Latest news with #Saad
Rudaw Net
2 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
‘They're erasing our identity': Suwayda native in Erbil pleads for end to violence
Also in Syria Clashes continue in Suwayda, death toll passes 900: Watchdog Syrian president confirms truce as state forces enter Suwayda US announces Israel-Syria ceasefire following deadly clashes in Suwayda Syria to deploy 'specialized force' to end Suwayda clashes A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Yara Saad* moved to Erbil full of hope for her future and plans to support her family in Suwayda, the Druze-majority province in southern Syria, but all her dreams have been ripped to shreds as violent clashes between armed Druze groups and Bedouin tribes tear through her hometown. Her father was injured and she fears he is dead. She has spent every waking hour of the past week glued to the news from home. 'It has been six or seven days now, we haven't been able to sleep because of the news,' Saad told Rudaw English on Saturday. Clashes erupted on Sunday between the Druze and Sunni Bedouin tribes. The Syrian army intervened and took control of most of the province, which had been under Druze rule since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. A ceasefire was reached with US mediation and after Israel carried out strikes in support of the Druze. On Wednesday, interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced state forces were pulling out of the province. The violence, however, continues and the death toll rises daily, now topping 900, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A new ceasefire was announced on Saturday and includes the redeployment of state forces to Suwayda. Saad, 21, and her family are Druze, a faith that is an offshoot of Shia Islam. She said her relatives contacted her to say her father had been shot but was still alive. However, she expressed little hope in their assurances, fearing the worst amid the chaos. "I heard he was named on a list of those killed that was posted online," she said. Conditions are dire in the province, with little access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and electricity. 'There were no hospitals to transfer him to. All hospitals were completely out of service. The only news that came said he was injured, so for sure, he was martyred, because there were no hospitals available at all,' she said. That was not the only devastating news Saad received. Two of her uncles, who had been fighting to protect civilians, were also killed. Saad provided Rudaw English with videos that had been posted on TikTok by Bedouin accounts, showing those who had been killed. Among dozens of bodies, she said she recognized one of her uncles. 'We only found out by chance from the photos being shared online that this was my uncle who died, and this was my cousin who died,' she said. She also recognized childhood friends among the videos of dead bodies circulating on social media, as she received word that another uncle who was injured had succumbed to his wounds. 'My other uncle was wounded. He also died. All of our friends died,' she said. Saad described the chaos that unfolded as the fighting escalated, forcing her family to flee their home. 'First, they said there were clashes and that rockets and drones were being fired,' she said. The family fled their village and went into the city, believing they would be safer there. However, as clashes reached the urban center, they were forced to return to the countryside, moving repeatedly in search of safety. 'Once General Security [state forces] entered the city, they went back to the villages,' she said. 'Then they [state forces] started sweeping areas, clearing out the people there, of course, after killing people in their homes.' She said her relatives moved from place to place, trying to stay ahead of the violence. According to the United Nations, at least 87,000 people have been displaced in Suwayda since Sunday. 'Civilian infrastructure in As-Sweida Governorate, including homes, medical facilities, and communal spaces, has come under threat amid ongoing hostilities, with reports of targeted damage to private property such as houses, vehicles, hospitals, churches, and public areas,' the UN's humanitarian office said on Saturday, adding that electricity, water, and telecommunications have been cut off after being damaged in airstrikes and clashes. The UN is working with humanitarian partners to deliver aid, 'as security allows.' In her family's village, Saad said government forces set fire to many homes. 'They burned my father's house and my mother's house. Of course, the neighbor's house next to it was burned too.' With much of the village now reportedly destroyed, Saad mourns not only the loss of her family's home, but also the memories of her childhood that went with it. 'I'm far from my family, I don't know what's happening. Even my family doesn't know what their destiny is,' Saad said. Staying in touch with her family has been difficult. 'The power's out. There's no network, no anything,' she said. 'As long as I'm far away and watching the news online, it hurts me more than if I were with them, especially since I can't do anything for them.' 'Electricity has been out for six or seven days. The water is contaminated. There's no internet, no communication networks,' she said. With no reliable information, families are forced to move from place to place, often with no idea if the roads are safe. She pleaded for urgent humanitarian aid. 'If only they would open a humanitarian crossing, just so the injured could get treatment, and only medicine, water, and food could enter. We don't want anything else. For now, we just want the war to stop.' The Syrian government on Saturday announced details of the ceasefire, the second phase of which includes opening humanitarian corridors between Suwayda and neighbouring Daraa province. The first phase is the deployment of internal security forces to de-escalate tensions and secure key routes, and the third is the gradual reactivation of state institutions and full restoration of law and order, according to Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa. The clashes in Suwayda is the latest sectarian violence to rock Syria since the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Dozens were killed in April and May in violence between armed Druze groups and government forces. In March, hundreds were killed in clashes in the Alawite-majority coastal region. Saad rejected claims of longstanding sectarian tensions in Suwayda. 