Amid Syria's shifting political landscape, former Assad regime soldier Ahmed Masry, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, fears deportation to a country where defectors face deadly consequences. As Europe tightens immigration policies, tens of thousands of Syrian asylum claims remain in limbo.
Amid Syria's shifting political landscape, former Assad regime soldier Ahmed Masry, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, fears deportation to a country where defectors face deadly consequences. As Europe tightens immigration policies, tens of thousands of Syrian asylum claims remain in limbo.
Having fled Syria in 2017 and arrived in the Netherlands in 2023, Masry is studying English while awaiting news on his asylum status. “They execute people who worked with the ex-regime,” Masry said, adding, “If I go back, maybe they will kill me. There’s a big chance they will kill me... We deal with barbaric people.”
Masry also criticizes far-right figures who claim Syria is safe, suggesting they experience the situation firsthand. “Who will decide Syria is a safe country?” he asked. “I will advise, suppose, suggest Geert Wilders to go to Syria. Then you can decide if Syria is safe or not.”
Last week, the Dutch government, along with several European countries, suspended asylum applications from Syrians after rebels seized the capital and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia.
This decision impacts tens of thousands of pending claims and reflects Europe’s shifting stance on immigration, influenced by the rise of right-wing parties. Far-right leader Geert Wilders has called for Syrians to be sent back, further complicating Masry’s hopes for asylum and a work permit.
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Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
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China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
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