Latest news with #NewArab
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Foreign fighters, incl. Uyghurs, 'jihadists' may remain in Syria under new initiative
Syria is able to proceed because it enjoys increased support from the US, as well as from Turkey and Qatar, both US allies. Syria may integrate thousands of foreign fighters into its ranks under a new agreement, according to a Monday Reuters report. The development is being watched with interest in the region, as well as in the US and China. According to Levant24, a Syrian media channel, the US has given the green light to a decision that could see former fighters incorporated into Syria's new army. The Syrian army is expanding and taking shape. The 56th Division held a graduation ceremony for new trainees near Hama over the weekend. In addition, the 70th Division now includes elements of the US-backed Syrian Free Army, which had been based at Tanf in southern Syria. There are controversies surrounding some of the new army's appointments. The new commander of the 86th Division operating in Deir Ezzor is Ahmed al-Hayes, who was previously involved in human rights abuses against Kurds. Reports indicate that up to 3,500 foreign fighters—some labeled as 'jihadists'—will be integrated into the 84th Division of the new Syrian army. These fighters include Uyghurs who came to Syria as volunteers during the civil war, mainly from China and other Turkish-speaking regions. They are said to be members of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), a group banned by China and viewed as a terrorist organization by Beijing. The reports note that TIP leader Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani was appointed brigadier general and given command of the 133rd Division in December 2024, when the new Syrian government began to take shape after the fall of the Assad regime. It should be noted that 'Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani' is a nom de guerre meaning 'father of Muhammad the Turkistani.' The reports also quoted the new US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, as supporting this development. The New Arab, citing the Reuters report, noted that 'the US has endorsed a Syrian government plan to absorb thousands of former rebel and foreign fighters, many of whom once fought against the Assad regime, into the country's restructured national army.' The plan is expected to be transparent. This marks a shift from earlier expectations that US conditions for sanctions relief and increased engagement in Syria would require the removal of foreign extremist fighters. A key issue for these fighters is that they cannot return to China. This differs from volunteers from Turkey or Europe who joined the Syrian civil war. Since they cannot return home, any expulsion would make them another country's problem—likely Turkey's. The US does not want Turkey to bear this burden either. Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey, is seen as supporting this approach. By integrating the fighters into the Syrian army alongside other Syrians, the plan aims to dilute their influence, moderate them, and professionalize their roles, thereby reducing their impact as a distinct unit. The New Arab report said that 'Washington [had previously demanded] that the new Syrian leadership, formed after rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted Bashar al-Assad last year, bar foreign fighters from national security institutions. But that stance appears to have softened following Trump's Middle East tour last month.' Syria's government, which includes former leaders from HTS—a group previously considered extremist—has sought to retain these foreign fighters, valuing their loyalty. 'Many of these fighters arrived in Syria in the early years of the civil war, joining jihadist groups like HTS and ISIS in their battle against Assad, who was backed by Iranian and Russian forces,' The New Arab noted. They played key roles in HTS, including in its elite units. Reports estimate that as many as 5,000 foreign fighters remain in Syria, and with families included, the number could exceed 15,000. The new plan could strain Syria-China relations. However, Syria is able to proceed because it enjoys increased support from the US, as well as from Turkey and Qatar, both US allies. With US backing, Syria is less reliant on China, Russia, or other non-Western powers. This support also means that Washington has more influence in Damascus and can demand transparency regarding the integration of foreign fighters. This is one reason US officials have sought to engage with Syria. Others have urged the US to proceed more cautiously. However, Syria appears determined to move forward, and in the absence of US support, it would continue with or without American approval. US engagement gives Washington influence. For example, reports from Syria said that a border crossing with Lebanon is opening this week. Syria's state media noted that the 'General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced Tuesday the reopening of the Al-Arida border crossing, which connects northern Lebanon to southwestern Syria, linking Tartous and Tripoli governorates.'