'Suwayda was always secure. The Bedouins had been living with us for decades. There was never anything between us,' she said. 'We never had any sectarianism until Jolani came in, supposedly to resolve issues and to represent Syria, claiming he didn't want division,' she added. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is the nom de guerre of Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharra. He led the Islamist militia group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that spearheaded the offensive to topple Bashar. Minority groups in Syria are concerned about their future under Sharaa's interim government, which has prioritized Islamic jurisprudence and centralized power. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the ongoing clashes began when members of a Bedouin tribe attacked and robbed a Druze man. Saad said the conflict quickly escalated with the intervention of government forces who she said entered Suwayda not to resolve tensions but to stoke them. 'They started kidnapping people from our side so a conflict would arise between us and the Bedouins,' she said. What followed, she claimed, was a campaign of home raids, killings including of religious leaders, and acts of public humiliation. 'They shaved the mustaches of sheikhs. They humiliated the elders,' she said. Information Minister Mustafa defended the government's response to the clashes, saying the intention was 'to protect civilians and limit the expansion of the conflict.' 'The state understands the unique characteristics of each region and seeks negotiated and political solutions, but it is keen to restrict the possession of weapons to the state and integrate all organizations into the army,' he said. 'The absence of the state has proven to be the problem, and its presence is the solution.' Saad voiced deep concern over what she described as a systematic effort to erase minority communities in Syria, drawing parallels with past atrocities. 'The idea is that they are exterminating minorities, just like what happened on the coast. The same thing is happening now in Suwayda. Are you seeing how it's repeating?' she said. 'These terrorists, they're killers. Their only goal is murder. They have no other aim,' she said. 'It's a sectarian war. They're pushing things so Syria gets divided… They're erasing our identity.' *Her name has been changed to protect her identity and that of her family in Suwayda.
Ya Biladi
10-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Chbyka Summer Tour : A citizen-led crusade against plastic on 30 Moroccan beaches
مدة القراءة: 3' At first glance, Morocco's beaches may seem pristine. But a closer look reveals a hidden crisis. Using the «Chbyka» tool, volunteers from the NGO Bahri collected more than 5,200 kilos of nearly invisible microplastics last year, particles that infiltrate the soil, the sea, and even our food chain. «As soon as we use Chbyka, we uncover what's hidden beneath the sand, waste that ends up in the sea, then in fish, and finally on our plates», warns Bahri's founder, Saad Abid. «Everything eventually comes back to us». The numbers back up the field observations. According to the Clean Coast Index, 75% of Morocco's beaches show moderate to high levels of pollution. The most common items: rigid plastics, bottle caps, plastic films, and ropes. While 93% of bathing waters were deemed microbiologically compliant in 2024, Energy Minister Leila Benali recently reminded the public that 80% of marine debris originates from land-based human activity. A Simple Sieve, Recycled Wheels... and Tons of Trash In response to the growing environmental urgency, Bahri continues to take action. The Chbyka, a manually crafted tool made from recycled materials, is nothing new, but the association has improved its design. Now fitted with wheels for easy movement and a 0.4-millimeter mesh sieve, it can capture particles that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. A Bigger Summer Tour: More Beaches, More Hands, Greater Impact Last summer, Bahri mobilized 1,800 participants. This year, the goal is 3,000. The tour now includes 30 beaches : Dar Bouazza, Saïdia, Tangier, Rabat, Safi, Essaouira, Agadir, Laâyoune, Dakhla. Each with the same ritual: a community cleanup, interactive awareness sessions around the Chbyka, eco-friendly giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Chbyka Summer Tour Highlights: July 18: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 3 July 19: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 1 July 20: Moulay Abdellah – Sidi Bouzid July 21: Mehdya – Kenitra July 23: Saïdia – Central Beach July 24: Nador – Charrana Beach July 25: Al Hoceima – Tahra Youssef Beach July 26: Chefchaouen – Chmala Beach July 27: Tangier – Malabata Beach July 28: Tangier – Achakar Beach «Our idea is simple: one beach, one day, one concrete action», explains Saad. For Vice President Zineb Bennis, waste can be a powerful educational tool just as it is in Japan, where turning waste into value is part of the national culture. This year, the BMCI Foundation joined forces with Bahri, allowing the NGO to broaden its scope, expand its team, and sustain the summer tour. «Without this support, covering 30 cities would've been impossible», says Saad. «In civil society, money is a tool, not an end. But without it, we can't move forward». Bahri hopes to build on this momentum. «We're beginning to collaborate with companies that see the value of the Chbyka. They join us in the field, they participate, they share. That's how you create connection, purpose, and change», he adds. «The State Needs Us—Just as We Need the State» Despite its international recognition, including the IVLP Award of the Decade for Social Innovation and Change, praised by John Kerry—Bahri still struggles to gain meaningful support from Moroccan authorities. «We've had several meetings with officials. We reach out, but nothing follows», Saad laments. «We get more recognition abroad than we do at home». Yet civil society, he insists, can be a vital partner in implementing public policy. «We're faster, more responsive, more connected to people on the ground. The State needs us just as we need it. We can't do it alone, and they shouldn't either. Together, we can achieve more». Bahri's dream ? To work hand-in-hand with local authorities, especially in Casablanca. «The only one who can really unlock the situation is the governor», Saad hints. In the meantime, the association keeps moving forward, powered by passion, persistence, and the growing support of Moroccan citizens.
