered to be fake, sparked violent confrontations in the Druze and Christian majority suburb of Jaramana. The conflict later spread to the nearby Sahnaya and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 113 people were killed in the clashes. Jaramana police chief Hussam al-Tahan assured that the security situation in the area remains stable. 'The security [forces] are spread across Jaramana city,' said Tahan. 'There are no armed elements outside the law. The situation is good, there is good civilian movement, and good trade flow in the city.' After the fall of Assad, the Rijal al-Karama (Men of Dignity) Movement became one of the largest armed groups in Suwayda, playing a key role in protecting the local population, ensuring security, and organizing local militias to safeguard the Druze-majority province from external threats and internal corruption. 'The agreement was on organizing weapons in the city… not handing them over, but including them under the defense ministry and interior ministry,' On Wednesday, the state-run SANA news agency reported that the governors of Rif Dimashq and Suwayda, along with Druze 'dignitaries and social figures,' reached a 'preliminary agreement' for a ceasefire in both Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya. However, Suwayda24, an outlet focused on southern Syria's Druze-majority province, said the meeting ended 'without a clear agreement, except for some non-binding points,' including a full ceasefire and a joint committee to address the aftermath of the clashes. The Druze leadership has condemned Damascus. In early April, the spiritual leader of Syria's Druze community, Hikmat al-Hijri, denied having made any agreements with Damascus, accusing the current government of being 'extremist in every sense of the word.' Solin Mohammed contributed to this report.
The National
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syrian government's failure to protect minorities leaves door open for Israeli destabilisation
Israel is exploiting the Syrian government's failure to secure minority rights in Syria by presenting itself as a protector of the Druze community, analysts and regional military experts told The National, after a wave of brutal sectarian violence by troops loyal to the new authorities left more than 100 people dead in Druze-majority areas. 'We saw clear sectarian chants like 'We're going to genocide the Druze' in Hama and Homs for example. The government has not through statement or practice been trying to stop this kind of harassment or incitement or attacks,' Joseph Daher, a Syrian academic and analyst told The National. The violence was caused by a voice recording which circulated on social media purportedly showing a Druze cleric insulting the Prophet Mohammed. It was debunked by both Syrian authorities and Druze religious leaders. Leaders of the minority sect, an offshoot of Islam, said the recording was fabricated: blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed is antithetical to the Druze faith, they said. However, that did very little to calm the situation. Islamist militants, some of whom are affiliated with the current Syrian government, converged on Druze-majority towns of Jaramana and Sahnaya, as well as Suweida province, while Druze gunmen rallied to deter attacks on their towns. Israel's rapid entry into the conflict, through a series of air strikes- including near the Presidential Palace – marked its most significant escalation on Syria since December. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacks were aimed at 'protecting the Druze community' and preventing Syrian troop posting south of Damascus. Israel's timing is no accident, analysts say. With Syria's central authority weakened by infighting and sectarian violence, Israel sees a rare chance to reshape post-Assad Syria's borders and political order in its favour. 'Israel wants to see a weak central government or a Syria fragmented along sectarian lines,' according to Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis. 'A Druze state, a Kurdish state, and an Alawite state reinforce the legitimacy of a Jewish state.' According to Mr Kahwaji, Israel's primary objective is to carve out a Druze-controlled buffer zone between itself and Damascus. This strategy, he said, is rooted in a broader geopolitical calculation: Israel wants to pre-empt the rise of a strong, Turkish-backed Syrian government that could eventually support hostile armed groups. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's support for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups has deepened Israeli anxieties, particularly over the possibility that post-conflict Syria could become a base for anti-Israel operations under Turkish patronage. Israel is also eyeing full annexation of the Golan Heights, a region of strategic and symbolic significance. It already controls two-thirds of the territory – unilaterally annexed in 1981 in a move rejected by the international community – and occupied the remaining third following the collapse of Bashar Al Assad's regime in December 2024. 'Israel will try to keep as much of the land it has grabbed and will try to get concessions from the Syrians to accept Israeli sovereignty over the whole of Golan-heights,' Mr Kahwaji said. Syrian authorities have condemned Israel's attacks as a 'flagrant violation of international law' and a 'direct threat to regional stability,' while clarifying that they do not seek conflict with Israel. They also accused 'outlaw groups' of instigating the sectarian attacks and posting troops in Druze-majority towns. But the Syrian government – led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, a group once affiliated with Al Qaeda – has failed to prevent sectarian attacks since its inception, following the ouster of Bashar Al Assad in December of last year. Many activists and residents accused the government of standing by while radical groups, using the fabricated voice recording as a pretext, assaulted Druze towns last week. Mr Daher described the government's behaviour as part of a broader power-recentralisation strategy. 'It's a strategy to retake or consolidate areas that are not in control of the government. The government blames extremists for the violence, and then it says we'll take control to pacify things.' 'The vast majority of Syrian Druze refuse Israeli instrumentalisation of sectarian issues,' he added. 'The problem is that the government's behaviour will be fuel to people who say we need this kind of coalition [with Israel].' Syrian authorities employed a similar tactic in March, when pro-government forces and allies killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite minority under the pretext of quelling an insurgency led by militants loyal to deposed president Bashar Al Assad, who is of the same sect. To date, despite government overtures to investigate violations, there has seen no accountability. 'The government cannot say it's trying to bring security when there has been no accountability from previous massacres,' Mr Daher told The National. 'Israel has been able to exploit the situation exactly because the government has been pursuing – directly and indirectly – sectarian policies.'
