Latest news with #SunniMuslim
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
US envoy urges Syrian leader Sharaa to revise policy or risk fragmentation
US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack said he had advised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and seek regional security assistance. – A US envoy has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and embrace a more inclusive approach after a new round of sectarian bloodshed last week, or risk losing international support and fragmenting the country. US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack said he had advised Mr Sharaa in private discussions to revisit elements of the pre-war army structure, scale back Islamist indoctrination and seek regional security assistance. In an interview in Beirut, Mr Barrack told Reuters that without swift change, the President risks losing the momentum that once propelled him to power. 'Mr Sharaa should say: 'I'm going to adapt quickly, because if I don't adapt quickly, I'm going to lose the energy of the universe that was behind me,'' Mr Barrack said. He said Mr Sharaa could 'grow up as a president and say, 'the right thing for me to do is not to follow my theme, which isn't working so well''. Mr Sharaa, leader of a former Al-Qaeda offshoot, came to power in Syria after guerilla fighters he led brought down president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war. Although his own fighters have roots in Sunni Muslim militancy, Mr Sharaa has promised to protect members of Syria's many sectarian minorities. But that pledge has been challenged, first by mass killings of members of Assad's Alawite sect in March, and now by the latest violence in the south-west. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Asia Singapore urges all parties in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to exercise restraint Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 Singapore Avoid water activities around Tuas Second Link, Raffles Marina after chemical tank accident: NEA Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B Hundreds have been reported killed in clashes in the southern province of Sweida between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and Mr Sharaa's own forces. Israel intervened with air strikes to prevent what it said was mass killing of Druze by government forces. Mr Barrack said the new government should consider being 'more inclusive quicker' when it comes to integrating minorities into the ruling structure. But he also pushed back against reports that Syrian security forces were responsible for violations against Druze civilians. He suggested that ISIS group militants may have been disguised in government uniforms and that social media videos are easily doctored and therefore unreliable. 'The Syrian troops haven't gone into the city. These atrocities that are happening are not happening by the Syrian regime troops. They're not even in the city because they agreed with Israel that they would not go in,' he said. 'No successor' to Sharaa The US helped broker a ceasefire last week that brought an end to the fighting, which erupted between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze factions on July 13. Mr Barrack said the stakes in Syria are dangerously high, with no succession plan or viable alternative to the country's new Islamist government. 'With this Syrian regime, there is no plan B. If this Syrian regime fails, somebody is trying to instigate it to fail,' Mr Barrack said. 'For what purpose? There's no successor.' When asked if Syria could follow the dire scenarios of Libya and Afghanistan, he said: 'Yes, or even worse.' The US has said it did not support Israel's air strikes on Syria. Mr Barrack said the strikes had added to the 'confusion' in Syria. Israel says Syria's new rulers are dangerous militants and has vowed to keep government troops out of the south-west and protect Syria's Druze minority in the area, encouraged by calls from Israel's own Druze community. Mr Barrack said his message to Israel is to have dialogue to alleviate their concerns about Syria's new Sunni leaders and that the US could play the role of an 'honest intermediary' to help resolve any concerns. He said Mr Sharaa had signalled from the beginning of his rule that Israel was not his enemy and that he could normalise ties in due time. He said the US was not dictating what the political format of Syria should be, other than stability, unity, fairness and inclusion. 'If they end up with a federalist government, that's their determination. And the answer to the question is, everybody may now need to adapt.' REUTERS
L'Orient-Le Jour
2 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Barrack urges Sharaa to revise policies to avoid Syria's fragmentation