Ya Biladi
09-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Chbyka Summer Tour : A citizen-led crusade against plastic on 30 Moroccan beaches
At first glance, Morocco's beaches may seem pristine. But a closer look reveals a hidden crisis. Using the «Chbyka» tool, volunteers from the NGO Bahri collected more than 5,200 kilos of nearly invisible microplastics last year, particles that infiltrate the soil, the sea, and even our food chain. «As soon as we use Chbyka, we uncover what's hidden beneath the sand, waste that ends up in the sea, then in fish, and finally on our plates», warns Bahri's founder, Saad Abid. «Everything eventually comes back to us». The numbers back up the field observations. According to the Clean Coast Index, 75% of Morocco's beaches show moderate to high levels of pollution. The most common items: rigid plastics, bottle caps, plastic films, and ropes. While 93% of bathing waters were deemed microbiologically compliant in 2024, Energy Minister Leila Benali recently reminded the public that 80% of marine debris originates from land-based human activity. A Simple Sieve, Recycled Wheels... and Tons of Trash In response to the growing environmental urgency, Bahri continues to take action. The Chbyka, a manually crafted tool made from recycled materials, is nothing new, but the association has improved its design. Now fitted with wheels for easy movement and a 0.4-millimeter mesh sieve, it can capture particles that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. A Bigger Summer Tour: More Beaches, More Hands, Greater Impact Last summer, Bahri mobilized 1,800 participants. This year, the goal is 3,000. The tour now includes 30 beaches : Dar Bouazza, Saïdia, Tangier, Rabat, Safi, Essaouira, Agadir, Laâyoune, Dakhla. Each with the same ritual: a community cleanup, interactive awareness sessions around the Chbyka, eco-friendly giveaways, and family-friendly activities. Chbyka Summer Tour Highlights: July 18: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 3 July 19: Dar Bouazza – Tamaris 1 July 20: Moulay Abdellah – Sidi Bouzid July 21: Mehdya – Kenitra July 23: Saïdia – Central Beach July 24: Nador – Charrana Beach July 25: Al Hoceima – Tahra Youssef Beach July 26: Chefchaouen – Chmala Beach July 27: Tangier – Malabata Beach July 28: Tangier – Achakar Beach «Our idea is simple: one beach, one day, one concrete action», explains Saad. For Vice President Zineb Bennis, waste can be a powerful educational tool just as it is in Japan, where turning waste into value is part of the national culture. A Committed Partner Makes All the Difference This year, the BMCI Foundation joined forces with Bahri, allowing the NGO to broaden its scope, expand its team, and sustain the summer tour. «Without this support, covering 30 cities would've been impossible», says Saad. «In civil society, money is a tool, not an end. But without it, we can't move forward». Bahri hopes to build on this momentum. «We're beginning to collaborate with companies that see the value of the Chbyka. They join us in the field, they participate, they share. That's how you create connection, purpose, and change», he adds. «The State Needs Us—Just as We Need the State» Despite its international recognition, including the IVLP Award of the Decade for Social Innovation and Change, praised by John Kerry—Bahri still struggles to gain meaningful support from Moroccan authorities. «We've had several meetings with officials. We reach out, but nothing follows», Saad laments. «We get more recognition abroad than we do at home». Yet civil society, he insists, can be a vital partner in implementing public policy. «We're faster, more responsive, more connected to people on the ground. The State needs us just as we need it. We can't do it alone, and they shouldn't either. Together, we can achieve more». Bahri's dream ? To work hand-in-hand with local authorities, especially in Casablanca. «The only one who can really unlock the situation is the governor», Saad hints. In the meantime, the association keeps moving forward, powered by passion, persistence, and the growing support of Moroccan citizens.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Who is the most dangerous person a woman will ever meet in her life?
