Latest news with #Levant
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Sharaa in First Interview with Jewish Newspaper: Stable Syria Will Not be Built Through Speeches, Slogans
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa broke all barriers that surrounded ousted President Bashar al-Assad, when he spoke last week about his responsibilities and about Syria's domestic and foreign policy. He is direct in addressing taboo issues that were previously tackled with slogans in public and a different reality under the table, such as Syria's relationship with Israel and the latter's occupation of Syrian territory. Legacy of Assad Regime The last barrier Sharaa broke was an interview he made with a Jewish newspaper, the first since assuming power six months ago. The article, written by Jonathan Bass, was published by the Jewish Journal on May 28. 'Many Syrians see Sharaa not as a revolutionary but as a restorer, someone capable of stitching together a nation fatigued by war and fractured by identity. It is perhaps his very ordinariness, his refusal to play the strongman, despite his extremist former life, that makes him a man of the hour,' the Journal wrote. Bass said the Syrian President carries himself with quiet conviction. 'Sharaa is soft-spoken, but every word lands with deliberation. There is no triumph in his voice, only urgency,' he wrote. In the interview, Sharaa said, 'We have inherited more than ruins,' he said. 'We've inherited trauma, mistrust, and fatigue. But we have also inherited hope. Fragile, yes, but real.' For decades, Syria was ruled by a regime that confused loyalty with silence, coexistence with hate, and stability with suppression. The Assad dynasty, first Hafez and then Bashar, ruled with an iron grip, using fear and executions to cement control, while the country's institutions withered and dissent turned deadly. Bass said Sharaa is clear-eyed about the legacy he inherits. 'It would be dishonest to speak of a clean slate,' Sharaa said. 'The past is present, in the eyes of every person, on every street, in every family. But our duty now is not to repeat it. Not even as a softer version. We must create something entirely new.' Trust of Syrians According to Bass, Sharaa's early moves have been cautious, yet deeply symbolic. 'He has ordered the release of political prisoners, initiated dialogue with opposition groups once exiled or silenced, and pledged to reform Syria's notorious security apparatus,' he wrote at the Jewish Journal. 'His vision is that of a vibrant, multicultural, and pluralistic society. He supports the right of return for all Syrians whose assets were seized under the Assad regime,' Bass added. 'To uncover the truth behind Syria's mass graves, Sharaa recognizes the need for partnership with the United States to provide forensic technology and equipment, from establishing DNA databases to securing cooperation from those responsible for past atrocities,' the journalist wrote. Sharaa told the Journal, 'If I am the only one speaking, then Syria has learned nothing. We are inviting all voices to the table, secular, religious, tribal, academic, rural, and urban. The state must listen now more than it commands.' But will people trust again? Will they believe the promises of a government that rises from the ashes of dictatorship? 'I don't ask for trust,' he replied. 'I ask for patience and for scrutiny. Hold me accountable. Hold this process accountable. That is how trust will come.' When Bass asked the president what Syrians most need right now, he answered without hesitation: 'Dignity through work. Peace through purpose.' In towns emptied by war and villages still scarred by conflict, the cry is not for politics but for normalcy, the chance to rebuild homes, raise children, and earn a living in peace. Sharaa knows this, Bass wrote. He is pushing for emergency economic programs focused on job creation in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and public services. 'It's not about ideology anymore,' Sharaa told the Journal. 'It's about giving people a reason to stay, a reason to live, and a reason to believe.' The Syrian President said, 'Every young man with a job is one less soul at risk of radicalization. Every child in school is a vote for the future.' He then emphasized partnerships with regional investors, microenterprise grants for returnees, and vocational training for youth who have known nothing but war. 'A stable Syria will not be built through speeches or slogans, it will be built through action: in the marketplace, in classrooms, on farms, and in workshops. We will rebuild supply chains. Syria will return as a hub for trade and commerce.' Relations with Israel Bass wrote there's a deeper insight behind Sharaa's economic vision: after a generation of loss, Syrians are tired of conflict. They crave peace, not just the absence of war, but the presence of opportunity. In one of the more delicate parts of our conversation, Sharaa addressed Syria's future relationship with Israel - a subject that has haunted the region since 1948 and intensified with each airstrike, covert operation, and accusation of proxy warfare. 'I want to be clear,' Sharaa said. 