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Who Is Bishara Bahbah? Trump's Palestinian-American Backchannel With Hamas
With reports of a new setback in the White House's efforts to strike a new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the man serving as an unofficial conduit between President Donald Trump and the Palestinian militant group has increasingly emerged in the spotlight. Bishara Bahbah is a Palestinian-American activist and academic whose position in facilitating talks between the Trump administration and Hamas was first revealed earlier this month by the Times of Israel, following discussions that led to the release of dual U.S.-Israeli national Edan Alexander from Gaza. He's since been tasked with helping to secure a broader agreement that would involve the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Yet diverging details have surfaced of the proposal put forth by Trump's official representative, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. After Reuters reported Monday, citing an unnamed Palestinian official, that Hamas had agreed to the U.S. offer, Witkoff dismissed the news, saying that what he had seen from Hamas was "completely unacceptable." Newsweek has reached out to Bahbah, the Israeli Consulate General in New York, Hamas and the White House for comment. Bahbah was born in 1958 in East Jerusalem to parents who fled the first Arab-Israeli war over competing Israeli and Palestinian territorial claims. His family settled in the United States in the 1970s, according to the New Arab, and he went on to earn a finance degree at Harvard University. Bahbah held a number of positions, including editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem-based newspaper Al-Fajr and associate director of Harvard's Middle East Institute, before serving as a representative to Middle East arms control and regional security peace talks. He outlined his views regarding past and future Israeli-Palestinian negotiations during a February 2021 interview with the Wilson Center. "With regarding to the format of any future negotiations, I think that they should be more interactive," Bahbah said at the time. "You don't make policies by reading speeches. You make policies by sitting together and outlining each other's concerns regarding the issues that they are negotiating over. The parties should be clear about what each side hopes to achieve because of those negotiations. The more face-to-face negotiations are, the more they will tend to be fruitful." "And in negotiations, if you start with posturing, you get nowhere, because it then becomes a zero-sum exercise," he added. "Successful negotiations happen when the two sides see the benefits that each side hopes to achieve from those negotiations." Bahbah also served as managing director of the charity United Palestinian Appeal and founded the Palestine Center, both based in Washington, D.C. A longtime Democrat, according to an interview conducted last June by TRT World, he broke with President Joe Biden's administration over its handling of the war in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023 following a Hamas-led attack on Israel. He first joined the Trump campaign last May, establishing "Arab Americans for a Better America," followed by "Arab Americans for Trump" to rally Arab support for the Republican candidate. Bahbah has also expressed criticism of Trump's approach to the conflict, however, rebranding "Arab Americans for Trump" to "Arab Americans for Peace" in response to Trump's proposal of resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza in February. Yet he appears to have only grown more central to Trump's attempts to secure a new ceasefire deal after the previous agreement brokered by the incoming administration's team, spearheaded by Witkoff, along with Biden's outgoing team in January unraveled in March. Bahbah told Israel's Channel 12 outlet last month that he was contacted directly by Hamas spokesperson Ghazi Hamad, who asked him to open a new channel with U.S. officials, ultimately leading to Alexander's release. While Alexander's release appeared to signal a potential breakthrough, negotiations in Doha have continued to stall, with Qatari Prime Minister Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani citing "fundamental differences between parties" last week. A number of Arabic-language outlets, including Al Mayadeen, Al Jazeera and Sky News Arabia reported Monday that Hamas had agreed to a U.S. deal that would include a ceasefire lasting between 60 and 70 days, as well as U.S. guarantees that Israel would not immediately resume the war after this period, in exchange for the release of five living hostages on the first day of the truce and an additional five on the last day. Axios reported Tuesday that this deal differed from Witkoff's proposal, which would entail a ceasefire lasting between 45 and 60 days in exchange for the release of 19 living hostages and 10 deceased hostages, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The Axios report also cited an unnamed Israeli official alleging that Bahbah may have gone beyond the guidelines provided to him by Witkoff in negotiating with Hamas representatives in Doha. The latest setback came as Israel prepared to intensify operations in the Gaza Strip in line with "Operations Gideon's Chariots," described by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the second phase of its efforts to defeat Hamas, neutralize the threat posed by Gaza and return the remaining hostages held there. IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents of Khan Younis, Bani Suhaila, Abasan and Al-Qaraa on Monday of an imminent "unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations," urging them to evacuate west to Al-Mawasi. The IDF announced that same day that forces of the 36th Division had completed operations in Gaza's southern region of Rafah and would be advancing into Khan Younis. Their operations have led to the creation of a so-called "Morag Corridor," between the two regions, establishing a third axis of Israeli control in Gaza following the IDF's earlier establishment of control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the border between Rafah and Egypt, and the Netzarim Corridor between Gaza City and northern Gaza. Yet Israel's offensive has also been met with growing international condemnation, as well as indications of a growing rift between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump reiterated his desire for Israel to conclude the war in a timely manner, a sentiment he had repeatedly conveyed to Netanyahu prior to taking office in January. "We want to see if we can stop that," Trump said. "And Israel, we've