Renowned psychologist Dr Gad Saad reveals that the greatest threat may come from their partners. Speaking on Steven Bartlett's 'Diary of a CEO' podcast, Saad delivered a sobering insight: 'The most dangerous individual that a woman will ever meet in her life is her husband'. Dr Saad, whose work explores the evolutionary roots of human behaviour, has never shied away from asking hard questions or challenging comforting assumptions. Yet, according to renowned evolutionary psychologist Dr Gad Saad, the greatest threat a woman may ever face could come from the very man she loves and trusts - her husband or partner. Rarely does the mind turn to the person closest to them. When most women imagine danger , they think of dark alleys, strangers with bad intentions, or shadowy figures lurking on the edge of society. The statement, though stark, is grounded in data and evolutionary logic, not cynicism. Saad elaborates: 'Statistically, when you look at the data for violence against women, whether it's physical assault, homicide, or other forms of abuse, it is overwhelmingly perpetrated by an intimate partner.' It's an unsettling idea that forces us to confront difficult truths about intimacy, vulnerability, and human nature. This claim is reflected in global studies. According to the World Health Organization, around 38% of murders of women worldwide are committed by a male intimate partner. Dr Saad's point is not to vilify marriage or men but to highlight a biological and social reality: the same deep bonds that create love and companionship can, in rare but tragic cases, also set the stage for control, jealousy, and violence. In his writings and interviews, Saad explores how evolutionary forces have shaped mating strategies, attachment, and even aggression. 'Evolution doesn't care about our happiness or safety,' he explains. 'It cares about reproductive success. Sometimes, this manifests in behaviours that are dangerous, particularly when men feel their status or paternity is threatened.' Yet, Saad's message is not one of despair. By understanding these ancient drivers of behaviour, he argues, society can better protect women and foster healthier relationships. 'Awareness is key,' Saad says. 'We have to recognise these patterns if we want to break them.' His views have sparked debate. Some critics worry that framing the issue in evolutionary terms risks excusing violence, while supporters believe that understanding our biology is essential to creating real change. What remains undeniable is the importance of the conversation Saad has started, one that asks us all to look at love not just through rose-coloured glasses, but with open eyes and a way of building a safer world for women. IOL Lifestyle
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Women and men diverge more than ever on support for abortion rights, poll shows
Three years after the fall of Roe v Wade and months after an election that heavily focused on the fight over abortion rights, men and women have never diverged more on their support for access to the procedure, according to new polling from Gallup released Monday. Sixty-one percent of women now identify as 'pro-choice', but only 41% of men say the same, Gallup found. The same percentage of women identified as 'pro-choice' in 2022, just after the decision to overturn Roe was leaked, but at the time, 48% of men also did so. Prior to Roe's collapse, men and women were never more than 10 points apart from one another on the issue, according to decades of Gallup polling. Men and women are also in record disagreement over whether abortion is moral, as 57% of women and 40% men say that it is. Just 41% of men say that abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances, while 56% of women say the same. These gender gaps are likely less due to post-Roe changes in men's attitudes towards abortion than in changes in women's attitudes, said Lydia Saad, Gallup's director of US social research. Specifically: women have become a lot more supportive of abortion since Roe fell. In 2021, 52% of women and 45% of men identified as 'pro-choice'. 'In general, we see that with abortion, that the party that wants to change the status quo is the one that has more energy on the issue,' Saad said. 'For years, it was more the pro-life respondents who said that they will only support a candidate who shares their views on that issue. Whereas, since 2022, we've seen it flip.' Sudden political upsets do have the power to dramatically change people's beliefs, Saad said. Typically, however, those changes don't last and people revert to their norm views within a few years. Men's declining support for abortion may thus be a sign that they are reverting to their norm – but Saad was surprised women are still so energized by the issue. 'A line had been crossed for women,' Saad said. 'If you were generally supportive of abortion rights before, you became much more so.' Similarly, men who identify as Democrats have, like women, become much more likely to back abortion rights. Between 2020 and 2021, 63% of Democratic men said that they believed abortion should be legal in most circumstances; as of 2025, 78% of Democratic men say the same. Saad is not exactly sure why support for abortion rights is dwindling among men. Although this is the lowest level of support among men for the 'pro-choice' label in a decade, she is not convinced that this decline will continue. 'It's more just a out of sight, out of mind issue for men,' Saad said of abortion's legality. 'Whereas for women – it's just been more salient.' At this point, it's difficult to tell whether men are becoming more actively opposed to abortion or whether they are simply becoming more conservative overall, Saad said. Men are already more likely to be Republicans, and Republicans typically oppose abortion rights. A mere 19% of Republican men think abortion should be legal in most circumstances. Saad suspects Gallup's findings may be tied to shifts in the political views of young men, who proved to be surprisingly conservative in the 2024 election. Fifty-six percent of men between the ages of 18 and 29 voted for Donald Trump. 'We have to see where this goes,' Saad cautioned. 'If it's sustained, then we would really have to take a close look at why.'