'The era of endless tit-for-tat bombings must end. No nation prospers when its skies are filled with fear. The reality is, we have common enemies, and we can play a major role in regional security.' He expressed a desire to return to the spirit of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement not merely as a ceasefire line, but as the foundation for mutual restraint and protection of civilians, especially the Druze communities in southern Syria and the Golan Heights. 'Syria's Druze are not pawns,' he said. 'They are citizens, deeply rooted, historically loyal, and deserving of every protection under the law. Their safety is non-negotiable.' While he stopped short of proposing immediate normalization, Sharaa signaled openness to future talks grounded in international law and sovereignty. Trump: Man of Peace Perhaps most notably, Sharaa voiced a bold diplomatic overture: his desire to sit down directly with former US President Donald Trump, Bass wrote. 'However the media portrays him,' Sharaa said, 'I see him as a man of peace. We've both been shot at by the same enemy. Trump understands leverage, strength, and outcomes. Syria needs an honest broker who can reset the conversation. If there is a possibility of alignment that helps bring stability to the region - and security to the US and its allies- I am ready to have that conversation. He is the only man capable of fixing this region, bringing us together, one brick at a time.' Commenting on Sharaa's statement, Bass said it was 'striking', not just for its candor, but for what it implied: the new Syria is not afraid to make unconventional moves in pursuit of peace and recognition. Sharaa does not sugarcoat Syria's challenges: more than a million dead in mass graves, 12 million displaced, an economy on life support, sanctions still in place, and rival militias entrenched in the north. 'This is not a fairy tale,' he said. 'It is a recovery. And recoveries are painful.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Is The 1948 War Over? Yes and No
The State of Israel emerged in 1948, and its emergence was accompanied by a war and the expulsion of the Palestinian population. Its birth thus became the foundational act that precipitated many subsequent wars and, eventually, the 'Arab-Israeli conflict.' However, its emergence was also foundational to the rise of military regimes and radical ideologies in the Levant. In the shadow of this foundational event, many engrossed themselves in interpreting what Constantine Zureiq called 'the meaning of the Nakba.' Generations came and went, regimes collapsed, ideas emerged and wars were waged in the promise of undoing the outcome of that war and nullifying the victory. Nonetheless, this victory remained incomplete. An event, any event, needs recognition to be complete. The Arab states- be they the new state's neighbours or far away, and whether they fought it or didn't- refused to recognize the 'alleged entity.' After the Arab defeat of 1967 two decades later, the Israelis were under the impression that their victory would finally secure the recognition they had previously been denied. However, what happened was that new Arab causes- Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian- piled up over the Palestinian cause, further complicating what had already been a complex situation. Later, after 1978 and more so after 1982, Lebanon joined the club. All these 'neighbouring states' had lost land to occupation, while the surge of militias was the result of the trajectory set in motion by the 1967 defeat, and after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Islamism became dominant within these militias. One of the great ironies of the 1948 and 1967 wars is that the party that had achieved a resounding victory continued to seek recognition from its enemy, while the party that had been routed insisted on refusing to recognize its enemy. The Arabs' refusal to recognize Israel probably stemmed, in part, from the assumption that they would manage, albeit in an unknown future, to retaliate and 'take revenge' for what happened in the two wars. At this point, it would be no exaggeration to assert that many questions have been conclusively settled, both militarily and politically, and that the "Arab-Israeli conflict," which has narrowed to become a "Palestinian-Israeli conflict," is now behind us. At a time when a country like Syria, the 'beating heart of Arabism,' adopts a policy of pacification that is still being defined, when militias across the Levant fall after its armies have been defeated, and when the various revolutionary ideologies come to resemble abandoned houses, a military response to what was established in 1948 seems like a mirage or a hallucination. As for the political, social, and technological developments of the past couple of years, they offer no indication that the future will lead us in the opposite direction. It seems that one thing has been turned on its head despite the Israelis maintaining the upper hand in both cases. Whereas Israel's victories in 1948 and 1967 were met with Arab refusal to recognize the Jewish state, Israel's overwhelming dominance today has been coupled with a refusal to recognize not only the Palestinians but the other Arabs of Levant as well. This is evident not only in Gaza and throughout Palestine, but also in Israel's continued occupation of