been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible." With Israeli officials cited by Israeli outlets rejecting Hamas' latest proposal on Monday, Netanyahu initially appeared to indicate that a breakthrough on talks was imminent, saying "I really hope we can announce something regarding the hostages, if not today, then tomorrow" in a video statement. However, a senior Israeli official cited by the Times of Israel later downplayed the remarks, saying the "the prime minister meant that we will not give up on freeing our hostages, and if we don't achieve that, hopefully in the coming days, we will achieve it later on." Hamas, meanwhile, has continued to call for global pressure against Israel over its "its brutal aggression against the Gaza Strip, which escalates its war of genocide and starvation against defenseless civilians, children, and women for 600 days; in a blatant violation of all international norms, laws, and divine teachings, and in shameless disregard for all UN resolutions and the positions of nations rejecting such crimes," according to a statement issued Tuesday. The group called for "days of global rage" to be held worldwide this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. "We the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), renew our call to the masses of our Ummah (Islamic world) and the free people worldwide to intensify all forms of global mobilization and action in cities and squares across the world against the aggression, genocide, and starvation inflicted upon our people in the Gaza Strip," the group said. Related Articles US Refutes Hamas Claims It's Agreed to Ceasefire With Israel: ReportIran Threatens Strike on Israel as US Talks Hang in BalanceWhy Israel's New Gaza Operation Is DifferentMap Shows Countries Condemning Israel Over Gaza Offensive 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US strikes on Yemen continue after Houthi missile hits by Israeli airport; terror group vows 'aerial blockade'
The U.S. has reportedly launched a new round of airstrikes in Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile that landed near Israel's main airport on Sunday. The Houthi-controlled state news agency in Yemen reported that "American aggression" was behind several strikes on the capital, Sanaa, on Monday. At least 16 people were wounded, according to New Arab. Since March 15, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) "has conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence," a U.S. Defense official told Fox News Digital on Monday. "We will continue to increase the pressure and further disintegrate Houthi capabilities as long as they continue to impede freedom of navigation." Earlier Monday, Yemen's Houthis vowed to continue attacks on Israeli airports after the missile briefly halted flights and commuter traffic at Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis issued a warning to airlines that they would carry out "repeated targeting" of Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main gateway to the world. The Houthis had already threatened late Sunday to implement "a comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet was set to vote to expand fighting in Gaza. Israel Approves Plan To Capture All Of Gaza, Calls Up Tens Of Thousands Of Reserve Troops: Report Read On The Fox News App Netanyahu said the U.S. was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis. In a later statement, he added Israel would respond to the Houthis "AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters." The U.S. military under President Donald Trump has been carrying out an intensified campaign of daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15. USCENTCOM said in its most recent statement on April 27 that its forces have "conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence" since March 15. "These operations have been executed using detailed and comprehensive intelligence ensuring lethal effects against the Houthis while minimizing risk to civilians," USCENTCOM said. USCENTCOM said the strikes "have destroyed multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations." "While the Houthis have continued to attack our vessels, our operations have degraded the pace and effectiveness of their attacks. Ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69%. Additionally, attacks from one way attack drones have decreased by 55%," USCENTCOM added. "U.S. strikes destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel which will begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities." Houthi Missile Strikes Near Israeli Airport After Evading Missile Defenses "Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime," USCENTCOM said. "We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region." The Houthis have been firing at Israel since the war against Hamas in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, raising their profile as the last member of Iran's self-described "Axis of Resistance" capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. Their missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel's missile defense systems, causing damage. The Israeli military said Sunday was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began. Initial findings indicated the likely cause was a technical issue with the interceptor, they said. Israel's emergency medical service Magen David Adom said four people were lightly wounded in the blast. Another two people were reportedly hurt while on their way to shelter, the BBC reported. Multiple international airlines canceled or postponed flights. The war with Hamas in Gaza and then Hezbollah in Lebanon led a wave of airlines to suspend flights to Israel, but many have resumed in recent months. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: US strikes on Yemen continue after Houthi missile hits by Israeli airport; terror group vows 'aerial blockade'
Fox News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
US strikes on Yemen continue after Houthi missile hits by Israeli airport; terror group vows 'aerial blockade'
