Author: AL-WATAN (Pro-government newspaper)
As Syrian government and Turkish forces draw closer, leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Kurdish-led “Self-Autonomous Administration of North and Northeast Syria” express growing alarm. The opening of the Abu al-Zindin crossing, connecting Turkish and Syrian government territories, has prompted the SDF to close their own crossings, like al-Tayha near Manbij, potentially stranding civilians and limiting access to necessities. Reports suggest SDF leaders are moving assets to Qamishli and selling properties in Manbij in anticipation of a possible Turkish occupation, with fears of an expanded “safe zone” akin to previous Turkish occupations. In the wake of uncertainty…
President Bashar al-Assad recently signed Law No. 25 of 2024, ushering in the establishment of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Syria. The new ministry, a successor to the previous one outlined in Legislative Decree No. 69 of 2013, is tasked with keeping pace with global advancements in the telecommunications, postal, and information technology sectors. The primary goal of this law is to modernize the state’s policies and directions in these key sectors, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and fostering the development of a knowledge society. Minister of Communications Iyad al-Khatib emphasized the importance of aligning Syria’s legislation with the…
The Ministry of Health has announced new tariffs for medical examinations and hospital fees in Syria. General practitioner consultations now cost 25,000 Syrian pounds, while specialist doctor consultations are priced at 40,000 Syrian pounds. Experienced specialists with over 10 years in practice charge 50,000 Syrian pounds. Medical consultations, including examination, file review, and health report, cost 150,000 Syrian pounds. Home medical visits within city limits have doubled in price, with charges outside city limits negotiable. The tariff also adjusts surgical unit prices significantly, up to 5,000 Syrian pounds. All healthcare facilities must comply with the new fees. Accommodation fees in…
Unlocking Syria’s Future: A Critical Analysis of the UN’s Early Recovery Project The United Nations’ early recovery project in Syria is at the center of global debate, with each international stakeholder viewing it through their own interests. This divergence could lead to opposition from some parties, potentially hindering the project’s impact on the Syrian crisis. Established in 2004, early recovery focuses on short-term measures to lay the foundation for sustainable peace post-conflict by supporting the recovery of government institutions in affected communities. The resolution dynamics reveal Russia’s stance on aid delivery through Turkey and highlight the proposal for an early…
The Minister of Higher Education, Bassam Ibrahim, highlighted the need for additional subsidies to support university hospitals in addition to current governmental assistance. He proposed a tiered system for hospital remuneration, with different levels of subsidies to ensure affordability. The highest tier would not exceed 30 percent of private sector rates for services like analyses, radiography, surgeries, and patient care. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector amidst challenges caused by the Syrian conflict. Minister Ibrahim emphasized the importance of self-sustainability, partnerships with the private sector, infrastructure investment, and scientific research to improve higher…
The eighth Brussels Donors Conference on Syria recently concluded, showcasing a lack of change in European policy towards Syria. The European Union decided to extend sanctions against Syria for another year, highlighting continued hostility towards the Syrian government. This stance was reinforced by High Representative Josep Borrell, attributing the displacement crisis to the Syrian government without offering solutions. European nations, divided into two camps, debated solutions for the Syrian refugee crisis at “Brussels 8.” France and Germany advocated a strict approach, hindering potential solutions, while others like Italy and Austria supported early recovery initiatives to facilitate refugee returns. Donor countries…
The Minister of Industry in the Syrian regime, Abdul Qader Jokhadar, revealed ongoing studies on investment offers from undisclosed “friendly countries” for public sector factories. He announced the forthcoming issuance of a law governing investments in these sectors, highlighting the importance of government support for production sustainability through partnerships with the private sector. Jokhadar emphasized the necessity of joint ventures with the private sector for national industry advancement and mentioned evaluating offers for investments in public sector enterprises. The minister also discussed the impact of destruction on industrial facilities and outlined plans for legislation to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness.…
The 33rd Arab Summit in Manama took place against a backdrop of complex climate in the Arab region, reminiscent of the mid-20th century when many Arab countries gained independence. However, instability has plagued the region, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza posing existential questions and casting doubt on the effectiveness of Arab summits. Despite condemnations of Israeli aggression, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, underscoring the limited impact of such statements. Arab discourse has shifted towards moderation, but this approach seems increasingly ineffective, especially concerning the Palestinian issue and relations with Israel. The “Manama Declaration” called for UN…
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Sparks Protests Across American Universities Following a Palestinian guerrilla operation in 2023, American student groups blamed Israel for the incident, leading to widespread protests against Israel’s policies and military actions in Gaza. The Israeli government’s response of threatening protesting students with public exposure and future employment barriers only fueled the unrest. The protests, which began with thirty American student groups, quickly spread to over 150 colleges by March 2024. At Princeton University, students even resorted to a hunger strike, sparking further demonstrations across campuses and resulting in the detention of thousands of students and professors. At Columbia University,…
The Brussels Conference, established in April 2017, aimed to address the situation of Syrian refugees and prevent further displacement towards Europe. Historically, the conference involved discussions between European institutions, donor countries, and Syrian civil society organizations, with funding decisions often influenced by political considerations. The eighth round of the conference, held on April 30th, took a different approach by focusing on enhancing the role of Syrian civil society organizations. Despite efforts to engage Syrian voices, the outcomes of “Brussels 8” highlighted a growing detachment from the Syrian crisis among European nations. The European response to other global conflicts also raised…