A U.S. envoy has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and embrace a more inclusive approach after a new round of sectarian bloodshed last week, or risk losing international support and fragmenting the country. U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said he had advised Sharaa in private discussions to revisit elements of the pre-war army structure, scale back Islamist indoctrination and seek regional security assistance. In an interview in Beirut, Barrack told Reuters that without swift change, Sharaa risks losing the momentum that once propelled him to power. Sharaa should say: "I'm going to adapt quickly, because if I don't adapt quickly, I'm going to lose the energy of the universe that was behind me," Barrack said. He said Sharaa could "grow up as a president and say, 'the right thing for me to do is not to follow my theme, which isn't working so well.'" Sharaa, leader of a former al-Qaeda offshoot, came to power in Syria after guerrilla fighters he led brought down President Bashar al-Assad in December last year after more than 13 years of civil war. Though his own fighters have roots in Sunni Muslim militancy, Sharaa has promised to protect members of Syria's many sectarian minorities. But that pledge has been challenged, first by mass killings of members of Assad's Alawite sect in March, and now by the latest violence in the southwest. Over 1,200 people have been reported killed in clashes in the southern province of Sweida between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and Sharaa's own forces. Israel intervened with airstrikes to prevent what it said was the mass killing of Druze by government forces. Barrack said the new government should consider being "more inclusive quicker" when it comes to integrating minorities into the ruling structure. But he also pushed back against reports that Syrian security forces were responsible for violations against Druze civilians. He suggested that Islamic State group militants may have been disguised in government uniforms and that social media videos are easily doctored and therefore unreliable. "The Syrian troops haven't gone into the city. These atrocities that are happening are not happening by the Syrian regime troops. They're not even in the city because they agreed with Israel that they would not go in," he said. No successor to Sharaa The U.S. helped broker a ceasefire last week that brought an end to the fighting, which erupted between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze factions on July 13. Barrack said the stakes in Syria are dangerously high, with no succession plan or viable alternative to the country's new Islamist government. "With this Syrian regime, there is no plan B. If this Syrian regime fails, somebody is trying to instigate it to fail," Barrack said. "For what purpose? There's no successor." Asked if Syria could follow the dire scenarios of Libya and Afghanistan, he said: "Yes, or even worse." The U.S. has said it did not support Israel's airstrikes on Syria. Barrack said the strikes had added to the "confusion" in Syria. Israel says Syria's new rulers are dangerous militants and has vowed to keep government troops out of the southwest and protect Syria's Druze minority in the area, encouraged by calls from Israel's own Druze community. Barrack said his message to Israel is to have dialogue to alleviate their concerns about Syria's new Sunni leaders and that the U.S. could play the role of an "honest intermediary" to help resolve any concerns. He said Sharaa had signaled from the beginning of his rule that Israel was not his enemy and that he could normalise ties in due time. He said the United States was not dictating what the political format of Syria should be, other than stability, unity, fairness and inclusion. "If they end up with a federalist government, that's their determination. And the answer to the question is, everybody may now need to adapt." According to sources cited by Axios, American, Syrian and Israeli officials are scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 24, to discuss security arrangements for southern Syria. Barrack is expected to attend what will be the first such meeting since the latest violence, resuming U.S.-mediated talks that began months ago.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Iraqi small boat migrant wins appeal to stay in Britain because he's the divorcee of a 'prominent politician'
An Iraqi migrant who entered the UK illegally by boat has won an appeal after arguing he can't be deported because he's a divorcee. The migrant won the appeal at the immigration court after saying he can't return to Iraq because of a divorce he went through in his home country. In claims that are disputed by the Home Office, he said he divorced a 'prominent' politician's daughter and brought 'dishonour' upon their family. The Iraqi says it would violate his human rights to send him back to Iraq because he is at risk of an 'honour feud'. He even alleges he was ambushed by four armed men who stabbed him '17 times' - however there are question marks over the claim due to a lack of medical evidence. The Iraqi, who has been granted anonymity, won an appeal at the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber to have his case reheard. The tribunal was told the Iraqi is of Kurdish ethnicity and Sunni Muslim faith and is from Sulaymaniyah City, in the Kurdish region. A tribunal judgement said he entered Britain 'clandestinely' in 2020. The judgement said: 'He departed Iraq on July 26, 2019, initially travelling by air to Turkey, and subsequently continued his journey through Greece, Italy, and France, ultimately entering the United Kingdom clandestinely by boat on August 7, 2020. 