The U.S. has reportedly launched a new round of airstrikes in Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile that landed near Israel's main airport on Sunday. The Houthi-controlled state news agency in Yemen reported that "American aggression" was behind several strikes on the capital, Sanaa, on Monday. At least 16 people were wounded, according to New Arab. Since March 15, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) "has conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence," a U.S. Defense official told Fox News Digital on Monday. "We will continue to increase the pressure and further disintegrate Houthi capabilities as long as they continue to impede freedom of navigation." Earlier Monday, Yemen's Houthis vowed to continue attacks on Israeli airports after the missile briefly halted flights and commuter traffic at Israel's main international airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis issued a warning to airlines that they would carry out "repeated targeting" of Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main gateway to the world. The Houthis had already threatened late Sunday to implement "a comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet was set to vote to expand fighting in Gaza. Netanyahu said the U.S. was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis. In a later statement, he added Israel would respond to the Houthis "AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters." The U.S. military under President Donald Trump has been carrying out an intensified campaign of daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15. USCENTCOM said in its most recent statement on April 27 that its forces have "conducted an intense and sustained campaign targeting the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence" since March 15. "These operations have been executed using detailed and comprehensive intelligence ensuring lethal effects against the Houthis while minimizing risk to civilians," USCENTCOM said. USCENTCOM said the strikes "have destroyed multiple command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, advanced weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations." "While the Houthis have continued to attack our vessels, our operations have degraded the pace and effectiveness of their attacks. Ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69%. Additionally, attacks from one way attack drones have decreased by 55%," USCENTCOM added. "U.S. strikes destroyed the ability of Ras Isa Port to accept fuel which will begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities." "Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime," USCENTCOM said. "We will continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region." The Houthis have been firing at Israel since the war against Hamas in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, raising their profile as the last member of Iran's self-described "Axis of Resistance" capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. Their missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel's missile defense systems, causing damage. The Israeli military said Sunday was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began. Initial findings indicated the likely cause was a technical issue with the interceptor, they said. Israel's emergency medical service Magen David Adom said four people were lightly wounded in the blast. Another two people were reportedly hurt while on their way to shelter, the BBC reported. Multiple international airlines canceled or postponed flights. The war with Hamas in Gaza and then Hezbollah in Lebanon led a wave of airlines to suspend flights to Israel, but many have resumed in recent months.
7NEWS
28-04-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Everything that is changing in Egypt's $80 million Giza Pyramid upgrade
Egypt 's Giza Pyramids are set to undergo a $51 million upgrade, but not all locals nor experts are convinced the upgrade is a good idea. Approximately 18 million tourists visit the UNESCO World Heritage site each year, with the government setting a goal of 30 million visitors by 2030. It is part of a larger plan to improve the experience for tourists in Egypt. Tourists have complained for some time that they were being harassed and scammed while visiting, prompting the government to launch a hotline for tourist complaints in 2023. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli announced upgrades at the Giza Pyramids last year, the New Arab reported. 'The vicinity of the Giza Plateau houses unique ancient sites that need to receive the attention that befits them,' Madbouli said. The government expanded on these plans earlier this month, confirming the project is expected to cost $51 million ($A80 million) and will include the restoration of several tombs, the introduction of online ticketing, and a new visitor centre. Orascom Pyramids Entertainment Services Company is in charge of the project. Electric vehicles adopted in the complex The upgrades at the pyramid complex will include new policies prohibiting private vehicles and tour buses from entering. Tourists and their guides will instead be provided with electric vehicles to travel around the site in. However, some tourists claim they were forced to wait or walk in hot weather due to a lack of electric vehicle availability at the site. Orascom responded by making 45 electric buses available at the site, running every five minutes. Animal vendor disputes The upgrade also includes a new access point to the complex to alleviate congestion. However, a trial run of the new entrance was met by a protest from horse and camel tour operators, MSN reported. Part of the proposed upgrades includes relocating these vendors to new designated parking areas, which they claim are too far away and will result in a loss of business. However, MSN reported the vendors have been accused of harassing and extorting visitors. In protest of the proposed new entrance, vendors blocked vehicles from entering it. Vendors who refuse to move to the new zone will be banned, the owner of the company behind the upgrade said on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'The well-being of the public and preservation of this treasure is far more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to the country for years,' Orascom Telecom Holding and Orascom Investment Holding founder Naguib Sawiris said. Animal vendors at the site have been contentious for some time, and has been investigated and condemned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). 'PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids,' PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker said. 'Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate. 'The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt's beauty and history — not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza. 'In the meantime, tourists must vote with their wallets and avoid these animal attractions at all costs.' The pyramid complex — also known as the Giza necropolis — is located about 20 minutes from Cairo on the edge of the Western Desert. It is home to the Great Pyramid, the pyramid of Khafre, and the pyramid of Menkaure alongside their attached complexes and the Great Sphinx. Several temples, cemeteries and worker's village remains are also included in the complex. Stream free on