Syrian and Lebanese land, not deterred by the political changes in those two countries. The Arabs' refusal to recognize Israel has undoubtedly caused damage on every level since 1948. However, Israel's current refusal to recognize the Arabs' rights- to say nothing about Palestinians' right to a state- could create just as much harm that would not leave even Israel itself unscathed. While its victory in 1967 turned the country into a star and an inspiration to many around the world, its current posture has turned it into a polity that is reviled by a larger group of people than those who had admired it following its initial victory. Even though a military Arab response to what began in 1948 has now become unthinkable, the downward trajectory of the region, including in Israel, inspires no optimism about the imminence or plausibility of a take-off anywhere in the Levant. Only wars ending, materially but also through recognition, can open the door to a new phase that reflects on all levels. Only with conclusive conclusions of wars can there be a radical response to the radical struggle born in 1948. Today, some are pinning their hopes on the post–Benjamin Netanyahu era being a gateway to less gridlock. Others are betting on extracting Israel's recognition through Saudi and Gulf pressure on the United States, coupled with European (and Canadian) pressure on Tel Aviv- the former recently began abandoning their reluctance and reticence, as shown by the decision to reassess bilateral agreements. That is why, even as Israel's brutal war rages on, some believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state- or at least a process that leads to a state- has become more likely. What we can be certain of, however, is that immediately ending the genocidal war on Gaza and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid are the real test- this is our most urgent task and the benchmark. We should also note that Hamas could accelerate the positive trajectory by laying down its arms, releasing the remaining hostages, and abandoning its selfish ambition to retain control of the Gaza Strip. It is time to turn the page on the non-recognition that began in 1948, after the struggle of 48 and the struggles it spawned had ended as belligerent events.
Indianapolis Star
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Grown men are wishing their friends sweet dreams. The internet can't get enough.
When was the last time you called a friend, not to rant or finalize plans, but just to tell them sweet dreams? A new TikTok trend encourages men to call up their friends before bed to tell them goodnight, and the internet is loving the heartfelt content. The majority of videos are filmed by a wife, fiancé or girlfriend. In a video posted by TikTok couple Shae & Chris, Christopher Taylor elicits mostly confusion by his friends on the other end of the line. "Man, I just called, man, to tell you goodnight," Taylor says while holding back a laugh. "You did what, bro?" his friend responds, as Taylor quietly laughs in the background. "Say that one more time for me. Repeat that. What the hell is wrong with you man?" By the end of the video, the two are laughing together. As of May 21, the video had more than 657,000 views on TikTok. TikTok trend: What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops The importance of friendship: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the power of (and need for) male friendship Other than some snickers, most of the videos feature a common thread: At least one friend making sure the caller is alright. In a video posted by TikTok user Kassadi Lavrinovich, which as of May 21 had 2.5 million views, husband Mikhail Lavrinovich calls a handful of his friends to tell them goodnight. Though most responses involved some chuckles, others pulled at heartstrings. "Are you joking?" one of Mikhail's friend asks with a laugh. "Well thanks man, I appreciate that. I don't remember the last time somebody said good night to me." Whether or not the trend intentionally meant to stir up dialogue about the importance of male friendships, it has. The act of calling up a friend to check in, as a man, isn't a part of socialized norms, Ronald Levant, emeritus psychology professor at the University of Akron, told USA TODAY. It goes against masculine ideals, taught to boys in grade school, said the author of "The Tough Standard: The Hard Truths About Masculinity and Violence." "I do think we give up a lot of comfort and health, actually, in not being more connected with people," Levant said. While the trend may be seen as a joke to many, it can also serve as a reminder to men about the importance of re-evaluating ideals that may not be best serving them. Levant encouraged mind to take this time to think about masculine ideologies they were taught at a young age and be open to expressing vulnerability more genuinely. "I can see how some men might (say), 'Eh, it started off as a spoof, but let's go with it and see where it goes,' and then them being pleasantly surprised by how it good it feels to check in with a friend or have a friend concerned about you," Levant said.
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Grown men are wishing their friends sweet dreams. The internet can't get enough.