'He submitted an application for asylum the following day. '[The Iraqi's] claim for asylum is based upon a claimed risk of being a victim of an honour-based crime. 'He alleges that he fled Iraq due to threats from his former father-in-law, a prominent and influential politician affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). 'According to the [Iraqi], he was accused of bringing dishonour upon [his ex-father-in-law's] family by divorcing his daughter.' It was accepted he was married and went through a divorce, but the Home Office 'did not accept that he had experienced problems from his ex-father-in-law'. The Home Office issued a deportation order but the Iraqi, who had a child with his ex-wife, appealed it at the First-tier Tribunal last year. The First-tier Tribunal dismissed his appeal, with the judge at the time 'questioning the credibility of the marriage itself'. The First-tier Tribunal said there was a 'disparity in social status' between his ex-wife - the daughter of a powerful politician - and him, a 'minimally educated taxi driver from a marginalised tribe'. In response to the Iraqi's claims that he was the victim of a 'violent' attack linked to the honour feud and stabbed 17 times, the judge also said there were 'credibility issues'. The First-tier Tribunal judge said the account was 'implausible and unsubstantiated by any hospital records or medical evidence'. The judge at the time said his 'asylum claim was entirely lacking in credibility and determined that it was a complete fabrication'. The Iraqi appealed the case again at the Upper Tribunal and it has now been found that the First-tier Tribunal judge made mistakes in law. Deputy Judge of the Upper Tribunal Sara Anzani said the judge was wrong to question the marriage and divorce certificates and said the judge did not give the Iraqi a chance to respond to their doubts. Judge Anzani said: 'These concerns about the reliability and authenticity of the marriage and divorce certificates were not previously raised by the [Home Office], nor were they put to the [Iraqi] during the hearing. 'I find that the Judge's failure to raise his concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the marriage and divorce certificates, concerns not previously identified by the [Home Office], deprived the [Iraqi] of a fair opportunity to address the Judge's doubts. 'The Judge's findings on the marriage and divorce certificates contribute to his overall assessment of the [Iraqi's] credibility, and the ultimate finding that [his] claim was fabricated. 'Consequently, this procedural error is material and permeates the entirety of the Judge's decision.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
US warns Syria's Sharaa that "there is no plan B for his government"
US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack warned Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa that the country needs to recalibrate its policies, pointing out there is "no plan B." A US envoy has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and embrace a more inclusive approach after a new round of sectarian bloodshed last week, or risk losing international support and fragmenting the country. US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack said he had advised Sharaa in private discussions to revisit elements of the pre-war army structure, scale back Islamist indoctrination, and seek regional security assistance. In an interview in Beirut, Barrack told Reuters that without swift change, Sharaa risks losing the momentum that once propelled him to power. Sharaa should say: "I'm going to adapt quickly, because if I don't adapt quickly, I'm going to lose the energy of the universe that was behind me," Barrack said. He said Sharaa could "grow up as a president and say, 'the right thing for me to do is not to follow my theme, which isn't working so well.'" Sharaa, leader of a former Al Qaeda offshoot, came to power in Syria after guerrilla fighters he led brought down President Bashar al-Assad in December last year after more than 13 years of civil war. Though his fighters have roots in Sunni Muslim militancy, Sharaa has promised to protect members of Syria's many sectarian minorities. But that pledge has been challenged, first by mass killings of members of Assad's Alawite sect in March, and now by the latest violence in the southwest. Hundreds of people have been reported killed in clashes in the southern province of Sweida between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and Sharaa's own forces. Israel intervened with airstrikes to prevent what it said was the mass killing of Druze by government forces. Barrack said the new government should consider being "more inclusive quicker" when it comes to integrating minorities into the ruling structure. But he also pushed back against reports that Syrian security forces were responsible for violations against Druze civilians. He suggested that Islamic State group militants may have been disguised in government uniforms and that social media videos are easily doctored and therefore unreliable. "The Syrian troops haven't gone into the city. These atrocities that are happening are not happening at the hands of the Syrian regime troops. They're not even in the city because they agreed with Israel that they would not go in," he said. US said that 'there is no successor to al-Sharaa' The US