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Rudaw Net
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Rudaw Net
Erbil to face more frequent dust storms: Researcher
Also in Kurdistan Fastlink, FIB launch partnership Rojava initiative aims to create a 'unique' generation Kurdish Islamic party politician sues Erbil parliament for not convening sessions Kurdish shepherd proves it is never too late to learn A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Dust storms are set to engulf Erbil more frequently and with greater intensity this year, a researcher warned on Monday, as Iraq faces accelerating desertification after a dry winter season. 'This year, dust storm waves in the Kurdistan Region, especially in Erbil, will be more frequent compared to previous years. This is because Erbil is located on the dust storm path between Iraq and the southwestern Mediterranean Sea,' Rebin Samad, head of the surveying department at Erbil Polytechnic University, told Rudaw. Samad explained that reduced rainfall this year has given way to nine dust storms in Erbil so far. 'More intense waves are predicted,' he added. On Monday, health officials told Rudaw that nearly 550 people had been hospitalized across Iraq in a single day as a severe dust storm swept through multiple provinces, causing widespread respiratory problems. Earlier in the day, Amer al-Jabri, spokesperson for Iraq's meteorology and seismology directorate, said the storm was strongest in Iraq's central and western areas, with a lower impact expected in the north. Wind speeds were reported between 30 and 50 kilometers per hour, reducing visibility to as low as four kilometers. In Kirkuk alone, the number of hospitalizations doubled on Tuesday to more than 200. "There are two types of dust storms. One is an intense wave that covers Erbil, like what has been recorded these days. The other type is just dust settling rather than direct exposure to the wave, which causes less damage and has fewer negative effects,' Samad explained. According to his research findings, the most impacted neighborhoods lie in the south and west of Erbil, particularly those between the Kirkuk-Erbil and Mosul-Erbil roads. Samad recommended that an Erbil green belt initiative be prioritized in the southern part of the city, where the risk and damage are greatest. Samad explained that Iraq's weather is influenced by patterns in the northwestern Mediterranean, and Erbil acts as a corridor for dust waves moving through Iraq, making central Erbil particularly vulnerable. He further lamented that 41 percent of Iraq is now desert, and climate change is worsening the situation. A drop in rainfall and vegetation has caused a yearly decline in the number of date palms, further intensifying dust storm conditions. With desertification increasingly taking its toll on Iraq, the researcher warned that agricultural land and inhabited areas could soon be threatened unless urgent climate measures are undertaken. Dust storms are a familiar seasonal challenge in Iraq, but their frequency and intensity have worsened due to long-term drought, expanding desertification, and rising temperatures. In mid-April, over 3,700 people were admitted to hospitals across the country due to breathing difficulties caused by dust storms. The United Nations has urged immediate action to tackle Iraq's environmental deterioration. According to the environment ministry, Iraq has recorded an average of 272 dusty days annually over the last two decades. That figure could rise to 300 days per year by 2050 if current trends continue. Iraq is considered among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with poor water resource management and upstream dam projects in neighboring countries further decreasing the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Nwenar Fatih contributed to this report.
