World Bank backs $1bn in projects across Iraq, Syria and Lebanon
The World Bank has said it's approved more than $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
As the rapid developments in Syria are being analyzed geopolitically, many personal tragedies remain in the shadows. Here's a story of just one family's tragedy.
As Syria's devastating conflict rages on, the human toll continues to grow, with families torn apart by violence and loss. Akram Shalbout, a father now living in Jordan, mourns the death of his son, Mustafa, who was killed in a bombing strike in Homs. Just minutes before hearing the news, Shalbout had warned his son not to visit the village, knowing the area was being heavily bombarded.
In an emotional reflection, Shalbout recalls his final conversation with Mustafa, advising him to stay away due to the escalating violence. Despite his warning, Mustafa chose to remain in Syria with his wife and daughter on the outskirts of Homs, only to lose his life in the ongoing conflict. Shalbout, who has not seen his son in 13 years, expressed profound sorrow over his loss, saying, "When he was martyred, the sadness was because it's been 13 years that I have not seen him. That's it – he is martyred, may he rest in peace."
As the war continues to devastate families, the emotional cost is becoming immeasurable. Shalbout spoke about the family's grief, explaining how the news of Mustafa’s death overshadowed the political changes in Syria. "The crying of his siblings made us forget Syria and the regime," Shalbout said, reflecting on how the joy over Assad's regime collapsing was overshadowed by their profound loss. Mustafa's mother, in particular, expressed indifference to the fall of Assad, saying, "I no longer care about all of Syria."
This heartbreaking story is a stark reminder of the personal devastation felt by families across Syria, as the conflict continues to displace millions and claim countless lives. The emotional and human cost of the war is felt in every corner of the country, leaving families like Shalbout's to navigate a future filled with loss and uncertainty.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Severe storms overnight triggered mass flight cancellations and delays at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, just as the busy 4th of July travel period begins.
Russia’s Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova arrived in North Korea on Saturday with a large delegation, calling cultural ties between Moscow and Pyongyang stronger than ever.
The U.S. Senate advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill after Republicans resolved concerns over rural hospitals and state tax deductions.
Poland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council ends Sunday, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighting defence spending and migration policies as key outcomes.
Polish President Andrzej Duda made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Saturday, where he was awarded Ukraine’s Order of Freedom for his support during the ongoing war with Russia.
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