helped broker a ceasefire last week that brought an end to the fighting, which erupted between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze factions on July 13. Barrack said the stakes in Syria are dangerously high, with no succession plan or viable alternative to the country's new Islamist government. "With this Syrian regime, there is no plan B. If this Syrian regime fails, somebody is trying to instigate it to fail," Barrack said. "For what purpose? There's no successor." Asked if Syria could follow the dire scenarios of Libya and Afghanistan, he said: "Yes, or even worse." The US has said it did not support Israel's airstrikes on Syria. Barrack said the strikes had added to the "confusion" in Syria. Israel says Syria's new rulers are dangerous militants and has vowed to keep government troops out of the southwest and protect Syria's Druze minority in the area, encouraged by calls from Israel's own Druze community. Barrack said his message to Israel is to have a dialogue to alleviate their concerns about Syria's new Sunni leaders and that the US could play the role of an "honest intermediary" to help resolve any concerns. He said Sharaa had signaled from the beginning of his rule that Israel was not his enemy and that he could normalize ties in due time. He said the United States was not dictating what the political format of Syria should be, other than stability, unity, fairness, and inclusion. "If they end up with a federalist government, that's their determination. And the answer to the question is, everybody may now need to adapt." Solve the daily Crossword
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
Syrian committee reports 1,426 killed in March violence
A Syrian government fact-finding committee said on Tuesday that 1,426 people had died in March in attacks on security forces and subsequent mass killings of Alawites, but concluded that commanders had not given orders for the revenge attacks. The incidents in the coastal region were the worst violence to hit Syria since the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad last year. The fact-finding committee's work is seen as an important test of the new leadership who are facing new unrest this month involving other minority groups in the southwest. The committee concluded that Syrian commanders did not give orders to commit violations and, in fact, gave orders to halt them. It came up with a list of 298 suspects involved in violations against Alawites and 265 involved in the initial attack on security forces, committee head Jumaa Al-Anzi said. The names are not being released publicly for now and have been referred to courts for further investigations, spokesperson Yasser Farhan said. He added that 31 people who committed violations against civilians had been arrested, as well as six people he referred to as "remnants" of the former regime. The Supreme Alawite Council condemned the committee's findings, describing it in a statement on Tuesday as an "impudent play." It said it rejects the findings of the committee, blaming the attacks in March on the "de facto authority" represented by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his government. They called for an international and independent investigation under the direct supervision of the United Nations. A Reuters investigation last month identified 1,479 Syrian Alawites killed and dozens who were missing from 40 distinct sites of revenge killings and found a chain of command leading from the attackers directly to men who serve alongside Syria's new leaders in Damascus. Syria's new leadership, led by Sunni Muslim groups against Assad, a member of the Alawite minority sect, has long sought to reassure minorities they will be safe. Safety of minorities has become a major issue again this month with hundreds of people killed in clashes between government security forces, Bedouin fighters and fighters from the Druze sect in the southern province of Sweida. The authorities have set up a new fact-finding committee in response. The violence began on March 6 with attacks on Syrian security forces stationed in the region. It put hospitals and other state institutions out of operation and caused large areas to fall out of government control, Farhan said. The committee found that 238 members of the security forces were killed in these attacks, perpetrated by forces aligned with the former Assad government, Farhan said. In response, around 200,000 armed men mobilised from across Syria, pouring into the coastal region, he said. This led to violations including killings, theft and sectarian incitement that the committee found were "widespread but not organised," Farhan said. He said the committee members had full cooperation from government forces as they carried out months of work and it was now up to Sharaa whether to release their report in full. Diana Semaan, Syria researcher at Amnesty International, called for the full findings to be released and for perpetrators to face prosecution. "In terms of the fact-finding committee, acknowledging that atrocities against Alawite civilians happened is an important step towards justice," she told Reuters. "[But] without the proper prosecution of perpetrators, then we have impunity. It won't be the justice and accountability that the victims deserve."
