Syria's new trade minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan warned on January 6 that strict US sanctions are preventing the country from importing essential goods like fuel and wheat, and called for their lifting or suspension to avoid a looming crisis.
Syria is facing difficulties in securing key imports like fuel and wheat due to strict U.S. sanctions, despite interest from other countries, including Gulf Arab states, Syria’s new trade minister, Maher Khalil al-Hasan, told Reuters on January 6.
Speaking from Damascus, al-Hasan warned that the country’s new administration, formed by Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after ousting President Bashar al-Assad in December, has only enough wheat and fuel to last a few months. Without a lift or freeze of sanctions, he said Syria faces a "catastrophe."
The sanctions, which were imposed during Assad’s rule, target his government and state institutions like the central bank. Russia and Iran, long supporters of Assad, halted their aid after the regime fell and Assad fled to Moscow.
In response to Syria's plight, the U.S. is expected to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid and services like electricity, while maintaining its strict sanctions on the country. The full impact of these changes is still unclear.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a transitional government on Saturday, marking a key milestone in the country’s shift away from decades of Assad family rule and aimed at improving Syria's relations with the West.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that cooperation between their countries is vital for regional stability. In a phone call, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace in Ukraine, safe navigation in the Black Sea, and Syria’s territorial integrity.
Tensions rise along the Lebanon-Syria border after the abduction and killing of Syrian security forces. Syria accuses Hezbollah of orchestrating the attack, while the group denies involvement. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation are underway.
International donors at a European Union-led conference in Brussels pledged €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) on Monday to support Syria’s new authorities, who are grappling with humanitarian and security crises following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
The interim government in Damascus will attend an international conference on Monday in Brussels to seek aid pledges for Syria, which continues to face significant humanitarian challenges and an uncertain political future following the departure of Bashar al-Assad.
The Kremlin stated that Russia and the U.S. are working on ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Trump expressing frustration with Putin. Trump threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no ceasefire is reached.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing 2056 people and leaving 3,900 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin stated that Russia and the U.S. are working on ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Trump expressing frustration with Putin. Trump threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no ceasefire is reached.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
Britain's King Charles is resuming public duties this week after a brief hospital visit due to side effects from his cancer treatment. Following a restful weekend, he is preparing for a regular working week at Windsor Castle, with some appointments rescheduled ahead of his state visit to Italy.
Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal, has announced the formation of the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR) in eastern Congo's Ituri province, posing a new security threat as Congo's army faces advances by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
The Kremlin stated that Russia and the U.S. are working on ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Trump expressing frustration with Putin. Trump threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no ceasefire is reached.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
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