Rudaw Net
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
UN, regional countries react to Israel's escalation in Syria
Also in Middle East Israel escalates strikes in Syria, warns Sharaa against harboring 'hostile' forces Does the Sudani-Sharaa call signal a thaw in Baghdad-Damascus ties? Turkey, Israel trade barbs amid regional tensions Top Rojava, DEM Party officials discuss Kurdish cause A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Nations and regional countries, including Iraq, on Thursday condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which Tel Aviv says serve as a warning. The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned 'the repeated and intensifying military escalations by Israel in Syria, including airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.' He warned that such actions 'undermine efforts to build a new Syria at peace with itself and the region, and destabilize Syria at a sensitive time,' and urged Israel to cease the attacks which 'could amount to serious violations of international law.' Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday targeted sites near the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in Barzeh, north of Damascus, as well as the Hama military airport and the strategic Tiyas Air Base, widely known as T4, in Homs. Referencing the series of airstrikes carried out by Israel in Syria on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday emphasized that 'The [Israeli] Air Force's activity yesterday… sends a clear message and serves as a warning for the future.' Notably referring to Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa by his former nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, Katz said, 'I warn Syrian leader Jolani: If you allow hostile forces to enter Syria and threaten Israeli security interests, you will pay a heavy price,' according to a statement relayed by AFP. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) on Thursday reported on 'the major Israeli escalation' which 'killed four defense ministry [personnel] and injured 12 others' in an 'Israeli attack on Hama military airport' which saw 'Israeli warplanes launch 18 airstrikes,' leaving the airport 'completely out of service.' The UK-based war monitor also reported seven other airstrikes on the T4 Air Base and its vicinity 'leading to human losses.' The total number of Israeli air raids on Syrian territories on Wednesday reached 25, according to SOHR. For their part, Daraa health officials reported on Wednesday that at least nine civilians were killed and 23 others were injured in the Israeli raids, according to a statement from Daraa province's official channel on Telegram. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said it had conducted an infiltration operation, 'confiscating weapons and destroying terrorist infrastructure' along Syria's southern border with Israel, in Daraa province. Regional reactions The Israeli military operations in Syria were quick to spark reactions from regional states on Thursday. Ankara stated that'Israel has become the biggest threat to the region's security with its attacks targeting the territorial integrity and national unity of regional countries.' Turkey noted that 'despite the absence of any provocation or attack from Syria against Israel,' the Israeli 'attacks on Syria' can only be explained by the fact that 'Israel's foreign policy approach feeds on conflict.' Turkey added that 'Israel must abandon its expansionist policies and stop undermining efforts to establish stability in Syria,' accusing Tel Aviv of 'causing chaos and fueling terrorism as a strategic destabilizing factor in the region.' The Iraqi foreign ministry also slammed the Israeli 'aggressions, which have resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians, confirm the expansionist and aggressive approach adopted by the [Israeli] occupation government, and represent a flagrant violation of international law and the national sovereignty of states.' Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry rejected Israel's attempts to threaten' Syria's security. The ministry emphasized 'the necessity for the international community, especially the permanent member-states of the Security Council, to fulfill their role and take a serious and firm stand against these ongoing Israeli violations in Syria and the region, and to activate international accountability mechanisms against them.' For its part, Qatar's foreign ministry described the Israeli attacks as a 'clear violation of Syria's sovereignty and international law,' urging the international community to take action. The Egypt foreign ministry on Thursday stated that Cairo "strongly condemns" the recent Israeli airstrikes on several sites in Syria, slamming them as "a blatant new violation of international law, an aggression against Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and an exploitation of the internal situation in the sister state of Syria." In a similar tone, the Jordanian foreign ministry strongly condemned "the recent Israeli aggression" on Syria, adding that it represents "a flagrant violation of international law, an egregious infringement on Syria's sovereignty and unity, and a dangerous escalation that will only contribute to further conflict and tension in the region." The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to "assume its legal and moral responsibilities, compel Israel to cease its illegal provocative attacks on Syria, and end its occupation of part of its territories." Iran, Israel's arch-foe, also condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Tehran emphasized 'the need to preserve and protect the territorial integrity and dignity of Syria as a deep-rooted and honorable nation in the important region of West Asia.' Notably, while Iran was a key ally of the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, it has yet to establish formal ties with the new rulers in Damascus. Since the ouster of Assad, Israel has intensified efforts to destroy Damascus's military stockpiles. Israeli forces have also entered a buffer zone east of the annexed Golan Heights, justifying this as a security precaution amid Syria's ongoing political instability. Katz emphasized on Thursday that Israeli forces 'will continue to operate on the summit of Mount Hermon and in security and buffer zones to protect' Israeli communities in the Golan Heights and the Galilee. According to SOHR, since the beginning of 2025, Israel has carried out 44 attacks on Syrian territory, including 37 airstrikes and six ground attacks. These military actions have resulted in the destruction of approximately 50 sites, including weapons and ammunition depots, headquarters, command centers, and vehicles.