Grown men are wishing their friends sweet dreams. The internet can't get enough. "Well thanks man, I appreciate that," one friend responds. "I don't remember the last time somebody said good night to me." Show Caption Hide Caption TikTok trend has husbands calling bros to say goodnight Wives are filming their husbands' nightly "goodnight" calls to their male friends, and their confused reactions are hilarious! When was the last time you called a friend, not to rant or finalize plans, but just to tell them sweet dreams? A new TikTok trend encourages men to call up their friends before bed to tell them goodnight, and the internet is loving the heartfelt content. The majority of videos are filmed by a wife, fiancé or girlfriend. In a video posted by TikTok couple Shae & Chris, Christopher Taylor elicits mostly confusion by his friends on the other end of the line. "Man, I just called, man, to tell you goodnight," Taylor says while holding back a laugh. "You did what, bro?" his friend responds, as Taylor quietly laughs in the background. "Say that one more time for me. Repeat that. What the hell is wrong with you man?" By the end of the video, the two are laughing together. As of May 21, the video had more than 657,000 views on TikTok. TikTok trend: What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops The importance of friendship: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the power of (and need for) male friendship Trend sparks dialogue about the importance of male friendships Other than some snickers, most of the videos feature a common thread: At least one friend making sure the caller is alright. In a video posted by TikTok user Kassadi Lavrinovich, which as of May 21 had 2.5 million views, husband Mikhail Lavrinovich calls a handful of his friends to tell them goodnight. Though most responses involved some chuckles, others pulled at heartstrings. "Are you joking?" one of Mikhail's friend asks with a laugh. "Well thanks man, I appreciate that. I don't remember the last time somebody said good night to me." Whether or not the trend intentionally meant to stir up dialogue about the importance of male friendships, it has. The act of calling up a friend to check in, as a man, isn't a part of socialized norms, Ronald Levant, emeritus psychology professor at the University of Akron, told USA TODAY. It goes against masculine ideals, taught to boys in grade school, said the author of "The Tough Standard: The Hard Truths About Masculinity and Violence." "I do think we give up a lot of comfort and health, actually, in not being more connected with people," Levant said. While the trend may be seen as a joke to many, it can also serve as a reminder to men about the importance of re-evaluating ideals that may not be best serving them. Levant encouraged mind to take this time to think about masculine ideologies they were taught at a young age and be open to expressing vulnerability more genuinely. "I can see how some men might (say), 'Eh, it started off as a spoof, but let's go with it and see where it goes,' and then them being pleasantly surprised by how it good it feels to check in with a friend or have a friend concerned about you," Levant said. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grown men are wishing their friends sweet dreams. The internet can't get enough.
When was the last time you called a friend, not to rant or finalize plans, but just to tell them sweet dreams? A new TikTok trend encourages men to call up their friends before bed to tell them goodnight, and the internet is loving the heartfelt content. The majority of videos are filmed by a wife, fiancé or girlfriend. In a video posted by TikTok couple Shae & Chris, Christopher Taylor elicits mostly confusion by his friends on the other end of the line. "Man, I just called, man, to tell you goodnight," Taylor says while holding back a laugh. "You did what, bro?" his friend responds, as Taylor quietly laughs in the background. "Say that one more time for me. Repeat that. What the hell is wrong with you man?" By the end of the video, the two are laughing together. As of May 21, the video had more than 657,000 views on TikTok. TikTok trend: What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops The importance of friendship: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the power of (and need for) male friendship Other than some snickers, most of the videos feature a common thread: At least one friend making sure the caller is alright. In a video posted by TikTok user Kassadi Lavrinovich, which as of May 21 had 2.5 million views, husband Mikhail Lavrinovich calls a handful of his friends to tell them goodnight. Though most responses involved some chuckles, others pulled at heartstrings. "Are you joking?" one of Mikhail's friend asks with a laugh. "Well thanks man, I appreciate that. I don't remember the last time somebody said good night to me." Whether or not the trend intentionally meant to stir up dialogue about the importance of male friendships, it has. The act of calling up a friend to check in, as a man, isn't a part of socialized norms, Ronald Levant, emeritus psychology professor at the University of Akron, told USA TODAY. It goes against masculine ideals, taught to boys in grade school, said the author of "The Tough Standard: The Hard Truths About Masculinity and Violence." "I do think we give up a lot of comfort and health, actually, in not being more connected with people," Levant said. While the trend may be seen as a joke to many, it can also serve as a reminder to men about the importance of re-evaluating ideals that may not be best serving them. Levant encouraged mind to take this time to think about masculine ideologies they were taught at a young age and be open to expressing vulnerability more genuinely. "I can see how some men might (say), 'Eh, it started off as a spoof, but let's go with it and see where it goes,' and then them being pleasantly surprised by how it good it feels to check in with a friend or have a friend concerned about you," Levant said. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grown men wish their friends good night in new TikTok trend
