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.
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.
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.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
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.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged China to work toward a permanent resolution of their border dispute, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust after the 2020 military clash.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed using closer cooperation with Pacific rim countries as a foundation to redesign the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing rising trade tensions and global fragmentation.
China and Ecuador mark a key step in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to expand and deepen cooperation in trade, investment and economic development.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 27th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The man behind one of Japan’s most disturbing serial murder cases—dubbed the ‘Twitter killer’—has been executed, breaking a nearly three-year pause in the country’s use of capital punishment.
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