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU welcomes new Syrian government, stresses need for inclusive transition
Also in Syria Syria's Sharaa says new government cannot please everyone Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union on Monday welcomed the formation of Syria's new transitional government and expressed 'steadfast readiness' to cooperate with it, while urging the new Damascus leadership to uphold commitments of a 'a peaceful and inclusive transition." The EU 'is ready to engage with the new government in order to help tackle the immense challenges ahead,' read a statement from the EU External Action Service, stressing that 'the aspirations of all Syrians must be fulfilled.' It reaffirmed its support for the Syrian people, 'while making sure that the commitments of the new government towards a peaceful and inclusive transition are respected.' Additionally, the EU voiced steadfast support 'for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition process, peaceful, inclusive of all components of Syrian society in their diversity, where comprehensive transitional justice ensures accountability for all crimes and meaningfully contributes to national reconciliation.' On Saturday, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed a 23-member cabinet, including four members from minority groups. However, the appointments have raised concerns as ethnic and religious groups said they were not consulted during the appointment process. The new cabinet also includes individuals who have been blacklisted by the UN and the US over ties to extremist armed groups. The EU remarks come days after German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Rudaw in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, that Germany and Europe 'are ready to help them [new leadership in Damascus] lift sanctions for reconstruction, but there must be a political process in which all parties and all actors participate,' Baerbock said. The remarks came after the EU in mid-March pledged around $2.7 billion in aid for Syria to help address the country's humanitarian crisis caused by years of war. Germany then pledged around $327 million to UN agencies and select organizations to assist Syria, while the UK pledged $200 million to provide food, healthcare, and education. Prior to that, in late February, the EU had suspended sectoral measures targeting Syria's energy and transport sectors and removed key banking and finance entities from its sanctions list. It stated that the measures aim 'to facilitate engagement with Syria' in key areas, as well as transactions essential for 'humanitarian and reconstruction purposes.' The EU also underscored that it would 'closely monitor the situation' in Syria and stressed that 'any [new] government formed must be inclusive, encompassing the [country's] various [ethnic and religious] groups.' It warned that if the new Damascus leadership 'does not head in the right direction, we are ready to reimpose the waivered sanctions.'
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Syria's Sharaa says new government cannot please everyone
Also in Syria Syria's new cabinet draws criticism over controversial appointments Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Monday that Syria's new transitional government cannot satisfy everyone but that it will aim to reach a consensus. Sharaa on Saturday appointed a 23-member transitional cabinet without a prime minister that includes four ministers from minority communities in Syria, over three months after his Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) marched on Damascus and toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad. 'We certainly won't be able to please everyone, and any steps we take won't reach consensus,' Sharaa told a crowd at the presidential palace in Damascus after Eid al-Fitr prayers. 'However, we must agree to the minimum extent possible.' The Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria (Rojava) criticized Syria's newly-formed government on Sunday as 'exclusionary' and 'failing' to uphold diversity, stressing that they would not abide by its decisions. 'We have seen positive and reassuring reactions to the establishment of this new government, its composition, and the selection of ministers,' Sharaa said. 'Syria is today writing a new history for itself,' he affirmed. Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, headed by Sharaa, in early December toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed as Syria's interim president in late January, after which he vowed to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity.' Upon announcing the new cabinet, Sharaa stated that 'at this historic moment, we mark the beginning of a new phase in our national journey' and 'advance toward the future we deserve with strong will and unwavering resolve.'
Rudaw Net
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Germany welcomes formation of new Syrian government
Also in Syria Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria PYD confirms 'serious efforts' for Turkey-SDF ceasefire in northeast Syria Syrian cancer patients face growing crises due to medicine shortages Syria's Sharaa announces new cabinet A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Germany on Sunday welcomed the formation of Syria's new transitional government and said it is ready to assist Syrians in the recovery and state-building process. 'Germany welcomes the appointment of a new government. We stand ready to support the Syrians in healing their wounds and rebuilding their country,' Stefan Schneck, Germany's envoy to Syria, said on X. Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced his new cabinet on Saturday and described it as 'a new phase in our national journey' to recover and rebuild Syria after 14 years of brutal civil war. 'Inclusiveness, transitional justice, and openness to working with international partners are essential to fulfilling the revolution's aspirations for a new, free, and better Syria,' Schneck stressed. The new cabinet sees Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra retain their positions, but includes controversial figures such as US and UN-designated terrorist Anas Khattab, who was elevated from intelligence chief to interior minister, and top Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Sharia judge Mazhar al-Wais as justice minister. After a rebel coalition led by Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Bashar al-Assad's regime last December, they formed a transitional government headed by Sharaa (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani). He vowed that the rights of all Syria's components would be protected under the new government, but has received criticism for the transitional constitution that cements authoritarian rule and is accused of excluding minority Kurdish, Druze, Christian, and Alawite communities from decision-making bodies. Kurds in the northeast and Druze in the south have advocated for the adoption of a decentralized and secular system. The interim constitution dictates a five-year transitional phase.
